The Traditional Rulers Council comprising all the traditional rulers from all the autonomous communities in the Enugu East Senatorial Zone has thrown its weight behind the governorship aspiration of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.
The event which drew people from all walks of life across the state on Thursday, was held at the palace of the Chairman, Enugu East Senatorial Zone’s Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Julius Nnaji (Odezuluigbo II) of Nike in Enugu East local government area of the state, also marked the formal presentation of the ófó staff, the Igbo traditional symbol of authority, to the governorship candidate affirming the endorsement and acceptance of his candidacy by the royal fathers.
Speaking in presence of the mammoth crowd, Igwe Nnaji said the gathering was in fulfilment of the traditional rites of endorsement of Mbah’s candidacy because of his wealth of experiences both in the public and private sector, praying God to grant him victory in the forthcoming 2023 elections.
Recalling that the gathering of the traditional rulers in the zone for an endorsement like this wasn’t the first time in history, Igwe Nnaji said they did the same for former governors Jim Nwobodo and Senator Chimaroke Nnamani who came from the senatorial district.
Igwe Nnaji charged the PDP gubernatorial flagbearer to prioritize the interest of the people of the state, expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious in the elections having been adjudged the most credible candidate in the race.
“We will be supporting you and we will not allow anyone to put hurdles on your path because you are our son and one of us. We want you to set examples for others to emulate you through your landmark achievements in office,” the Chairman of the royal fathers said.
Also corroborating the Chairman’s earlier position, the traditional ruler of Ataku Akegbe-Ugwu Kingdom, Igwe Greg Ugwu went down memory lane and narrated how the journey which culminated in the gathering started over a year ago when the entire Enugu East Senatorial Zone, comprising six local government areas of Enugu East, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Enugu South, Isi Uzo and Enugu North, converged on Okpara Square under the aegis of Oganiru Ndi Enugu East Senatorial Zone to request the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to cede power to the senatorial zone in line with the existing zoning template that commenced in 1999.
“We the Igwes, as the royal fathers from Enugu East zone, gathered here sometime ago and invited all the 17 governorship aspirants and told you people to support whoever the governor supported as his successor, and we insisted it must be reduced to writing. This peace pact was signed by all of you to that effect. Thereafter, we went and showed to the governor the agreement.
“God so kind, it happened that you, Barr. Mbah is the chosen one to represent us. This is why we deemed it necessary to invite you today to pray for you. All the royal fathers in Enugu East zone are here to show you how serious we are taking this project, and we are pleading with you to remember all the sections of the state. We want you to work more than your soon-to-be predecessor,” the royal father said.
On his part, the patron of the Council, Igwe Abel Nwobodo of Nara Unateze, stressed that Mbah was God’s gift to the people of Enugu State. According to him, the PDP gubernatorial standard bearer was a successful businessman known for his exploits in the global business circle, saying Mbah didn’t come for what he would benefit from the state but to serve the people with dedication and selflessness.
The ceremony came to its climax when the chairmen of traditional rulers from each local government area in the zone were called upon to present the ófó to the governorship hopeful.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers during the presentation, Igwe Nnaji said he was handling the ófó to Mbah in the name of Nkanuland, Enugu East zone and the people, praying for his remarkable victory in the elections.
Responding to the presentation and unanimous endorsement of his candidacy by the traditional rulers in the zone, Mbah expressed his gratitude for the support and recognition, promising not to let the state down if elected governor.
“I am humbled by this decision of handling over the ófó to me. The symbolism of this act today is not lost on us. This is not a mere physical insignia but a strong message of endorsement as well as a social contract with the people through their representatives who are the traditional rulers.
“With this act, you are sending me with your strongest voice to go and be your voice in the Lion Building.
“When we come to public administration, the Igwe’s are the closest to the people and we are guided by the principle of democracy which is the government of the people by the people and for the people. We can’t go on this journey without your input. We will continue to seek your ageless wisdom. This shows you are fathers that care for us,” Mbah told the royal fathers.
Recounting the events that preceded his coming to the palace, the governorship hopeful said when the zone visited the governor based on zoning, he assured the people that, he would be guided by the principles of justice, equity and fairness, adding that Governor Ugwuanyi committed everything in the hands of God which manifested in the decision taken by the party during the primary election on the 25th day of May, 2022.
“My assurance to you and your revered thrones is that I’m not taking this gesture for granted. I will use the last fibre of my being to work to justify the trust and confidence you have reposed in me. I pledge to use my energy and experiences garnered from both the public and private sectors to work for the state as we will be growing our economy, tackle the menace of unemployment among youth and women. Our administration will run people-focused governance by partnering with all the stakeholders.
“I want to lay the depth of my gratitude to you just like the way you gave me this ófó,” Mbah said.