Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Awgu, Aninri, Oji River) has said that the people of Enugu State will stand behind Dr Peter Mbah as Governor of the state.
Okechukwu said this while congratulating the new Governor-Elect, adding that his election by the people of the state was a right step at a time of severe national economic challenges.
He called on all the opposition to drop their moves and join hands with the people’s choice, Mbah, to move the state forward and work for the greater good and purpose of the state.
“I pity Nigerians who see some Labour Party politicians as progressives because they moved out from the dominant parties (either PDP or APC) to the LP to cruise on the Peter Obi bandwagon.
“They won seven out of the eight House of Representative seats in Enugu State, but PDP did not complain.
“They won the senatorial seat of the governor and even the governor’s polling booth during the Presidential and National Assembly election, yet neither PDP nor Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi complained.
“They won the Enugu East senatorial district where Nkanu East LGA is located and celebrated it. But they would not accept the governorship result that came from the same process the same day,” he said.
Okechukwu, who represents Aninri/Awgu/oji River Federal Constituency in Enugu State, explained that Enugu people supported Peter Obi in the name of justice because, “we believed it was South-East’s turn to produce the next President.”
According to him, on the claim of Mr Frank Nweke of APGA; it beats imagination how a man who managed 17,983 state-wide votes against Dr. Mbah’s 160,895 votes hoped to win the governorship election in the first place.
He said: “On behalf of the good people of Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, I congratulate the governor-elect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the people of Enugu State on this massive victory.
“It was a hard-won victory, but it is worth it, given the quality that Mbah is expected to bring to bear on the leadership of the state. He comes with a wealth of proven experience and track record in the private sector space where he plies his trade.
“With his ambitious vision and programmes, his commitment to transforming Enugu State’s economy from the present $4.4 billion to $30 billion economy in eight years.
“As well, taking the youth off the unemployment market and unleashing their potentials and creativity, I am supremely confident that Enugu people made the right choice.”
Okechukwu commended Mbah for his commitment in his acceptance speech to run an all-inclusive government, saying that the unity and brotherhood were imperative if the state must experience the much-needed development under the Peter Mbah administration.
He equally urged the people of the state to continue to support and pray for Dr. Peter Mbah as he embarks on the onerous mission of building a new Enugu State.
