Ogbodo, PRP Governorship Candidate Says Development Must Be Measured by Lives Improved, Not Just Projects Commissioned.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Governorship Candidate for Enugu State in the 2027 election, Ray Kene Ogbodo Fcmi, has questioned Governor Peter Mbah’s recent manifesto performance update, arguing that the administration has not sufficiently demonstrated how rising government revenue and ambitious infrastructure investments are improving the living conditions of ordinary Ndi Enugu.

In a statement released to the media over the weekend by his Media Aide, Hon. Don Victor, Ogbodo acknowledged the Governor’s infrastructure ambitions but maintained that the performance scorecard falls below his expectations, particularly regarding poverty reduction, household welfare and economic empowerment.

“Governor Mbah has presented an impressive account of projects and government revenue. But the fundamental question remains: Are the people of Enugu becoming more prosperous, or is it mainly the government that is becoming wealthier?” Ogbodo queried.

He noted that Enugu’s reported internally generated revenue rose from approximately ₦26.8 billion in 2022 to ₦406.77 billion in 2025, alongside substantial allocations from the Federation Account.

According to him, such financial growth demands greater transparency about its direct benefits to ordinary citizens.

“When government revenue increases dramatically, the people deserve to see corresponding improvements in their lives. How many families have escaped poverty? How many sustainable jobs have been created? How many struggling businesses have received meaningful support? These are the questions that should define a credible performance scorecard.”

Ogbodo stressed that while roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure projects are important, physical development must not overshadow immediate human needs.

“Our people must be alive, healthy and economically empowered to enjoy the infrastructure being built. A beautiful road means little to a family that cannot afford food. A modern healthcare facility must also provide accessible and affordable treatment. Development must improve human lives, not merely transform the physical appearance of our state.”

The former 2023 governorship candidate further argued that public resources must be managed to promote shared prosperity rather than concentrate development benefits among a privileged minority.

He called for stronger social protection, practical support for farmers and small businesses, youth employment programmes, affordable healthcare and targeted assistance for vulnerable households.

“Enugu belongs to the many, not the privileged few. Government must work for the market woman, farmer, artisan, unemployed graduate, pensioner and struggling family—not simply those who already enjoy economic and political advantages.”

Ogbodo also challenged the administration to publish a comprehensive citizens’ welfare scorecard showing measurable changes in household incomes, poverty reduction, employment, access to essential services and the distribution of development benefits across urban and rural communities.

He maintained that his criticism was not a dismissal of infrastructure development but a call for a more balanced, inclusive and people-centred approach to governance.

“I acknowledge Governor Mbah’s ambitions and the projects his administration has undertaken. However, I expected more emphasis on the immediate welfare of our people. A government should not be judged only by what it builds for tomorrow, but also by how it protects and empowers its citizens today.”

Speaking on his vision for Enugu, the PRP governorship candidate reaffirmed his commitment to ethical leadership, economic empowerment, transparency, accountability and inclusive development.

“My vision is an Enugu where public wealth translates into shared prosperity, where opportunities are accessible beyond political connections, and where every citizen has a fair chance to live a decent and dignified life.”

Ogbodo concluded by urging Governor Mbah to place household welfare at the centre of his administration’s remaining priorities.

“The true measure of prosperity is not how much money government controls, but how much better the people live. Enugu needs more than impressive projects and ambitious figures. Ndi Enugu deserve economic security, opportunity, dignity and a better future.”

“A wealthy government surrounded by struggling citizens is not the full meaning of development. Enugu deserves better.”