Enugu State, long celebrated for its stability, vibrant markets, and thriving commerce, is currently simmering with frustration and anger. Governor Peter Mbah’s ambitious urban renewal agenda, including the demolition of over five major motor parks and market hubs across the state, has ignited widespread discontent. While the government presents the projects as transformative, the people most affected, including traders, transporters, and market women, feel abandoned, jobless, and displaced, struggling to survive with little or no support.
The demolition exercise targeted critical transport and commercial hubs, such as Holy Ghost Motor Park in Enugu city and Ogige Market in Nsukka. The government justified the actions as part of its vision to create modern terminals and improve urban planning. Yet, the execution of the plan has been hasty and controversial. During the Holy Ghost Motor Park demolition, two people reportedly lost their lives, sparking outrage. Worse still, only a fraction of the planned terminals have been completed, leaving thousands of displaced traders and transport operators without alternative arrangements.
For the people who lived and worked in these parks, the impact has been devastating. Nneka Okoye, a food vendor who operated at Holy Ghost Park for over a decade, recounted her ordeal: “I had a small restaurant that fed my family and travelers passing through the park. Every morning, I would wake up early to prepare meals, and life was good. Now, I sit at home, watching my children go hungry. Some days we skip meals. My shop is gone. I don’t even know where to start again.”
Her story is echoed across the city. Emeka Nwafor, a transport operator at Ogige Market, explained, “I have been arranging buses and ferrying passengers for over fifteen years. My income was enough to educate my children and pay rent. After the demolition, my buses are grounded, my drivers are idle, and my family struggles. We were given no notice and no alternative place to operate. It feels like the government doesn’t care about us.”
Women traders have been among the hardest hit. Ifeoma Nwankwo, who sold clothes and accessories at the demolished park, described her situation: “I worked hard for years, paying taxes and saving to expand my business. Everything is gone. I am left with nothing. Some of us sleep on the roadside, others have to beg in neighboring markets. The government promised compensation, but nothing has come through.” Chidinma Eze, another former market vendor, added, “We put everything we had into our stalls. They demolished them in one day. I don’t even have enough money to buy food. How are we supposed to survive?”
Young entrepreneurs are also struggling. Tony Nwachukwu, a university graduate who ran a small electronics stall at Ogige Market, said, “I thought I would save money from this business while looking for a formal job. Now, I have nothing, no shop, no savings, and no income. Every day is a struggle, and I feel hopeless. My parents are sending me money, but it is not enough.”
Even small-time transporters who rented spaces at the parks lamented their predicament. Chukwuma Obi, who managed a fleet of motorcycles at Holy Ghost Park, shared, “I had invested over five million naira in motorcycles and running costs. When they demolished the park, everything stopped. I cannot pay my staff, and my family depends on that income. The government has ignored us, and our lives are in ruins.”
The political fallout has been swift. The opposition parties have seized upon the demolitions to challenge Governor Mbah’s leadership. The Enugu chapter of the All Progressives Congress described the actions as “economic terrorism,” accusing the governor of destroying livelihoods without providing alternatives. Chijioke Edeoga, a prominent opposition figure, said, “The demolitions are like civil war devastation. Families and businesses were uprooted overnight. Compensation must be paid, and proper relocation should have been arranged. People are suffering unnecessarily.”
Adding to the tension are rumors that Governor Mbah is considering a defection from the People’s Democratic Party to the APC. Sources suggest that influential figures, including former governors and ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani, have been encouraging him to switch parties, citing party crises and perceived marginalization of the Southeast. This has unsettled both political camps and intensified speculation about the governor’s motives.
Despite the growing discontent, Governor Mbah’s administration has defended the demolitions, insisting that the long-term benefits of urban renewal outweigh the short-term disruptions. Former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Godwin Udeuhele, praised the governor’s vision: “Governor Mbah is the most development-focused leader Enugu has had since its creation. His initiatives, from Smart Green Schools to modern health centers, demonstrate his commitment to transforming the state.”
Other government supporters also emphasized the positive outcomes of the projects. Enugu State Commissioner for Works, Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, said, “The redevelopment of these motor parks and markets will make Enugu a modern, efficient, and prosperous state. We are building infrastructure that will benefit generations.” National figures, including former Senator Dino Melaye, have also commended the governor for his achievements within a short period, noting his commitment to governance and development.
Some citizens agree with this perspective. Mrs. Nkechi Okeke, a resident of Enugu North, said, “Yes, the demolitions hurt people, but the long-term benefits will outweigh the pain. Governor Mbah is thinking ahead. In a few years, we will have better roads, better markets, and improved transport.” Entrepreneur Emeka Nnaji added, “Change is never easy. People must endure some discomfort now to enjoy a better city later.” Even young professional Chukwudi Eze noted, “The governor’s plans are necessary. There is disruption now, but the state will be better for it in the future.”
Yet, despite these supportive voices, the majority of reactions from those directly affected remain negative. Traders, transporters, and residents complain of being left to fend for themselves. Nneka Okoye reflected, “I have no shop, no income, and no hope. I wake up every day wondering how to feed my children. The government promised help, but nothing has come.” Tony Nwachukwu added, “The government destroyed our dreams. Some of us have nothing left, not even a place to start over.” Chidinma Eze concluded, “We worked hard all our lives, and now it feels like we are invisible to those in power. It is painful. It is unfair.”
The hardship extends beyond the market stalls. Families displaced from demolished roads and adjacent properties are forced to find shelter elsewhere, often in overcrowded neighborhoods. Many rely on charity or temporary housing, while their previous homes remain demolished with no compensation offered. Children who once attended nearby schools now face long commutes or, in some cases, have dropped out entirely due to financial strain.
As the 2027 elections approach, the situation poses a significant challenge to Governor Mbah’s political future. The tension between development and citizens’ immediate needs has become the defining issue in Enugu politics. While the governor’s vision promises modern infrastructure and long-term growth, the people on the ground continue to endure the brunt of demolition and displacement.
For many residents, the question is simple: can progress be built without leaving people behind? Can Enugu achieve modern development while ensuring that traders, market women, transporters, and ordinary citizens are protected and fairly compensated? The anger, frustration, and despair of the displaced citizens suggest that this balance has not yet been achieved.
The coming months will determine how the state navigates this complex landscape. If the governor can reconcile his developmental ambitions with the pressing social and economic needs of Enugu’s people, he may yet win public trust. But if the hardships continue, the anger may only intensify, shaping the political, economic, and social fabric of the state for years to come.
By Benprince Ezeh
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