The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Enugu State, Sir Chinyeaka Christian Ohaa, has pledged to introduce living wages for civil servants and clear all outstanding gratuity arrears within his first 24 months in office if elected governor in 2027.
Ohaa said his administration would establish a dedicated Gratuity Redemption Fund to guarantee the payment of retirees’ entitlements and introduce a system that would ensure workers receive their gratuities alongside their final salaries.
He made the promises during the flag-off of his governorship campaign in Enugu, tagged “Enugu Rescue Mission,” where he also pledged to abolish punitive taxes and daily levies, improve public services, strengthen fiscal transparency and guarantee local government autonomy.
The NDC candidate, who promised to serve only one four-year term, said restoring the dignity of workers and pensioners would be central to his administration’s agenda.
Speaking on workers’ welfare, Ohaa said his experience in public service had exposed him to the challenges confronting civil servants and retirees.
“As a former public servant who understands the civil service from the inside, I pledge that our administration will restore the dignity of labour, pay living wages to civil servants and ensure our retirees receive their gratuity and pensions with dignity and promptness.
“When I hear that some of our mothers and fathers earn 400 naira as pension, and do not even get paid at the end of the month, it is not statistics to me. It is a shame!” he said.
Ohaa expressed concern over outstanding gratuity liabilities, citing statements attributed to the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Enugu State Council.
He said the union had, in August 2026, raised concerns over unpaid gratuities dating back to 2010, with some retirees reportedly having outstanding entitlements dating back to 2006.
According to him, the state government acknowledged in March 2025 that gratuity arrears covering 2010 to 2024 were awaiting verification, with payments expected to be made in instalments.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, Ohaa promised to establish a comprehensive programme to address outstanding retirement benefits.
“Upon assumption of office, we shall embark on a comprehensive Retirees’ Dignity and Gratuity Recovery Programme leading to the creation of Gratuity Redemption Fund where money appropriated for gratuities will be ring-fenced and used only for retirement liabilities.
“In 24 months we shall liquidate all outstanding gratuities.
“We shall establish a Retirement Benefits Processing Centre that begins processing an employee’s retirement benefits months before the retirement date.
“The gratuity should be paid alongside the last salary payable to the retiring worker. We must restore the dignity of labour!” he said.
Tax Reforms
On taxation, Ohaa promised to abolish levies he described as burdensome to traders, artisans, transport operators, tenants, property owners and other participants in the informal economy.
He said his administration would review the state’s revenue collection system to protect vulnerable residents and encourage economic activities.
“On my first day in office, our administration will abolish the punitive taxes and daily levies currently crushing our market women, artisans, small vendors, and transport (trucks, buses, Keke Napep, okada) operators, tenants and property owners.
“We will end the indignity of taxing the informal micro-businesses and levying families even in their moments of grief,” he said.
The candidate accused the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah of implementing policies that had adversely affected businesses and livelihoods.
He alleged that some urban renewal and infrastructure projects, taxation measures and land acquisitions had disproportionately affected property owners, informal-sector workers, small businesses and vulnerable residents.
“Today, the APC government in Enugu State has destroyed the thriving economic ecosystems that have sustained generations of Ndi Enugu,” he alleged.
Ohaa claimed that some affected residents had been displaced without adequate compensation or alternative economic opportunities.
He also questioned the procedures adopted in acquiring private property for public purposes.
“The exercise of acquiring land for ‘overriding public interest’ goes on in Enugu State without regard to existing statutory guardrails.
“Government is taking over people’s property without independent valuation, transparent public hearings and immediate fair compensation.
“Statutory acquisition now devolves into displacement and land grabbing,” he alleged.
Public Revenue and PPP Agreements
On public finance, Ohaa accused the state government of fiscal recklessness and questioned the transparency of certain public-private partnership agreements.
He claimed that Enugu State received approximately ₦468 billion in federal allocations between June 2023 and August 2026, excluding internally generated revenue.
“From June 2023 to August 2026, Enugu State Government has received about ₦468 billion from federal allocations, besides the billions from taxes on hapless Ndi Enugu, yet at a time it was one of the highest debtors amongst states in Nigeria.
“As a trained accountant, I say this clearly: Enugu is suffering from a lack of fiscal discipline.
“We will open the books, audit all opaque Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and restore integrity to public procurement,” he said.
The candidate alleged that some PPP arrangements involving valuable public properties lacked adequate transparency and could expose residents to economic losses.
He said such agreements should incorporate transparent procurement procedures, clearly defined risk-sharing arrangements and public auditing.
According to him, these safeguards were necessary to ensure that public-private partnerships delivered benefits to residents rather than primarily serving private interests.
Ohaa promised to review existing agreements and strengthen accountability in government procurement and expenditure.
Demolitions and Compensation
On land acquisition and urban development, the NDC candidate pledged to address complaints arising from demolitions and the displacement of traders.
He specifically mentioned affected traders in Nsukka, Enugu metropolis and other parts of the state.
“We will address the present land grabbing policy of this government, the destruction of local livelihoods.
“Traders displaced by market demolitions in Nsukka, Enugu metropolis, and across the state, will either have their markets restored or receive fair compensation and relocation to modern facilities,” he said.
