Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Dr Cajetan Eze, the Governorship candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), for Enugu State has thrown his weight behind the candidacy of Dr Peter Mbah, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of March 18, elections.
Eze stated this at a press briefing in Enugu, adding that his action becomes necessary in view of the track record of Mbah as a successful businessman.
He also said that his decision was in consonance with the zoning formula being practiced in the state since the advent of democracy in 1999.
“I am from Enugu West Senatorial zone and going by the long existing zoning arrangement in the state, it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial zone,” he said.
He expressed his appreciation to his supporters and party members for their support while the campaigns lasted but said that his action was in the best interest of the state.
He said: “I will like to appreciate all your support in a very special way. I am glad that your massive support since I joined this race has been overwhelming.
“You are doing this because you believe in me and in my candidacy.
“My aspiration, as I keep repeating, was driven by a selfless mission and commitment to rebuild, remodel, and reshape Enugu State to fit into that state of our collective dreams where we can take basic and social amenities for granted.
“Where our youths can be meaningfully engaged; where there will be peace and security for all and where our children can have access to quality and affordable education.”
Eze, however, said that with the trend of politics in the state, and with his careful assessments of all the governorship candidates in other political parties: “I have come to the conclusion that the interest of our state is of utmost priority and should rank over and above other interests.”
“It is based on the above that I had taken a critical and painstaking examination into the philosophy and idea behind the programmes and agenda enunciated by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Peter Ndubuishi Mbah and what he represents.
“When I looked at Dr. Peter Mbah, I see competence, capacity, character, outstanding credibility and unassailable track records with a traceable and verifiable history of leadership excellence.
“I must admit that out of all the governorship candidates in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah’s candidacy stands taller, weightier and heftier in terms of what he has to offer the state.
“I am in tune with his uncommon records in the both the public and private sectors, and I can vouch that, the likes of Peter Mbah could only be seen in the political cycle once in decades, if not in century.
“I wholly believe that Peter Mbah embodies the solutions to the myriad of challenges Enugu State people are presently facing; ranging from existential threats of insecurity, bad governance, leadership failure, to social services.
“It is based on this conviction that I want to state, unequivocally, that the only time to get things right in our dear state is now.
“Enugu State cannot afford to miss this opportunity presented through the ingenuity of Peter Mbah as missing him will spell doom and disaster for the people.
“I have, therefore, decided that, in the interest of our state and our people, to urge my thousands of supporters to see Peter Mbah as the most competent, qualified and well-prepared candidate fit for the job of leading the state out of comatose.”
Eze appealed to the people to do away with party sentiment and clannish persuasion and go for the best person for the job.
He said that not getting it right this time means that Enugu State will never get it right again.
“We do not have to vote based on selfishness. We do not have to vote based on tribal affiliation. We cannot afford to play politics with our future…”
