Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, is set to convene a town-hall meeting on March 23, 2024, at the historic Old Government Lodge in Enugu.
This gathering aims to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including people living with disabilities, civil organizations, and women’s groups, under the theme “Issues of Governance: The Journey So Far.”
According to a press release from the Office of the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah intends to use this platform to apprise the public of his administration’s accomplishments and initiatives since assuming office.
The guest list encompasses a broad spectrum of society, including non-governmental organizations, community-based groups, religious leaders, student unions, youth councils, private sector representatives, traditional rulers, market associations, transport unions, educators, labor unions, and media organizations.
Anticipation brews among various segments of society, with traders eager to voice concerns about escalating taxation. Livinus Mbam, a trader from Nsukka Timber Market, expressed apprehension over the burden of increased levies, citing shop closures and diminished profitability. He emphasized the need for transparency regarding the rationale behind these tax hikes.
Conversely, Oliver Amoke, another timber dealer in Enugu, acknowledged the infrastructure developments in the state capital and suggested a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging the strain of elevated taxes, he found solace in visible projects like road rehabilitation, indicating a measure of satisfaction amidst financial concerns.
The upcoming town-hall meeting thus presents a crucial opportunity for Governor Mbah to engage directly with his constituents, fostering dialogue, addressing grievances, and charting a path forward for inclusive governance in Enugu State.