By Prof. Chris Chimdubem Ngwu
Ndi-Ishiegu Owo village, what is Peter Mbah’s offense? Why this blackmail? Why should we allow deceit and blatant lies snatch away our esteemed Peter Mbah?
Humans are truly insatiable!
The kangaroo-styled and orchestrated protest aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Peter Mbah in the eyes of Nigerians and Enugu State through a sponsored and orchestrated protest in Ezhiegu lacks any merit. This protest organized by a group of individuals in Ezhiegu, demanding compensation from the government for the acquisition of land for Agro Industrial Zone is a clear display of stark ignorance, hatred and jealousy, which, from all indication, is politically motivated. These protesters, driven by anti-Governor Peter Mbah sentiments, failed to recognize the immense benefits that the cassava cluster farm within the agro industrial zone will bring to Owo community and the entire Enugu State.
BESIDES, ALL LAND WITHIN ENUGU STATE BELONGS TO THE ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT… this they have failed to reckon with…. but, that’s by-the-by!
Instead of recognizing and appreciating the recent acquisition of 200 hectares of land for cassava cultivation in our Local Government Area, we sadly stooped so low to join a politically motivated protest, targeting the personality of our beloved GOVERNOR PETER MBAH.
Peter Mbah sought an agricultural renaissance in our community, showcasing his deep understanding of the importance of food security in our lives and the dire need to expand the availability of fertile land for farming.
Let us think beyond conventional boundaries. With the government’s acquisition of 200 hectares of land for cassava cultivation, the governor has paved the way for increased crop production in our community. This will not only ensure a steady supply of food for the entire Owo, but also for ndi Nkanu.
Additionally, this will contribute to the overall stability and self-sufficiency of Ndi-Nkanu.
This is not the only cassava processing cluster in Enugu State. There is one at Uzo-Uwani and another at Aninri. Did they protest? Did they demand compensation from Peter Mbah? Why should our situation be any different?
Please be aware that these cassava clusters aim to harness the vast potential of cassava production for bioethanol and other purposes within the cassava value chain. This will not only create essential employment opportunities for our people, but, also, will attract investors and stimulate economic growth within our local economy. We are in awe of Governor Mbah’s foresight in unlocking the hidden potentials of our rural areas and positioning Enugu State as a prospective food basket of this country. Let this be a lesson for the wise.
It is worth noting that this project is not solely focused on economic benefits, but, also, will contributes significantly to reducing insecurity in our communities. The Ezhiegu land was previously known for its danger and high crime rates, but our brother and the executive governor of Enugu State decided to transform it into productive cassava farms. The state government has taken a proactive approach to curbing criminal activities. This has not only improved the safety and security of our communities, but, has, also, instilled a sense of hope and optimism for a brighter future. What is the governor’s offense in bringing agricultural infrastructure to our “not properly in use” land? Humans are, indeed, insatiable!
Shouldn’t we, therefore, be celebrating and expressing our deepest gratitude to Governor Peter Mbah for his transformative agricultural initiatives in our community
instead of allowing ourselves to be deceived by anti-PDP and anti Peter Mbah’s government propagandist?
This demand for compensation is misguided and politically motivated. It undermines the transformative agricultural initiatives brought by Governor Peter Mbah. The cassava cluster farm will not only enhance food security, but, also, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. It is crucial to appreciate and support such development projects rather than falling prey to deceit and blackmail. Let us stand united in celebrating Governor Peter Mbah’s efforts to bring about positive change in our community and the entire Enugu State.
We should not forget that if Nike people had protested and demanded for compensation there wouldn’t have been the 82 Division, Nigerian Army HQ, the Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Government House, IMT…to mention, but a few; same thing goes to ESUT, Agbani…had the owners of the land protested.
Therefore, we really have to be guided by saner reasoning, for, indeed, TOMORROW IS HERE.
Prof. Chris Chimdubem Ngwu writes rite from Ishiegu village, Owo.
