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The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Enugu State Chapter, has issued a comprehensive public statement firmly defending the administration of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and cautioning against what it described as irresponsible and diversionary public commentary.

In a statement jointly signed by Chief Innocent Ezeoha — State Coordinator; Dr. Afam Ani — Chairman; and Barr. Ken Ikeh — Secretary, the coalition responded directly to recent criticisms directed at Governor Mbah by Comrade Kennedy Iyere, asserting that governance must be assessed through measurable outcomes rather than political rhetoric.

“The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Enugu State Chapter, issues this statement in response to the recent public criticisms directed at His Excellency, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, by Comrade Kennedy Iyere,” the statement opened.

Reaffirming its democratic credentials, the coalition declared, “As a coalition committed to democratic accountability, we uphold the right of every citizen to express political opinions. However, we also insist that public discourse must be responsible, evidence-based, and devoid of diversionary rhetoric.”

Governance Beyond Rhetoric

The CRPP maintained that since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Mbah’s administration has pursued structured reforms anchored on quantifiable targets.

“Governor Mbah’s administration since May 29, 2023 has been defined by structured reforms and measurable sectoral transformation,” the coalition stated, emphasizing that “assertions labelling his leadership as a ‘mistake’ ignore demonstrable progress across critical areas of governance.”

According to the coalition, governance must not be reduced to emotional or sensational commentary but evaluated against tangible developmental indicators.

Smart Green Schools Initiative

A central pillar of the administration’s reforms, the coalition said, is the Smart Green Schools initiative.

“The Smart Green Schools initiative — delivering one fully equipped modern learning facility in each of the 260 political wards — represents one of the most ambitious sub-national education reforms in Nigeria,” the statement read.

“These institutions integrate digital learning systems, science laboratories, and innovation hubs designed to prepare Enugu’s children for a competitive global economy.”

The CRPP described the programme as a long-term human capital strategy designed to reposition Enugu State within a knowledge-driven economy, noting that the scale and structure of the intervention reflect deliberate planning rather than symbolic policymaking.

Healthcare Infrastructure and Access

On healthcare, the coalition highlighted ward-level expansion of medical facilities as evidence of inclusive development.

“The ongoing construction and upgrading of 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across wards, alongside improvements in medical infrastructure and personnel support systems, significantly enhance healthcare accessibility and quality across urban and rural communities,” the statement declared.

The CRPP argued that strengthening primary healthcare architecture is critical to equitable service delivery and improved public health outcomes.

Security Architecture and Public Confidence

Addressing security, the coalition credited the administration with reinforcing collaborative security frameworks.

“Through strategic collaboration with federal security agencies and community-based security frameworks, the administration has strengthened internal security architecture, improved response systems, and enhanced public safety confidence,” it stated.

The coalition maintained that stabilizing internal security conditions is foundational to economic growth, investor confidence, and citizen well-being.

Infrastructure, Revenue and Economic Planning

The CRPP further cited extensive infrastructure renewal and fiscal reforms as evidence of disciplined governance.

“Major road rehabilitation projects, modern transport terminals, aviation sector revival initiatives, digitised land administration, improved internally generated revenue systems, and forward-looking energy reforms demonstrate fiscal discipline and strategic planning aimed at long-term economic sustainability,” the statement said.

According to the coalition, these interventions represent coordinated structural reforms rather than isolated projects, reflecting a coherent economic strategy.

Reference to Allegations Against Iyere

While reiterating support for freedom of expression, the CRPP suggested that recent criticisms of the governor must be viewed in the context of ongoing legal challenges facing Comrade Iyere.

“While public criticism is a democratic right, it becomes problematic when it appears calculated to distract from serious personal legal challenges,” the coalition stated.

“It is a matter of public record that the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a formal investigation into Comrade Kennedy Iyere following petitions alleging fraud to the tune of ₦113,508,757.”

The coalition detailed that “the petition — reportedly filed by Valencia Hotels and other complainants through Valen Legal Practitioners (Victor Adebayo, Esq.) — alleges criminal breach of trust, obtaining by false pretence, cheating, and impersonation.”

It further noted that “an earlier petition dated October 23, 2025 cited an alleged ₦26 million fraud involving Silver Green Hotel Limited, premised on claims that he represented himself as a staff member of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development capable of facilitating funding for a purported ‘YEIDEP’ youth empowerment programme.”

The CRPP added that “the complainants reportedly described him as a ‘serial fraudster,’ and investigations were ordered accordingly.”

However, the coalition emphasized due process and constitutional safeguards.

“We state clearly: these are allegations, and every citizen is presumed innocent until proven otherwise,” the statement stressed. “However, the appropriate forum for resolving such matters is the investigative and judicial process — not public attacks on a sitting governor whose administration is demonstrably delivering results.”

Call for Restraint and Accountability

The coalition concluded with a direct appeal to Comrade Iyere.

“The CRPP therefore respectfully calls on Comrade Kennedy Iyere to focus his energies on addressing and clearing his name regarding the serious fraud allegations currently under investigation rather than attempting to project frustration onto the governance of Enugu State.”

It continued: “Public trust is earned through transparency, accountability, and lawful conduct. If cleared, the investigative process will speak for itself. Until then, responsible civic engagement demands restraint and focus.”

Politics Rooted in Data, Not Distraction

In its closing remarks, the CRPP reaffirmed its commitment to objective political evaluation.

“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s performance must be judged on verifiable developmental indicators — not rhetoric, personal grievances, or political sensationalism,” the coalition said.

“The CRPP remains committed to objective evaluation of governance in Enugu State. Where progress is evident, we will acknowledge it. Where constructive advice is required, we will offer it. But we will not remain silent when unsubstantiated narratives seek to distort the factual record of measurable development.”

The statement concluded with a definitive assertion: “Enugu State deserves politics rooted in data, discipline, and development — not distraction.”

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