Peter Mbah’s ₦48 Million For Loyalty: Alleged Bribe-for-Control Scandal in Enugu House Of Assembly

In a developing political storm in Enugu State, allegations have surfaced that Governor Peter Mbah disbursed ₦48 million in cash to members of the Enugu State House of Assembly in a bid to consolidate control over the legislature.

The move, critics say, is an attempt to undermine Other Party’s slim majority and create a legislature loyal to the governor’s personal agenda.

The Allegations

The Alliance of Enugu State Professionals (AESP), a civic watchdog group, accused Governor Mbah of offering ₦2 million each to 24 lawmakers before the inauguration of the 8th Assembly in 2023.

According to their statement, the governor allegedly told the lawmakers that this was ‘just the beginning’—an apparent promise of ongoing financial rewards in exchange for loyalty.

A Legislature Compromised?

The payments were reportedly made without any appropriation or public record, raising questions about the source of the funds. Civil society groups speculate that the money could have come from diverted state allocations, unaccounted security votes, or inflated contract budgets.

The lack of transparency and documentation adds to the growing concern over the independence of the Enugu legislature.

Democratic Erosion

Observers argue that such actions amount to executive overreach and a threat to democratic governance. ‘The Assembly is meant to provide checks and balances, not serve as an extension of the governor’s cabinet,’ said Chukwudi Okafor, a political analyst based in Nsukka.

If lawmakers are financially beholden to the governor, legislative oversight becomes impossible, and the will of the voters is effectively nullified.

The Bigger Picture

This scandal follows other controversies trailing Governor Mbah’s administration, including the alleged misuse of ₦84 million in educational subventions and demolitions in opposition-held market areas.

Critics believe these events reveal a broader pattern of suppressing dissent and centralizing power using state resources.

No Response Yet

As of press time, Governor Mbah’s office has not responded to inquiries regarding the bribery allegation.

The Enugu State Assembly has also remained silent, with no member publicly denying or confirming receipt of the alleged ₦2 million payout.

Source of the Allegation

The Alliance of Enugu State Professionals (AESP) raised the alarm in a public statement:

“Governor Peter Mbah gave ₦2 million each to members of the State Assembly as part of a scheme to erode Labour Party’s control and install a rubber-stamp legislature.”

They alleged that:

The cash was hand-delivered before Assembly inauguration.

Some members described it as “just the beginning,” suggesting more financial inducements would follow.

No public record exists of such appropriation — meaning it likely came from slush funds or diverted state allocations.