… As South East Traditional Leaders, Others Endorse Him
More endorsements have continued to roll in for former aviation minister and candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) for the Anambra governorship election, Chief Osita Chidoka, as traditional rulers from the South east region have handed him the revered Ofor igbo staff of Obi Igbo ahead of the November election.
The staff which is the Igbo traditional symbol of power and authority was handed to Chidoka by the Igwe of Igbo Ukwu, His Royal Highness, Idu Dr. Martin Ezeh at the national new yam festival; the iri ji ndi’igbo attended by an array of South East traditional rulers in Igboukwu, Anambra state on Saturday, where he also received the endorsement of kingmakers and the highly influential Mbido Igbo Association.
The transfer of the staff, which was vested on Governor Willie Obiano during the 2013 Anambra governorship election, and now to Chidoka is a loud and very significant statement by the royal fathers ahead of the 2017 election.
Speaking while handing the staff to him, Igwe Martin Ezeh said Anambra needs a governor like Chidoka who, he said, has “the required character, experience and commitment to refocus the state for the benefit of the ordinary people.”
He said Chidoka has shown that he has the “proficiency and political will to tackle the challenges facing the state” adding that the traditional leaders are convinced that by his achievements in public service at the national level, he has the capacity to evolve and apply innovations that would create wealth and revamp the economy of the state.
Also speaking at the event, the National Chairman of the influential Mbido Igbo Association, Mazi Okafouzu Ugochukwu said his association finds in Chidoka the qualities desired of the next governor of Anambra state, hence the endorsement by the group.
Ugochukwu said singling out Chidoka among other contestants to hold the symbolic staff shows his approval and conferment of authority by ndi-Anambra, whose mandate the staff represents.
“The vesting of this symbolic staff on Chief Chidoka is very significant and it has very deep meaning”, Ugochukwu said.
He recalled that the staff was given to Governor Willie Obiano during the events leading to the 2013 governorship election in the state but noted that after critical assessment of all the contenders in the 2017 election, Chidoka was selected for the symbolic staff.
Ugochukwu further stated that Governor Obiano has done his best but that the state needs a more creative, energetic and determined person like Chidoka to properly reposition it.
Speaking at the event, Chidoka thanked the traditional leaders for the confidence reposed in him and pledged not to let ndi-Anambra down. He said he has already worked out processes that will unlock its wealth creating potentials and ensure that all Anambra people are granted equal access to opportunities and resources available in the state.
It will be recalled that shortly after his declaration to contest the governorship election in June, some religious leaders including the Methodist Bishop of Onitsha, Rt. Rev. Biereonwu Onuagha and the Anglican Bishop of Niger West Diocese, Aguleri, Rt. Rev Johnson Ekwe, also blessed Chidoka him and prayed God to see him through the contest.
