By Tony Adibe
The Traditional Rulers of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have reaffirmed their support for the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Peter Mbah and condemned the recent purported hate speech against Nkanuland allegedly by the Enugu North Senator-Elect, Barr. Okey Ezea.
NewsBits learnt that the royal fathers had earlier endorsed the candidacy of Dr. Mbah based on the rotational system of governorship position in Enugu State. They made the reaffirmation during a meeting held on Sunday March 5, at Odezuluigbo Palace, Iji Nike, Enugu.
In a 10-point communique issued at the end of the meeting, the traditional rulers condemned the said ongoing media attack, hate speech and propaganda against Nkanu Land and appealed for calmness and peace.
The communique was signed by the Chairman of Enugu East Senatorial Zone Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Dr. Julius Nnaji; Patron Enugu East Senatorial Zone Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Sir Ezeudo Abel Nwobodo; HRH Igwe Greg Ugwu, HRH Igwe Sammuel Ogbodo, HRH Igwe Hyacinth Edeani, HRH Igwe Titus Okolo, and HRH Igwe J.U Anem.
While acknowledging “without any iota of doubt” that the good people of Nsukka will support the gubernatorial candidate of Nkanu extraction en-masse, the native rulers emphasised that the “cultural and political tie between Nsukka and Nkanu is rich in mutual understanding and cannot be compromised.”
The Communique further stated: “We appeal to Enugu West and Enugu North Senatorial zone to support our son, Dr. Peter Mbah. Nkanu Traditional institution is apolitical but with deep sense of equity, fairness and justice, we decided to endorse a Governorship Candidate from Nkanu East LGA.
“We plead for peace in the coming election slated to hold on 11th March 2023 and hereby urge our sons and daughters to guide their tongues, shield their sword and avoid any act or speech that will jeopardize the forthcoming electoral process.
“We agreed to deplore in its entirety the killing of harmless citizens, including our son, Barr. Oyibo Chukwu. Nkanu Land rejects bloodletting and carnage. We call on the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in getting to the root of these killings and ensure that nobody or institution directly or remotely involved, goes unpunished.
“We declare as custodians of culture and tradition of Nkanuland, that the land of Nkanu, which the perpetrators have desecrated, will rise in judgement against them.
“We commiserate with the affected families, especially those who lost their beloved ones. Our prayers are with them in these times of sorrow. May the good Lord comfort them and grant eternal rest to the souls of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Hon Livinus Nze Anike witnessed the meeting and commended the Royal Fathers for playing vital role in maintaining peace and unity in the state.