Ohaa maintained that infrastructure development should be implemented with adequate protection for property rights, livelihoods and existing businesses.
One-Term Pledge
The candidate also promised to serve only one four-year term if elected governor.
He said the decision was intended to demonstrate his commitment to public service rather than personal political ambition.
“To demonstrate that this mission is born out of pure service and not personal ambition, I unequivocally pledge to serve a single term of four (4) years.
“A four-year term is more than enough time for a competent, disciplined administration to reverse the prevailing inhuman policies, rebuild our economy, and establish sustainable governance,” he said.
Ohaa promised to organise a peaceful transition at the end of his proposed tenure.
He said his succession plan would respect the established zoning arrangement in Enugu State.
“At the end of these four years, I will seamlessly hand over power through a peaceful election to a successor in keeping with the time-honoured zoning formula of Enugu State, guaranteeing justice, equity, and harmony across our state,” he said.
Seven-Point Governance Agenda
Unveiling his proposed governance priorities, Ohaa said industrialisation, road construction and maintenance, accessible healthcare, education, clean water supply and security would form the foundation of his administration.
He identified seven strategic areas for further intervention.
The first, he said, would focus on governance reforms, affordable education and improved healthcare.
Ohaa promised to restore public confidence through transparent management of government resources.
“We shall restore public trust by operating with full transparency, including holding quarterly media chats to present audited financial reports directly to Ndi Enugu,” he said.
On youth development, the candidate promised to invest in practical skills acquisition and human capital development.
He said the programme would equip young people with skills required for sustainable self-employment and economic independence.
Under security, Ohaa proposed a modern statewide security network to strengthen the protection of lives and property.
He said the proposed system would focus on proactive security operations across communities.
On economic development, the candidate promised to promote industrial clusters, agricultural processing hubs and small and medium-scale enterprises.
He also pledged to facilitate access to credit for women and young people through cooperative societies and faith-based organisations.
Ohaa said the objective would be to stimulate employment, improve productivity and support grassroots economic development.
On electricity, he promised to pursue decentralised energy generation and distribution to provide affordable and reliable power for businesses.
He said the initiative would target industrial clusters, rural enterprises and urban commercial centres.
The candidate also proposed affordable housing partnerships with reputable private developers.
He said the housing programme would focus on low-income earners and civil servants.
On local government administration, Ohaa promised to restore political and financial autonomy to local government councils in accordance with existing laws.
He said the policy would ensure that development funds reached rural communities and supported projects addressing their needs.
Manifesto and Administrative Experience
Ohaa said his comprehensive manifesto would be unveiled in the coming days.
He explained that the document would contain specific projects, implementation strategies and timelines.
“I am in this race on a clear and uncompromising mandate: to rescue Enugu State for Ndi Enugu through an issue-based campaign that is driven by realistic, transparent blueprints, detailing precise projects and clear execution strategies and timelines,” he said.
The candidate expressed confidence in the capacity of his campaign team to implement the proposed programmes.
“My blueprint/manifesto will be unveiled in the coming days but suffice it to say that our team is tested, experienced and well-equipped to deliver measurable performance from day one.
“Governance must serve the people, not oppress them,” he said.
Ohaa also cited his administrative experience at state and federal levels as evidence of his capacity to manage public resources.
He said his record in public service demonstrated his understanding of government operations and the importance of effective resource management.
Party Reconciliation
On internal party affairs, Ohaa extended an invitation to aspirants who contested the NDC governorship primaries to work with him.
He said reconciliation and cooperation among party stakeholders were necessary for a united campaign.
“To my fellow aspirants who contested in our party’s primaries: I extend an earnest olive branch.
“In the NDC family, there are no victors and no vanquished—only partners in a shared vision,” he said.
The candidate disclosed that he had established a reconciliation committee to engage stakeholders and ensure that different interests were accommodated in the campaign organisation.
“I have established a reconciliation committee to ensure every voice is heard and integrated into our campaign organisation,” he said.
Obi, Kwankwaso and Support Groups
Earlier, Ohaa expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to contest the governorship election.
He also appreciated the national leadership of the NDC for its vision and support.
The candidate specifically acknowledged Peter Obi and Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whom he identified as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to the national leadership of our party for their vision, particularly in choosing our leader, Mr. Peter Obi, as our Presidential Candidate, alongside his running mate, Engr. Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“Together, they represent the new dawn Nigeria so urgently requires,” he said.
Ohaa also thanked the party’s structures at national, state, local government and ward levels.
He acknowledged the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya Movement, Odalije Movement, student organisations and other grassroots coalitions supporting the party.
“My gratitude also goes to our dedicated party structures at the National, State, Local Government, and Ward levels, as well as the vibrant support networks—the Obidient Movement, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the Odalije Movement, student groups, and every grassroots coalition standing with us today.
“Our incoming electoral victory belongs to all of you,” he said.
Call for Unity
Concluding his address, Ohaa urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to the campaign’s objectives.
He said his proposed administration would seek to build a safe, productive and prosperous Enugu State.
“Let us stand united.
“Join hands with me, with Mr. Peter Obi, Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and our entire NDC team as we march into the Lion Building to build a safe, productive, and prosperous Enugu State,” he said.
