By Amuche Agbo, Abakaliki
Ahead of the 2023 Governorship election in Ebonyi State, the Traditional rulers in the State on Monday threw their weight behind the Speaker of Ebonyi State house of Assembly to succeed Governor Umahi come 2023.
The royal fathers expressed their unalloyed support and solidarity when the front line gubernatorial aspirant presented them his nomination/ interest forms at the traditional council hall in Abakaliki.
The chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council and chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council Ezeogo Charles Mkpuma, who spoke on behalf of the other royal fathers, assured the Speaker of their supports at all times.
Ezeogo Mkpuma who blessed the Speaker, described him as the most qualified person to succeed Governor Umahi among other aspirants going by his leadership prowess saying he is tested and trusted.
He noted that the Speaker would even surpass the present Governor of the state, Dave Umahi.
“We do not doubt your capacity, we know you very well. You will perform more than your master.” he said.
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Addressing the Traditional Rulers, the Speaker said his visit was to present his expression of interest and nomination forms to the Royal Fathers for their blessings.
He noted he would enhance the standard of living in the rural areas and put to an end rural-urban migration by opening access roads and providing other social amenities in the rural areas, if elected the Governor of the state.
Speaker Nwifuru added he will equally ensure that the welfare of workers in the state was improved, stressing that their take-home salaries no longer meet their needs.
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Nwifuru, a Second-term Speaker of the Assembly explained that he was in the race because his Izzi people and the entire state asked him to run for the election.
According to him “I am here to present to you our nomination forms to contest next year’s general election. We never met anybody for consultation but it was you the traditional rulers, my Izzi people, and the entire people that told us to contest for the 2023 governorship election.
“When the Traditional rulers from the Izzi clan and stakeholders asked me to run for the election, tears dropped from my eyes because I am too young but they said I am the one that they want. I want to assure you people that I will not disappoint the state.
“We are going do all we can to restore peace in the warring communities, we will tackle rural-urban migration by opening roads, providing light, water, and other amenities that make life meaningful in the communities. We will consolidate on the legacies of the present Governor, David Umahi who has transformed the state. We will consolidate on his achievements.” he said.
He regretted that traditional ruler are not respected in Igbo land like in Hausa and Fulanis where their Emirs are being worshipped like gods and called on the Igbos to respect traditional institutions and promised to build befitting Palace for the traditional rulers in the state, if elected.
