Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has garnered mixed reactions after signing four significant bills into law. Announcing the development on his official X handle, the governor stated, "Today, I signed into law a total of four bills recently passed by the Enugu State House of Assembly, all of which aim to make our state the best place for investment, business, leisure, and living."
The newly enacted laws are the Enugu State Properties Protection Law, the Enugu State Public Ranch Management Law, the Enugu State Sports Development Fund Law, and the Enugu State Environmental and Climate Protection Law.
Governor Mbah explained the purpose behind each law, starting with the Properties Protection Law. "This law is consistent with our promise to enhance the ease of doing business in our state. People who come to Enugu State to invest in property must be confident that the title document issued to them is worth far more than the paper on which it is written," he said. The law targets land grabbers with severe penalties to ensure investor confidence.
Regarding the Public Ranch Management Law, the governor clarified misconceptions. "We must put an end to the practice of open grazing, which causes friction between our farmers and herders. Our goal is to see that it ends," Mbah emphasized. The law aims to modernize cattle rearing practices, ensuring the provision of services like abattoirs and proper cattle markets.
On the Environmental and Climate Protection Law, Mbah highlighted the state's commitment to addressing climate change. "We are going beyond lip service to protect our environment," he noted, outlining clear policies and plans to combat environmental degradation.
The Sports Development Fund Law aims to boost the sports sector. "This law will help us build capacity, nurture grassroots talents, promote school sports, and essentially develop our sports sector," the governor stated, linking sports to economic growth.
Reactions to the signing of these bills have been varied. Some citizens and stakeholders praise the governor for his proactive approach to governance, seeing these laws as vital steps toward modernization and sustainability.
Others, however, express skepticism, particularly regarding the enforcement of these laws and the potential impact on local communities.
Here are some of the reactions made by social media users: