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Enugu: Coalition mounts pressure on Uche Nnaji to run for Governor, promise to purchase his forms

Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

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The race to occupy Enugu’s Lion Building appears to have taken a new dimension following calls by a coalition to Chief Geoffery Uche Nnaji, Nwakibie, to join the race.

The coalition made the call on Friday at the Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA country home of Nnaji, while pledging to purchase the nomination and expression of interest forms of any party of his choice the moment he heeds their call.

At the solidarity visit, different speakers from different groups making up the coalition took turns to pour encomiums on Nwakibie, whom they described as a successful business man, a man of honor and a political interventionist.

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Speaking, Ben Onyia expressed the worry of youths and villagers on the competence of the state’s governorship aspirants and hinted on their belief in his capacity to lead the state in the right way.

“Nwakibie, we are here to ask you to contest for the position of Governor. We believe that you will show the right course in leadership.

“We recall how you spearheaded a political intervention on the issue of Enugu state leadership in 1999 during your youthful days and we are convinced that temperamentally, you are equal to the task”, he said.

Supporting Onyia, Charlie Nwabueze spoke of the various positions Nnaji had occupied and how he made positive impacts in those positions, including when he contested for senate and won. He noted that Nnaji would be an iconic leader if elected.

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Gabriel Ejim emphasised that Nwakibie “enjoys the full support of the people to contest”. He commended his peaceful and humane nature and urged him to continue his good works and acts of service.

Responding to the crowd, Chief Geoffery Uche Nnaji expressed surprise and gratitude to the people for such support and belief in him. He stated how happy he was that the people recognized the need for a positive impact in the state.

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Promising to give an answer to their call in the coming week, Nwakibie declared that if the purpose of their visit was God’s will, it would come to pass. He emphasized on his resolution to consult God before making his decision

“I will still have to consult with my God, because God is the giver of power. God has the power, we don’t have the power. Nobody has the power to be President, Governor or even a councillor.

“However, my interest is energised by your presence today. I wasn’t expecting that people could come together to genuinely promise to buy forms for someone.

“You comprise of both the young and old people, people without access to water in GRA, the roads are in very sorry states, people are suffering.

“In those days when Enugu was Enugu, nobody spends money buying water. GRA had access to water 24/7, but today there is no adequate water supply.

“So, the moment God says “rise and shine”, I will rise and will tell you all. If we’re unfortunate that the form has been bought before my decision, then it’s God’s will. When God says “go”, then I’ll go”, he said.

Nnaji noted that there are different political parties to run on, like APC and APGA but certainly not PDP because “for 24 years running, they have remained the problem of this state”.