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Chetanne Chinelo & Daberechukwu Egbo, Enugu

Following the taking of oath of office and inauguration of Dr. Peter Mbah as the new Governor of Enugu State and Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai as the new Deputy Governor by the Chief Judge of the state on Monday, May 29, 2023, stakeholders, citizens and public office holders have continued to send out congratulatory messages to the duo.

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In their different messages made available to Pacesetter, they commended him and his deputy for their victory at the polls, while reminding them of the promises contained in their manifesto.

In his message, a former Deputy Governor of the state and General Superintendent of the Christ Ascension Church Worldwide, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ralph Ifeanyi Nwoye, described Mbah as an astute industrialist and investor while clearly stating his confidence in the new Governor

“The hopes and expectations are understandably high; however, I am convinced you are equal to the task. I wish you well, and God willing, your years as the Governor of Enugu State will be the best we have had so far”, Nwoye said.

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Patrick Nwabueze Ubru noted that “The battle was hard but Enugu people stood firm and resolute and God prevailed. Your emergence as candidates for Executive Governor and Deputy Governor is like fresh sparkling spring springing up in a desert”.

Continuing, the Head, USA REGION, Peter Mbah Campaign, Dr. Ife Sinachi Ugwuonye-Okechukwu, described the inauguration of Mbah and his expected performance as a “fait accompli”.

She said: “We are all very excited because we believe that our brand new Governor is well equipped with exceptional abilities to take our dear state, Enugu to an enviable position as the leading state in Nigeria.

“We worked hard, as a team to get here. We are proud of the outcome and very optimistic about the future for the good people of Enugu State”.

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Reiterating that what will happen in Mbah and Ossai’s administration could be better imagined, the state’s immediate past Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Dr. David Ugwunta stressed: “The good people of Enugu look forward to the deployment of your fountain of expertise, brilliance, skill and wide reach in consolidating on the achievements of the past PDP administration in building a better Enugu”.

Advicing the new Sherrif, Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, Executive Director, LEAD Network Africa said: “I have three uncommon pieces of advice to you.

“Firstly, never let your government be hijacked. Ensure you are in charge always. Secondly, get rid of unproductive folks. It is counterproductive trying to achieve a noble purpose with the wrong set of people. Thirdly, the scarcest commodity in the place of power is the truth. To succeed, you must consciously surround yourself with critical minds and not sycophants.”

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On his part, the General Manager of Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, ESHDC, Chukwuemelie Agu, gave his warm regards to the new Governor and wished him a fruitful and eventful tenure.

“Enugu state marches into a new era of more development and consolidation.

“Your assumption of office will witness ESHDC providing quality and affordable housing schemes for the high, medium and low income earners as never done before.”

Asso. Prof. Obi Emmanuel Ikechukwu, the immediate past Commissioner for Health, wished Mbah blessings, steadiness of mind and spirit as “he takes up the baton of Governor in Enugu”.

A former guber aspirant and the immediate past Commissioner for Rural Development in the state, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described Peter Mbah’s emergence as the new political leader of Enugu State as “A divine and eloquent testimony of his wide acceptance by our people.”

He urged him to deploy his altruistic disposition, disruptive innovation, resilience, doggedness and commitment to the service of the state.

The Registrar, Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Dr. Obiageli Igwesi, alluded to the “loud manifesto” of Dr. Peter Mbah which she said “leaves no one in doubt of the level of preparedness for the daunting task ahead”, while lauding his “compassionate attribute exhibited through the Peter Mbah Foundation”.

The Spokesman of the Enugu State PDP campaign council, Barr. Nana Ogbodo, lauded Mbah’s success and expressed confidence concerning the future of Enugu.

“… I have conviction that the tireless zeal that underpin your work ethic will translate your grand vision for Enugu State into a glorious dawn for all, regardless of creed, region or ethno-cultural bloc.”

Business Mogul, Engr. Prince Lawrence Ozoemene Ezeh, noted that “Our people look up to you for a replication of the Pinnacle Miracle in our dear state. We are certain that with God on your side, you will accomplish your robust promises to our people.”

On his part, Engr. Onyema Odo, the General Manager, Enugu State Rural Electrification Board, wished him” good tidings, the enablement, strength, ability, wisdom, courage and stamina to be able to make his mark”.

Speaking on behalf of a political support group, Peter Mbah Grassroot Canvassers, the Director General, Owelle Steve Avah, urged Mbah to replicate his entrepreneurial success in governance.

“Your stint in the private sector, the richness of your policy document, the truthfulness of your promises and the conviction in your tone validate the extent of your preparedness to serve Enugu state. May God give you the courage and political will to do all that is right for our state”, Avah averred.

Also, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government, Hon. Uchenna Ejim, while extolling the Governor and his deputy, re-echoed: “…the time we eagerly waited for is here, and we are pleased beyond measures to know that a new sheriff is in town to disrupt the status quo and give Enugu State a unique and better style of leadership, quantum leap in economic growth and prosperity”.

Ben Nwoye, a former Chairman of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Chieftain of the party, while expressing joy over Mbah and Ossai’s inauguration observed that “His emergence…is an indication that Enugu State is poised for an astronomical growth in all sectors of the state.”

Mbah’s inauguration ceremony, which witnessed a mammoth crowd as Enugu people defied both the rain and sit-at-home order, was attended by notable leaders of the state, including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Sullivan Chime, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo as well as the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, among others.