By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
National Chairman Oha-Izhi, the apex socio-cultural organization in Izhi land,HRH Eze Sunday Oketa on Thursday February 25th,2021 denied the endorsement of the Chairman of Ebonyi PDP, Chief Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi as the preferred governorship candidate come 2023 election in the state.
It could be recalled that Eze Oketa who is also National President,Izzi Traditional Council had been quoted in a report to have endorsed Chief Nwebonyi, following his track records in developing Izzi clan, to which he (Oketa) was among the monarchs of Izzi Nation who coronated the PDP Chairman, Nwebonyi as ‘Omeogo 1 of Isophumini community’ meaning the highest cheerful giver from the clan.
Also recall that the former federal Minister of State for Power and Steel,Chief Goddy Ogbaga was honoured as Enyiwauzor 1 of isophumini among other sons of the community who have contributed to the development of the area.
However, Eze Oketa, in a press statement, he personally signed and made available to newsmen, said he was invited to the coronation of Nwebonyi and did not say that Nwebonyi is a preferred governorship candidate in 2023 general election.
According to him: “I, HRH Eze Sunday Oketa, President of Oha-Izzi Nnodo and Traditional Ruler, Nkaleke Echara community, wish to refute or debunk the information which has went viral in the social media, accredited to me as my speech at the coronation ceremony of Chief Barr. Onyekachi Nwebonyi among others, that I, President of Oha-Izhi Nnodo, has endorsed Chief (Barr)Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the fractional chairman of PDP Ebonyi state as a candidate for gubernatorial election come 2023 as false, fabricated and should be disregarded entirely.
“I was duly invited as a friend to the occasion and I never represented in the occasion as the President of Oha-Izhi Nnodo or addressed myself during my speech at the occasion as chairman of Izzi Traditional Rulers council. My words of blessings poured on the celebrant, misquoted by the press were made in my capacity as Traditional Ruler.
“On this premise, I wish to make it categorically clear, that, knowing my position as the President of Oha-Izhi Nnodo, I have not endorsed and will never endorse any particular candidate whatsoever for any political position because Oha-Izhi Nnodo which I lead is apolitical in all ramification.
“I therefore refute the said publications. The publication should please be extracted. I advise the press to be more objective in their reporting. Signed, HRH Eze Sunday Oketa, President Oha Izzi Nnodo.”
