The 2023 governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Enugu State, Ray Kene Ogbodo, has expressed concern over what he called worsening suffering by the masses of Enugu State.
Ogbodo, in a statement he made available to journalists at the weekend, said it was worrisome that despite increased revenue, there was worsening hardship and rising poverty after Governor Peter Mbah’s 32 months in office.
In the statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Azubuike Akam, Ogbodo stated that thirty-two months into the Mbah administration, silence was no longer an option.
He there was the need for him to speak out, not just as a political opponent, but as a stakeholder, a former governorship candidate, and a citizen compelled by conscience and reality.
Ogbodo said, “it would be unfair not to acknowledge the Governor’s vision and ambition, but that vision alone isn’t governance.”
He recalled that Mbah came into office with confidence, clarity of intent, and an aggressive economic posture, and that Mbah’s administration has consistently projected itself as reform-driven, data-focused, and determined to reposition Enugu economically.
Ogbodo stated that “within the last 32 months, budgets have grown, federal allocations have increased, and internally generated revenue figures have been loudly celebrated. On paper, these are indicators of seriousness and scale, but in reality, it’s a different story.”
“Thirty-two months later, the reality across Enugu communities is grim and unmistakable. Despite huge inflows from federal allocations and acclaimed IGR growth, Enugu people are still suffering and many are worse off.
“Families can no longer afford basic necessities. Traders and small businesses are collapsing under economic pressure and multiple levies.
“Youth unemployment remains dangerously high. Many rural communities feel abandoned and invisible. Hunger, frustration, and despair are becoming normalised.
“Government revenues are rising, but the people are sinking deeper into poverty. No amount of statistical celebration can explain this away.
“Any economic policies that extract, but that don’t empower people aren’t good. An economy does not grow by taxing suffering citizens into submission. Economic policy must empower production before it pursues extraction.”
He then called on the government to shift from revenue obsession to people protection, especially for the poor and the endangered middle class.
“Stop suffocating SMEs and the informal sector, they are the backbone of Enugu’s economy and must be supported, not punished.
“Focus on job creation and income security, not just capital-intensive projects that do not translate to livelihoods.
“Deepen transparency and accountability, so citizens can see, trust, and believe in governance again.
“Govern with empathy, not just efficiency. Policies should reflect the pain and aspirations of real people,” he advised.
Meanwhile, days ago the government announced the immediate abolition of illegal levies and the streamlining of land-related charges, as part of its broader economic transformation agenda.
It said that ground rent, land use charge, and all property-related charges have now been unified and reduced by over 60 per cent.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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