Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, the member of the 10th National Assembly who represents the Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South federal constituency, has stated that his and his colleagues’ defection to the state’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is justified by the Enugu state governor’s performance on Ning and the wealth that flows into the Nsukka area during his administration.
Speaking at the Hall of Fame, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) over the weekend, Hon. Obetta was part of an interface between the state governor and political party leaders in the Enugu North Senatorial zone, also known as the Nsukka socio-cultural zone.
Obetta mentioned, among other things, the recent appointment of a “indigenous Nsukka son as Vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, for the first time since the citadel of learning was founded in Nsukka soil 65 years ago, and named after our nation – Nigeria.”
“The Governor Mbah administration has broken this jynx for the people of Nsukka zone,” he stated.
Hon. Obetta went on to say that the governor’s recent completion of the construction ceremony for the 5,000-seat shops at Nsukka International Market, which he attended before the interaction session, was a definite indication of his sincere intentions and dedication to the development of the Nsukka zone.
Obetta recollected that he and his colleagues, including Hon. Dennis Agbo, the member representing the Udenu/Igbo-Eze North federal constituency, and their other supporters had made it clear that their decision to rejoin the PDP after the leadership crisis in their previous political party, the Labour Party, was motivated by their passion and dedication to furthering the development of their region.
Nonetheless, it is documented that you (Gov Mbah) did not force us to adopt your administration’s vision or rejoin the PDP.
We were persuaded by your government’s excellent deeds and your admirable vision instead. We made it clear when we made that decision that our action was motivated by a common vision of your administration’s strategy for the change of our beloved state. According to Hon. Obetta, “We said that when we are with you under a common political canopy, our zone stands to witness more impactful development activities so that at our various levels synergize in fostering critical development in all areas.”
Read Also: NYSC Explains Reason for Withholding Certificate from Viral Corps Member Ushie Rita
The participants in the interactive meeting are the true grassroots leaders from all six local governments that make up the zone: Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Etiti, Udenu, and Uzo-Uwani. Hon. Obetta assured the governor that the people of Nsukka adore him and are dedicated to supporting his administration.
In addition to having “finger tips full knowledge of the needs of their people, demography of their villages and communities,” he urged the governor to allow a representative of each local government to speak about the unique needs of their area. “Strong political foot-soldiers who are in control of the conscience of their people, and, as well, serve as effective feedback to the people on the government development activities and administration,” he emphasized.
In his response to the various demands made by the speakers, which primarily focused on roads, water, and better welfare, Governor Mbah said that during the first two years of his administration, his administration gave priority to health and education. He added, however, that while road issues were not completely abandoned during that time—he mentioned several roads that had been awarded and were still being built—he did promise that those requests would receive more attention.
Since he pledged that his government was dedicated to developing the zone on an equal footing with other zones in the state, the governor specifically dispelled any concerns among the populace that his administration harbors animosity toward Nsukka.
The head of the state council of traditional rulers in Enugu and the traditional ruler of the kingdom of Edem-Ani Other traditional leaders in the region were escorted to the interactive meeting by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Asadu.
