Abuja: A transportation expert and elder statesman, Chief Chris Chigboh, has commended Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for the remarkable improvements witnessed in security and infrastructure. Chigboh, a former Secretary of Transportation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He spoke shortly after returning from Enugu, where he said he personally observed the transformation programmes being implemented by the Mbah administration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the developmental strides recorded in the state in the last two years indicate that Enugu is on course to surpass the governor’s target of building a 30-billion-dollar economy by 2031. Chigboh expressed that the advancements in Enugu were impressive, especially considering the state’s limited funding from the federation account. He highlighted the state-of-the-art security operation control centre and the recent addition of drones and security infrastructure, which are expected to enhance safety and counter criminal activities in the state.
Chigboh noted that the measures in place would allow citizens to enjoy a crime-free Yuletide and New Year celebrations. He also emphasized that the latest transportation infrastructure developments would facilitate the movement of goods and services across the state. The former Secretary of Transportation remarked that terrorism and banditry have hampered development plans in many regions, but Enugu’s proactive measures have provided a sense of security and potential for economic growth.
He expressed satisfaction with the deployment of surveillance drones in a late-night operation around the Opi-Nsukka/Ugwogo-Nike forest, a known kidnappers’ hideout, which resulted in the evacuation of bandits. Chigboh believes that with these decisive actions against criminals, Enugu is poised for greater economic prosperity.
NAN reports that the state government recently enhanced its security capabilities with the addition of two surveillance drones and 10 security vehicles. Additionally, 200 BRT buses and several electric vehicles were procured for commercial transportation. Chigboh, who also served as Secretary of Area Councils in the FCT, praised the cleanliness of Enugu metropolis and the rollout of smart schools across political wards in the state.
He described the expansion of the capital city through new estates as a strategic approach to accommodate current and future population growth. The elder statesman advocated for the introduction of a rail network to complement the electric vehicle initiative, suggesting that Mbah could partner with the Federal Government to revive portions of the Eastern railway corridor, particularly the abandoned Agbani-Emene transit line, to enhance travel and haulage within the Coal City.
Chigboh, involved in the design and implementation of the Abuja Master Plan, attributed the peace and coordinated development in Enugu to the harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government. He described Mbah’s socioeconomic reforms as unprecedented in the state’s history and urged residents to support government initiatives, particularly in security, to maintain Enugu’s status as the safest state in the South-East.