Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Friday hailed Mr. Peter Obi, running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, describing him as “an iconic Igbo son.”
Ugwuanyi spoke at the Enugu Government House when he played host to Obi.
The Governor said Obi left enduring legacy both as a two-term governor and as chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum.
“Peter Obi remains an iconic son of Igbo land,” he said, adding that by the grace of God, Enugu State is a PDP State.
He thanked the people of the State for supporting the party in 2015, expressing the hope that the party would receive similar support in 2019.
Earlier in his speech, Mr. Obi told the governor that he was at the Government House to consult him and seek the usual support of the state, stressing that his candidacy was not about him “as Peter Obi” but the people of the Igbo nation and Nigerians at large.
The PDP Vice Presidential candidate, who was accorded a warm reception at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, by the state government delegation and other teeming supporters of the PDP led by the party’s Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Festus Uzor, expressed delight that “this is the first time in my political life that I am welcomed at the airport”.
While applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for his giant development strides in Enugu State, Obi pointed out that the success of his nomination depends on the leaders of the South East geo-political zone, pledging to bring meaningful development to the zone such as the Enugu – Onitsha expressway, when elected into office.
His words: “So for me this nomination is about our own area. We can’t continue to say we are not getting this or that or that we are marginalized. These are some of the opportunities to re-address whatever we think is not in our positions.
“I have served as governor, so people know a bit of my record. I am here to say to you (Ugwuanyi), I remain one of you. Everybody knows that I believe in Enugu. I believe this is our capital and it remains so.
“Your Excellency, that is why I am here. I need your support and that of all of you. I assure that it is all about us and Nigerians, not about Peter Obi”.
The Vice Presidential candidate later visited the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who welcomed him and noted how “extremely happy” he was to have him in audience at his residence in Enugu.
Chief Nwodo said that “as a party, the PDP has responded to our yearnings and aspirations by reacting to our feeling of marginalization at the top echelon of our leadership of our great country by nominating you to vie for the position of the Vice President of Nigeria”.
The President General disclosed that the Apex Igbo body will “very soon convene a meeting of the highest organ of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ime Obi when all the political parties are to bring out their candidates and we will take a decision on what direction Igbos will take in the next election”.
He extolled the leadership qualities of Obi saying that “your nomination is enchanting, your public conduct while you were a governor exemplifies you as a man of outstanding humility”, adding: “Your incorruptibility in government speaks volume. I look forward to when Ohanaeze will take a decision on which party the Igbos will vote for and I wish it will be you”.
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