Member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, has decried an attempt to sow dischord between him and the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah over the affairs of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Onwuegbu stated this while reacting to a publication by an online newspaper, not LEADERSHIP, on December 26, 2024, titled “Crisis Imminent in Enugu State PDP: Party Chieftain Alerts Gov Mbah”.

The lawmaker maintained that he has a harmonious and collaborative relationship with the governor and the PDP leadership in the state.

A statement by Onwuegbu’s chief spokesperson/head of publicity, Orjiako Sam, said, “Contrary to the claims made in the publication, it is on record that Hon. Onwuegbu was on vacation abroad during the Congress period that produced the ward executives and other party structures in the state. Since his return, he has maintained cordial relations with all duly elected officials.

“Furthermore, Hon. Onwuegbu has never approached the State PDP Chairman to discuss or request the removal or replacement of any ward executive, nor does he have any intention of doing so. His only visit to the State Party Chairman, alongside stakeholders from Oji River, was to extend congratulations to the State Chairman on his election upon his (Onwuegbu’s) return from abroad. No such requests were made during that visit.

“Additionally, Hon. Onwuegbu attended a gathering hosted by the State Chairman on December 22, 2024, in the company of distinguished personalities such as Senator Ngwu of Enugu West, the Speaker of the State Assembly, and other party chieftains. At no point during the event were issues regarding ward executives discussed.”

Onwuegbu demanded that the paper and the purported authors retract the defamatory publication within 48 hours,  adding that the article is seen as a deliberate attempt to malign his person and sow discord.

“The general public is urged to disregard the publication as a baseless fabrication devoid of any factual foundation.

“For the record, Hon. Anayo B. Onwuegbu has been a pillar of development in his constituency, championing numerous infrastructural projects that have significantly improved the lives of his constituents.

“His resolute commitment to progress is evident through numerous infrastructure development in every nook and cranny of his constituency.

“He maintains a harmonious and collaborative relationship with Governor Peter Mbah and the PDP leadership in Enugu State. His dedication to the party’s unity and progress is firm, and attempts to suggest otherwise are baseless and malicious.”

He added that it is disheartening that authors of the publication resorted to fabricating stories to destabilise the party.

“Their attempts to create disunity have failed, as the people of Enugu State are well aware of their antics and the ulterior motives behind them,” the lawmaker added.