By Ability Chukwuemeka Mbah (Nkanu East Media Team)
At the penultimate “Thank You Tour” of Enugu State PDP Gubernatorial candidate – Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and his running mate, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai across the 17 LGAs in Nkanu East LGA, the State witnessed showers of blessings on Wednesday July 28th, 2022.
The people of the LGA defied the heavy downpour to express their heartfelt gratitude to the State PDP family for endorsing her own as the Gubernatorial candidate of Enugu State, at the Council Secretariat, Amagunze. The atmosphere was ecstatic, the environment convivial, the people personified the emotions; while nature responded in admiration to mortal sacrifices.
The Traditional Rulers of the Council, led by her Chairman – HRH Igwe H. O. Edeani eulogised the entourage for believing in their son. They used the occasion to present the “Ofo”, symbolising the collective will and approval of the people, to the PDP Gubernatorial candidate; and administered prayers for the success of the forthcoming electioneering campaign and total victory at the polls. In his response, Barr Mbah assured the Royal Fathers never to disappoint them, and requested for constant supplications to the ancestors in order to smoothen all rough edges.
In his opening remarks at the arena, the Council Chairman, Hon Sydney Okey Edeh appreciated the entourage, all stakeholders of PDP, men, women, youths, and well-wishers for their prayers and steadfastness, support and assistance before, during and after the primary elections. He highlighted that the tour is in fulfilling the biblical injunction of showing gratitude to favours done. Hence, Nkanu East people will continue to be grateful for the opportunity given her own to contribute our quota to the growth and development of Enugu State.
In their separate speeches, His Excellency – Engr Sunday Onyebuchi, His Excellency – Rev. Raph Ifeanyi Nwoye, Pharm Nnolim Nnaji, Elder GOC Ajah, Engr Mike Ogbuekwe, Hon Nnamdi Nwafor, Deacon Patrick Okoh, Rt Hon Anayo Edeh, Engr Prince Uchenna Abel Nwobodo, Pastor Sam Iyiogwe, Chief Frank Anioma, Hon Rita Mbah, Prince Lawrence Eze, and Hon Okey Mba; acknowledged that the endorsement of Barr Mbah by Enugu State PDP is a test of trust, loyalty, discipline and intellectual dexterity. They stated that Enugu State PDP has placed Nkanu East on the threshold of progress, and provided an atmosphere for the fulfillment of Gov Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s clamour for peace, equity, fairness and justice. They finalised that Nkanu East will remain perpetually indebted to PDP for this opportunity to serve; and contribute immensely to the growth of our darling State.
The State PDP Chairman, Chief Augustine Nnamani, in a speech on behalf of the entourage, emphasised the great contributions of Nkanu East people to the successes of PDP in the State, in all elections cycle. He emphasized that the election of Barr Mbah at the May 25th, 2022 primary election was in appreciation to those of sacrifices and patience; coupled with the calibre of candidate Nkanu East LG presented in the person of Barr Mbah, whose credibility to deliver democracy dividends is irresistible. He said that the mammoth crowd is a true reflection of the feelings of the people. At this juncture, he presented the candidate, to address his people and the visitors.
Barr Mbah, in his speech, highlighted that the occasion is for stock taking on the reception accorded to him by other 16 sister LGAs of the State. “We have gone round to show our appreciation to our Party faithfuls in other LGAs. We are here today to express how we feel to our friends who are part of this journey. A lot of our supporters suffered political bruises and injuries in the course, yet they stood firm. If we had not embarked on this “Thank You Tour”, its a sign of failure in a simple task of showing gratitude. We also extended the appreciation to those who said No to us, but has come to realise that the task of developing our dear State is a collective one. Hence, they have agreed to join hands with us, to speedily transform Enugu State”.
He stated further that; “this gratitude is better expressed by showing our supporters and the rest of Enugu people, that we’re united and ready to be at the forefront of the coming battle. Every Nkanu East person is a stakeholder and be rest assured that his or her interests are well protected. No need reeling out our agenda as done in other LGAs, but be rest assured that we will grow the economy of our State, continue in the infrastructural revolution of the present administration, and be empathetic to the course of the common man”.
In his closing remarks, the Local Government PDP Chairman, Prince Chukwuemeka Nwatu expressed his appreciation to the people and visitors, for their patient and perseverance in the face of the harsh weather condition. He prayed for God’s blessings on every PDP member, for making themselves instruments for the salvation of Nkanu East LGA.