The Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Wednesday, declared their support for Barr. Peter Mbah as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s successor.
Mbah is the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, guber candidate for the 2023 general elections in Enugu State.
The monarchs spoke at the Council Chamber in Enugu where they all gathered from their respective communities to receive Mbah.
They presented an ‘Ofo’ to the PDP candidate, signifying their blessings and support to his aspiration.
In a remark before the ‘Ofo’ was presented to Mbah, the Chairman of the Council, HRM Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu said the consultative meeting showed that Mbah had respect for the traditional institution and recognizes “that the bedrock of democracy is the people at the grassroots who are subjects of the traditional rulers.”
He added that the emergence of Mbah, who is from Nkanu East Local Government Area “is in keeping with the rotational principle advocated in our earlier mentioned communique.
“By his coming to consult us this morning, he shows that he respects us as the custodians of our culture and tradition.
“I implore all of us to pray for him and wish him success through our presentation of ‘Ofo’ to him.”
Responding, an elated Mbah said he was overwhelmed by the honour.
“I want to express my profound gratitude. For all the traditional rulers to gather here for one agenda, for me, it is very significant.
The value of what you have done will not be lost on me. What you have done is to bestow the insignia of peace and justice on me. My virtue will symbolize what you have done today,” he said.
While assuring that he would not abandon the monarchs when he assumes the position of Governor by May 2023, he pleaded with them to take the message of what they had done home.
He said it was necessary that they let their subjects know where they stand with regards to the governorship election.
Mbah, who noted that he would consolidate on the achievements of the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration, added that he would make Enugu a preferred destination for business, tourism and living.
“To achieve this will require peace and security. Enugu is unarguably the most peaceful State in the country, we are not taking it for granted.
“You want someone that will continue where our Governor stopped on peace and security. We assure you that it is cardinal on our policies,” he further stated.
Earlier, the Director-General of his campaign organization, Chief Ikeje Asogwa said the essence of the meeting with the traditional rulers was to seek their prayers and support.