ADC accuses Mbah Over Heavy Taxation, Demolitions Affecting Residents

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Enugu State has accused Governor Peter Mbah’s administration of placing a heavy tax burden on residents and businesses in the state.

The opposition party made the allegation in a statement signed by Paul Anigbogu on behalf of its Media Team as it commenced its campaign for the 2027 governorship and House of Assembly elections in Enugu.

The ADC also criticised the governor over the launch of a book detailing the projects and achievements of his administration, describing the exercise as a political move aimed at promoting the government ahead of the 2027 election.

According to the party, the state has experienced an unusually high level of taxation under Mbah, with residents already facing financial difficulties following the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.

The party claimed that taxes, utility charges, business premises fees and property-related levies had placed additional pressure on individuals and businesses across the state.

The ADC also accused the administration of carrying out large-scale demolitions in Enugu and Nsukka as part of its urban renewal programme.

It specifically mentioned the demolition of Old Park in Enugu and Ogige Market in Nsukka, alleging that the exercise affected the businesses and sources of income of hundreds of traders.

The opposition party further questioned the governor’s performance on his 2023 promise to restore regular potable water supply in Enugu within 180 days of taking office.

The ADC claimed that many residents were still facing difficulties accessing water more than three years after Mbah assumed office.

The party also criticised some projects carried out by the administration, including smart schools, Type-3 hospitals and road construction projects. It alleged that some of the projects were poorly executed and had failed to deliver the expected benefits to residents.

The ADC also questioned the amount of money received and generated by the state since Mbah became governor in May 2023.

It alleged that Enugu had received more than N1 trillion through federal allocations and internally generated revenue during the period and called for greater accountability over how the funds had been used.

The party also raised concerns about an alleged N5 billion contract for the smart school project. It claimed that a contractor involved in the project abandoned the work and returned about N1 billion.

The ADC called on the state government to account for the remaining funds connected to the project and explain the current state of the smart schools.

The party maintained that residents should be able to see clear results from government spending and said the administration should focus on addressing the challenges facing people across Enugu State rather than relying on publicity about its achievements.