A former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Ogbuabor has urged opposition political parties in Enugu State to sheath their sword and support Barr. Peter Mbah, the winner of the Enugu State governorship election.
The independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had announced Mbah winner after polling 160, 895 votes against the Labour Party candidate, Chijioke Edeoga who garnered 157, 552 votes.
Already, the LP candidate, Edeoga, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate, Mr. Frank Nweke jnr, as well as the Action Alliance, AA, have all rejected the outcome of the polls.
However, while addressing journalists on Friday, Ogbuabor, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, congratulated Mbah, urging aggrieved politicians to support him in order to move the state forward.
He said, “We want to use this opportunity also to congratulate other candidates who participated in the governorship election, especially our son and brother, Hon Barr Chijioke Edeoga, Okaome, for a truly gallant and stellar outing.
“No candidate lost in the true sense of democracy. Everyone won. Enugu won. It is human to aspire, but it is divine to be returned elected.
“We call on other contestants and their supporters to see the emergence of Dr Peter Mbah as divine, sheath their swords, and embrace Dr Mbah’s hands of fellowship. Politics is over. The time for governance is now. Peace is a fundamental prerequisite for good governance.
“No State can attain development without peace. We must acknowledge that no individual’s interest is bigger than the collective interest of the State.
“We must also remember that Nigerians are now better aware and politicians who are entrusted with leadership must live up to the expectations or be voted out after four years.
“Therefore, we concur with the Governor-elect when he urged his colleagues at the poll, to ‘come together and give our people a tomorrow that befits their hard work, industry and ancestry of greatness.’”
Ogbuabor, who is Eha-Amufu, in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, expressed optimism that Mbah would take the state to another level.
He said during Mbah’s campaign, “he canvassed issues that touch the root of our people’s lives including health, education, water, infrastructure, energy costs, digital innovation, employment opportunities, economic development and good governance.
“It is now time for ‘Peter to go work’. It is now the time to translate your manifesto into a State Strategic Development Plan with clear targets, roles and responsibilities, timelines, and key performance indicators with which the people can hold you accountable in the following four years.
“The expectations are great! Given your miraculous performance in your private enterprise, we have no doubt, whatsoever, that you will exceed the standards of the people’s expectations.
“Thankfully, in your acceptance speech as is the case in your manifesto, you committed to be our Governor; and not to serve any sectional interest. You committed to rise above the emotions, politics, and other mundane divides to serve our people with utmost dedication and diligence. We urge you to do so, especially in Isi-Uzo.
“Because you commit to be our governor, we shall also be your people. We shall follow you. We shall support you. We shall cooperate with you. We shall collaborate with you.
“Together, Enugu will be great again. And the people, shall once again, have a toothy smile irrespective of their geo-political diversity,” he added.
