A group, Enugu Indigenes Without Borders, a PDP affiliated campaign support group, has started mobilising support for the candidacy of Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremandu for reelection in this Saturday’s National Assembly election and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the April 11 gubernatorial election.
The group, at a public engagement forum tagged, “The need to elect good leaders”, held at the Banquet Hall of Bayelsa House, Abuja, said it decided to mobilise the people of Enugu State for the two candidates because of their track record of performance in office and the need to ensure that they continue the good work they are doing.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the group, Dr. Bernard Oshi, disclosed that they decided to start their mobilisation efforts from Abuja because they recognise the fact that many Enugu indigenes resident in Abuja registered back home and would be going back home to cast their votes. He added that they will be proceeding immediately after the event to Enugu State where they will begin a house to house mobilisation for the candidates.
Speaking on the need to elect good leaders and their resolve not just to back Senator Ekweremandu and Hon. Ugwuanyi but also President Goodluck Jonathan, Oshi said, “It is in line with this tradition of only supporting those with verifiable track record of performance that all concerned indigenes of Enugu State across borders have gathered here today to unanimously and unequivocally announce our endorsement and determination to ensure another meritorious tenure for two of our illustrious sons in whom we are well pleased and President Goodluck Jonathan”.
According to Oshi, the group decided to endorse and mobilise support for the Deputy Senate President because of his solid political credentials and doggedness in handling state and national affairs, which he said had earned him accolades.
Oshi added that Ekweremandu has been able to touch the lives of Enugu indigenes through provision of scholarship, adult literacy program, widows support scheme, microfinance credits and sponsorship of football competitions.
On the PDP governorship candidate, the Vice Chairman of the group, Mr. Ekene Akanesi explained that “our reason for supporting Hon. Ugwuanyi is not farfetched. We recognise the fact that he is abundantly blessed with undiluted humility and broadmindedness. He is decisive and well accepted among both indigenes and non-indigenes in Enugu State”.
He further said that one other thing that stood the governorship candidate out was his ability to deliver on his promises as exemplified in the various constituency projects he had done for his people.
Mr Ekene therefore called on all Enugu indigenes within and outside the state to “strongly remain in solidarity with the quest Senator Ekweremandu to secure another tenure to represent Enugu West senatorial district and also ensure that Honourable Ugwuanyi gets the mandate of the people as the next governor of the state”.
