Governor Mbah's SSG Faces Church Backlash Over Enugu Water Supply Claims

Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), experienced significant public embarrassment on Friday when a church assembly strongly disputed his assertions about the state government's supply of clean drinking water. This incident occurred at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Ogbete, Enugu, during the 19th Synod of the Diocese of Enugu's Third Session, which focused on the theme "Revival Labours: A Prepared Heart to Study, Do and Teach the Word."

The contentious situation arose soon after the Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike, Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, concluded his Presidential Address. Prof. Onyia, attending as Governor Peter Mbah's administration's representative, ascended the pulpit to speak to the attendees. In his attempt to present an update on the government's achievements, the SSG brought up Governor Mbah’s widely publicized pledge to ensure pipe-borne water reached every home in the state capital within 180 days of assuming office.

Onyia confidently asserted that since this commitment was made, water infrastructure had been effectively put in place, stating that water was now available in "so many places" and had virtually reached all residences in Enugu. This declaration instantly transformed the sacred space into a contentious forum, as the worshippers vociferously interrupted his address. The congregation's response was a resounding outcry of “No! No! It's a lie!”

A widely circulated video of the humiliating event, viewed by SaharaReporters on Saturday, showed the high-ranking government official attempting to pacify the visibly upset assembly. From the altar pulpit, the visibly distressed SSG implored, “No! No! Do not shout no. I will tell you that — I can take you to go and verify.” Despite his pleas, the worshippers entirely dismissed his justifications, with the chant of “No, no, no, it is a lie!” reverberating so strongly throughout the hall that the SSG was unable to complete his remarks.

Humiliated and unable to regain control of the situation, Onyia had no choice but to leave the pulpit and go back to his seat amidst audible expressions of disapproval. SaharaReporters learned that this public outcry at the synod underscores increasing public discontent regarding the significant disparity between government pronouncements and the actual conditions experienced by residents in Enugu.

Both during his election campaign and after taking office, Governor Peter Mbah presented himself as a transformative leader, committing to an ambitious 180-day timeframe to resolve the long-standing water shortage affecting the coal city. Yet, over three years into his tenure, this grand promise remains largely unfulfilled for most citizens.

Inquiries conducted by SaharaReporters indicate that only certain areas that already had water access before the current administration continue to receive it, and even then, not consistently. Residents frequently assert that while some communities with prior access to public water still get intermittent supply, numerous other areas are completely deprived of pipe-borne water.

These extended periods of scarcity have compelled thousands of households to depend on private boreholes and commercial water suppliers for their daily needs. This predicament has also resulted in a substantial hike in water prices, with residents noting a sharp increase in charges from water vendors compared to prior years, thereby intensifying the financial strain on families already struggling with Nigeria's economic difficulties.

Many citizens in the state viewed the attempt by a senior government official to present a false reality before a religious gathering as an intolerable affront. Following the fallout from the synod incident, political observers caution that any administration that persistently deceives the populace risks having the same sentiment of "It's a lie!" resonate not just in places of worship but also at the polls.