Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly have raised alarm over unpaid salaries and allowances, alleging that Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has turned the legislature into a “rubber stamp” body devoid of independence.
According to multiple lawmakers who spoke under condition of anonymity, the state government has failed to pay their salaries for August and September 2025, leaving many members in financial distress.
“We are hungry,” one lawmaker lamented. “We have not received our salaries for two months now. This has never happened before. The situation is frustrating.”
The lawmakers also accused the governor of marginalizing the Assembly in governance decisions, alleging that key financial and administrative actions are being carried out without legislative oversight.
Alleged Executive Overreach
Some members alleged that Governor Mbah’s administration has consistently bypassed due process, including altering the terms of a ₦170 billion loan earlier approved by the House without reverting to the Assembly for ratification.
Another legislator claimed that the governor awarded contracts and made budget adjustments without consultation, adding that the Assembly leadership has been weakened by financial dependence on the executive.
“The Speaker himself has been handicapped,” one member said. “The Assembly has been reduced to worse than a rubber-stamp body.”
Previous Salary Delays
Sources within the Assembly revealed that this is not the first time members have faced delayed payments. Earlier in the year, salaries for January and February were reportedly paid after several months of delay, a situation which they said has become recurring.
The lawmakers further disclosed that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in the state are also affected, with many civil servants lamenting the non-release of overhead funds.
Vehicle Procurement Controversy
There are also allegations surrounding the procurement of official vehicles for lawmakers. The 2024 budget reportedly provided for Toyota Prado SUVs, but members claim the governor supplied cheaper Chinese-made vehicles instead.
“The Speaker is still driving the car he got as Deputy Speaker under the last administration,” one lawmaker said. “We were told to expect new vehicles, but nothing has come.”
Impact on Legislative Independence
Observers say the development has far-reaching implications for legislative independence in Enugu State. The lawmakers argue that withholding salaries and allowances undermines the Assembly’s ability to perform its constitutional duties and check executive excesses.
“When lawmakers are financially incapacitated, they cannot speak up,” another member said. “This is deliberate — it’s a strategy to silence the legislature.”
Government Silent
Efforts to reach the Enugu State Government for comments were unsuccessful as calls and messages to the governor’s media aides went unanswered as of press time.
Analysts warn that the standoff, if unresolved, could deepen the rift between the executive and legislative arms in the state, threatening effective governance and accountability.