The Enugu State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, on Thursday, July 18, 2025, screened six commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, reinforcing the administration’s focus on professional excellence and policy-driven governance.
The exercise, conducted during plenary at the Assembly complex in Enugu, drew keen interest from political observers and stakeholders who applauded the governor’s choice of nominees.
Among the nominees was Dr. Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, a lawyer and public administrator who served as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry during the first tenure of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Speaking during the screening, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve again. My goal is to support the governor’s private sector-led economic model by creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and industrial expansion.” His return is seen as a strategic effort to build continuity into Governor Mbah’s economic blueprint.
Engineer Benjamin Osita Okoh, another standout nominee, is a former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), FCT Chapter. He recently made a public impression with his well-reasoned presentation at the Southeast Senate Committee’s public hearing on the 1999 Constitution Amendment, held in Enugu on July 4. During his screening, Okoh remarked: “Engineering is the backbone of development. I will apply technical expertise, professional standards, and integrity to support infrastructure planning and execution in Enugu State.”
Also screened were Prof. Benedeth Ekwutosi Okoli, Eyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Prof. George Ugwu, and Ben Collins Ndu Jr. – each bringing extensive credentials in education, public health, administration, and leadership. Collectively, the six nominees have been described as a “technocratic blend” of expertise and experience.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, while addressing the nominees, said the Assembly was impressed with the quality of individuals nominated by the governor. “We are pleased with the intellectual depth and professional experience brought before us. These are not just appointees; they are potential game-changers who can move Enugu forward,” the Speaker stated, noting that the Assembly will maintain its commitment to democratic accountability.
Governor Peter Mbah, known for his result-oriented approach to governance, has repeatedly stated that his cabinet will be filled with individuals who are “capable, credible, and committed.” A source close to the Government House disclosed: “The governor believes that real transformation happens when competent people are given room to work. This list reflects that belief.”
The screening comes amid growing expectations from the public for accelerated delivery of Mbah’s “Tomorrow is Here” agenda, which emphasizes disruptive innovation, digital governance, and strategic infrastructure. With technocrats like Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo and Engr. Okoh on board, stakeholders say the state is better positioned to attract investment, generate jobs, and deliver lasting development.
As the Assembly prepares to confirm the nominees, anticipation builds across the state for the formal swearing-in ceremony expected to be held tomorrow at the Government House Enugu. The general consensus is that this new batch of commissioner-nominees signals a shift from patronage to merit – and from rhetoric to results – in the governance of Enugu State.
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