By Ovat Abeng
The member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South federal constituency in the 10th National Assembly Abuja, Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta has said that he and his colleagues have been vindicated for defecting to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state to embrace the governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration.
Recall that Hon Obetta and Hon Dennis Agbo, representing Igbo Eze North/Udenu criss-crossed from the Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP three months ago.
Their defection was announced during plenary by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass.
Abass said the two lawmakers made their defection known to the House via a letter.
Disclosing the content of the letter, the Speaker said the lawmakers attributed their actions to the lingering crisis in the LP.
Speaking further during an interface between the state governor and leaders of political parties in Enugu North Senatorial zone, otherwise known as, Nsukka socio-cultural zone held at the Hall of Fame, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) at the weekend, the federal lawmaker cited the recent appointment of an “indigenous Nsukka son of Nsukka as Vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, for the first time after the citadel of learning founded in Nsukka soil 65 years ago, and, named after our nation -Nigeria, as a jynx broken by the Governor Mbah administration “ for the people of Nsukka zone.
Hon. Obetta further stated that the 5000 shops capacity Nsukka International Market which the governor just finished flagging off its construction ceremony before coming to the interaction session was a clear testament that the governor has genuine plans, and, committed to developing Nsukka zone.
The traditional ruler of Edem-Ani kingdom and chairman of Enugu state council of Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Asadu led other traditional rulers in the zone to the interactive meeting.
Hon. Obetta recalled that when he and his colleagues, including the member representing Udenu/Igbo-Eze North federal constituency, Hon. Dennis Agbo along with their other supporters decided to return to the PDP following the leadership crisis in their former political party, the Labour Party (PDP), he had made it clear that the decision was born out of their passion and commitment to advance the course of the development of their area.
“It is, however, on record that you (Gov Mbah) did not coerce us to return to the PDP, and to embrace the vision of your administration.
“It was, rather the good works of your government, and, your good vision that convinced us. When we took that decision, we made it clear that our action was born of shared vision of your administration agenda for the transformation of our dear state. We stated that our zone stands to witness more impactful development activities when we are with you under a common political canopy, so that at our various levels synergise in fostering critical development in all areas”, Hon. Obetta state further.
Assuring the governor of that the people of Nsukka greatly love him and are committed to supporting his administration, Hon. Obetta stated that the participating in the interactive meeting are the real grassroots leaders cutting across the six local governments that constitute the zone, including Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Etiti, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani.
He urged the governor to permit a representative of each of the local governments to speak on the peculiar needs of their area, emphasising that apart having in their “finger tips full knowledge of the their people’s needs, demography of their villages and communities, those in attendance in the meeting are “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.
In his response to the various demands of the various speaker which essentially centred on road, water and improve welfare, Governor Mbah stated that his administration prioritized education and health within this first two years of his administration, adding, however, that though issues of roads were not totally abandoned within the period as he cited several roads awarded, and, were under construction, he however promised that greater attention would be given to those requests they made.
The governor particular dismissed any fear among the people that his administration has hatred for Nsukka, as he promised that his government was committed to developing the zone on equal basis with other zones in the state.
