From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The Enugu state governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, turned 53 years old yesterday.
But unexpectedly a mini- birthday dinner arranged for him in his office was graced by creme de la creme in the society, as a mark of solidarity to his administration in view of the tremendous achievements he has recorded so far in socio economic transformation of Enugu state.
Most importantly, the social peace and security he has restored in the state as against the turbulence and violence gingered by non state actors he met on ground.
His predecessor, Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ex-Governor Sullivan Chime(2007-2015), warmly graced the mini birthday dinner held in Governor Mbah’s office.. They stood by his sides and jointly supported him cutting his birthday cake.
The National Assembly members from Enugu state irrespective of party affiliation demonstrated their loyalty to Governor Mbah by identifying with him on his 53rd birthday celebration Those who were not present sent in their good will messages.
The likes of Hon. Engr.Anayo Onwuegbu, representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River federal Constituency,vwent the extra miles to relay the goodwill message on behalf of his constituents in a national daily.
The Labour Party candidate in the 2023 Enugu state governorship election-Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, equally sent in his good will message to Governor Mbah at 53 through several media channels.
The Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial district, Senator Okey Ezea, member representing Udenu/Igbo Eze North federal Constituency, Dennis Agbo,both of whom were elected on the platform of Labour party,were physically present at the mini birthday party held for Governor Mbah in his office.
The Enugu state caucus in the House of Representstives told Governor Mbah that they in full support of his administration.
“We proudly identify with your laudable efforts in the transformation of our state through your inclusive development governance model.
“We wish you many happy returns, divine wisdom and support as you superintend over the affairs of our dear state,”
The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, who led in the prayers for Governor Mbah, commended him for the highly improved security of lives and property in the state. He described Governor Mbah as a trailblazer in the business of governance.
Other clerics who spoke at the dinner commended Mbah for recognizing the contributions of his predecessors and for his all-inclusive approach to governance.
“Building on previous achievements of the leaders of this state without exception, Gov. Mbah has consolidated.
“If you don’t know what to do about security, come to Enugu State. You are doing well and a lot on security.
“So, we are all here to pray for you to continue your good work,” he stated.
Rev. Monsignor Obiora Ike, in his own speech commended the governor for keeping the state secure and peaceful. He vowed to continue telling Governor Mbah the truth at all times to ensure he did not derail.
“The previous governor, another former governor and the current governor are all sitting completely together here, one next another. There is something convincing about this. It is your demeanour and humility that make it possible.
Others will say, ‘it is only me that will stand as a king,’ but that is not who you are and what you do,” Monsignor Ike, who is also a professor, stated.
Responding to the various goodwill messages, Governor Mbah expressed profound gratitude to the people and leaders of the state, who looked beyond politics and all manner of divides to accord him a surprise visit and pleged to continue to support his administration. He vowed that he would never let them down.
“In October 2022, when we outlined our plans and vision, we promised Ndi Enugu that we are going to make Enugu State the premier destination for business, investment, for leisure and for living.
“We also said that beyond growing our economy to an exponential level, we were also going to eradicate poverty, which is largely responsible for our grassroots and all-inclusive approach to development where nobody is left out.
“We made a promise that day that we were going to serve with every fiber of our being; that we will not betray the trust. I am also standing before you this evening to reenact that promise that I will not let you down. And we are not going to betray your trust. We are going to serve you with every fiber of our being,” Mbah assured.
