TRADITIONAL RULERS OF ENUGU EAST SENATORIAL ZONE ENDORSE PETER MBAH’S GUBER ASPIRATION
REPORTER: VON NWADUKWE
Taditional rulers from all the autonomous communities in Enugu East Senatorial Zone have thrown their weight behind the governorship aspiration of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.
The royal fathers, who gathered at the Palace of the Chairman, Enugu East Senatorial Zone’s Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Julius Nnaji (Odezuluigbo) of Nike Kingdom in Enugu East Local Government Area on Thursday, formally presented ófó (sacred symbol of truth and authority) to the governorship candidate, symbolizing the endorsement and acceptance of the candidature by the royal fathers.
Speaking at the event, 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 sectors, praying God to grant him victory at the polls.
Recalling that the gathering of the traditional rulers in the zone for such an endorsement was not the first time in history, Igwe Nnaji said they did same for former governors Jim Nwobodo and Chimaroke Nnamani, who came from the senatorial district.
Also, the traditional ruler of Atakwu 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 converged on Micheal Okpara Square to request the state Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to support the quest of the senatorial zone to produce his successor in line with the existing zoning template that commenced in 1999.
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 Dr. Mbah, led by Igwe Nnaji.
Responding, the PDP guber candidate, Dr. 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 loss in us. This is not a mere physical insignia but a strong message and social contract.
“With this act, you are sending me with your strongest voice to go and be your voice in Lion Building,” Dr. Mba stated.
He assured the people that he would not let them down and reiterated his commitment towards the development of the state through various integrated programmes designed for both youth and women.
