2027: Awkunanaw Traditional Rulers Rally Behind Mbah, Declare Him Sole Choice
…cite infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, economic reforms
Traditional rulers from the Awkunanaw cultural zone of Enugu State have thrown their weight behind Governor Peter Mbah’s bid for a second term, declaring him their “sole candidate of choice” for the 2027 governorship election.
The monarchs, under the aegis of the Council/Forum of Ndi Igwe from the Awkunanaw Extraction of Nkanu, comprise traditional rulers from communities in Nkanu West and Enugu South Local Government Areas.
In a communiqué issued on Monday after extensive deliberations on the affairs and development of the state, the traditional rulers said their decision was informed by what they described as the developmental strides and policy direction of the Mbah administration.
They specifically cited developments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, economic development, revenue generation and transportation as areas in which they said the administration had made significant interventions.
The monarchs also expressed support for continuity in governance, arguing that ongoing programmes, reforms and development initiatives should be given sufficient time to mature and deliver their intended benefits.
The communiqué stated: “Following extensive deliberation and consultation among the Royal Fathers, we hereby state, in unison and without equivocation, our collective support for the re-election bid of His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as Governor of Enugu State.”
The Council said the decision represented the “collective will and resolution” of the traditional rulers from the Awkunanaw extraction of Nkanu.
It subsequently declared Mbah its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election, stating: “We stand together in support of His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as our sole candidate of choice for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Enugu State.”
According to the monarchs, the endorsement was based on their assessment of the direction of governance and the development recorded across the state, as well as their belief that continuity would enable the administration to consolidate its programmes and further advance the state.
The traditional rulers further reaffirmed their roles as custodians of their respective communities, saying they would continue to listen to their people, articulate their concerns and support initiatives that promote peace, development, prosperity and the wellbeing of Ndi Enugu.
They also pledged continued constructive engagement with the state government while communicating the aspirations and concerns of their communities through appropriate channels.
The communiqué was signed on behalf of the Council/Forum by 17 traditional rulers, comprising HRH Igwe Daniel Nnamani of Amechi Uno Awkunanaw; Igwe Linus Okafor of Obeagu Uno; Igwe Greg Ugwu of Attakwu Akegbe Awkunanaw; Igwe Obiora Igweshi of Amuoha Obuofia Awkunanaw; Igwe Raymond Agwa of Akegbe Ugwu Awkunanaw; Igwe Mike Nnukwu of Obeagu Awkunanaw; Igwe Okechukwu Nwobodo of Umuatugbuoma Akegbe Awkunanaw; and Igwe Ignatius Ugwu of Amagu Akegbe Awkunanaw.
Others are Igwe Felix Nwobodo Ani of Ndiagu Obuofia Awkunanaw; Igwe Bernerd Nwoye of Akwuke Awkunanaw; Igwe Cyprian Ekwomchi of Akwukwu Uwani Awkunanaw; Igwe John Ngene Omedoaku of Amechi Awkunanaw; Igwe Chinedu Nwobodonyia of Ugwuaji Awkunanaw; Igwe J.A. Ogbodo of Amechi Uwani Awkunanaw; Igwe Emeka Ani of Umueze Awkunanaw; Igwe Maduabuchi Ugwu of Okpebe Amodu Awkunanaw; and Igwe Ferdinand Ukwu of Amechi Obuofia Awkunanaw.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
