Enugu Governor threatens political appointees with salary forfeiture if they fail to secure victories for PDP in upcoming elections

Enugu Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has instructed political appointees in the state to secure victories for PDP in their polling units during the upcoming elections or forfeit their salaries and allowances.

The governor’s directive comes amidst intense competition for control of the Lion Building Government House and the Enugu State treasury following the PDP’s defeat in the February 25, 2023, presidential and National Assembly elections.

Governor Ugwuanyi himself suffered a loss in his bid to represent Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, as the Labour Party’s Chief Okey Ezea emerged victorious. Despite being the ruling party in the state, the PDP only won two political seats, while the Labour Party took the rest.

The government responded by suspending the salaries and allowances of political appointees and workers until after the elections, with payments being made contingent on delivering victories for the PDP in their respective polling units.

The memo, which was sent by the governor, warned that salaries and allowances would be withheld should appointees fail to ensure PDP’s success in the elections. The directive was implemented across all 17 local government areas in the state, and at the state level for Governor Ugwuanyi’s appointees.