By Tony Adibe
The Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Barrister Chijioke Jonathan Edeoga, has announced that he has a clean political record, after several decades of dedicated service and unblemished political career, challenging anyone in doubt to verify his claim.
Edeoga said this during a grand civic reception organized in his honour by the entire seven Autonomous Communities of Eha-Amufu, Isiuzo Council area of the state, at St Philips Anglican Church, Eha-Amufu.
NewsBits observed that a huge crowd had gathered at Egedegede, Umuhuali, Nkalagu, Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State, from where, Edoga, a former member of federal House of Representatives was received in Eha-Amufu.
Edeoga, who addressed the people, expressed appreciation to Rt. Rev. (Dr) Dan Nkemjika Olinya, Bishop of Eha-Amufu Anglican Diocese.
“I wish to thank our Bishop, Rt Rev Dr Dan Nkemjika Olinya for providing the venue for this event, St Philips, Anglican Church,” he said.
He said that the Enugu State Government had denied organizers of the event access to other venues, they had intended using.
“The Enugu State Government denied the organizers access to other venues including Union Secondary School, Government Field, even Federal College of Education, brought by my father. I thank him for his courage,” he stated.
Edeoga further told the crowd: “Today is among the happiest days of my life. God has already done it, those in the spirit, the clergy have seen it. we have served others; we have paid our dues.”
The LP standard bearer further expaciated on the narrative of his political career thus: “When Chimaroke Nnamani came for his Gubernatorial campaign (in 1998), I was already an elected Chairman.
“He was coming to my house in Onoh Quarters, GRA, Enugu to seek my support, and I supported. I was working in the Presidency under Jonathan when Ugwuanyi came to me in 2015, I supported so well that only an ingrate will not appreciate it.
“I said on radio, anyone who knows I stole Government money, come and say it. I have never stolen anyone’s money, I have never been jailed, or probed or investigated by EFCC.
“Anyone that doesn’t know that I will be in Lion Building by next year is joking. God provided LP as a platform; we are not thieves. In the other parties, they are filled with thieves and people being probed by EFCC. No matter what they do, they can’t get me, I’m shielded by God, by the Holy Spirit.
“I’m not afraid, their thugs can’t get me, God is with me. Finally, I re-dedicate myself before you, my people, that I shall serve you with the fear of God and dedication”
Earlier in his welcome speech, Evangelist Robert Eze, Chairman, Local Organizing Committee for the reception said: “Eha, today is welcoming Chijioke Edeoga because he is our son. That in other offices he held, he has delivered, he is our first son to contest for Governor.
“We are not here for campaign but whatever office you are vying for, you shall reach there, you shall succeed in Jesus name.”
All the clerics present at the event prayed for Edoga one after the other, after which they presented two cows to him. Also, elders of Eha-Amufu presented an Ofọ, the Igbo traditional symbol of moral authority to him, which was followed by prayers by the community members.
