The people of Attakwu Akegbe community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office in 2027.
The community also appealed to Mr Tinubu for the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The endorsement was announced during the “Attakwu Akegbe Community Mega Rally in Support of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Peter Mbah,” held at the community’s civic centre on Saturday.
The traditional ruler of Attakwu Akegbe Autonomous Community, Igwe Greg Ugwu, said the endorsement was informed by the infrastructural development and other achievements recorded by Mr Mbah’s administration in the community.
Mr Ugwu said the governor had demonstrated uncommon commitment to the development of the community through road construction and other projects.
The royal father said the community would mobilise massively for Mr Tinubu, Mr Mbah and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2027 general elections.
He urged political opponents to conduct their campaigns peacefully and allow the electorate to vote according to their conscience.
“Politics should be played according to the rules. There should be no violence. Allow people to vote freely, and I believe our people will vote for APC candidates,” he said.
Mr Ugwu also appealed to Mr Tinubu to consider the unconditional release of Mr Kanu in the interest of peace and reconciliation.
“On behalf of traditional rulers, I appeal to our amiable President to release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally.
“We are begging him to listen to our appeal,” he said.
In his welcome address, the president-general of the community, Kingsley Nnamchi, described Mr Mbah’s administration as people-oriented, saying the community had benefited immensely from its development projects.
He said the construction of the Amagu-Attakwu-Elf Ring Road, with standard culverts and drainage systems, had improved transportation and boosted economic activities in the agrarian community.
Mr Nnamchi listed other projects, including two smart schools in Akegbe Ugwu and cottage hospitals at Ekeagba and Ndiagu Attakwu, which he said had brought governance closer to the people and improved access to education and healthcare.
The president-general said the community had resolved to reciprocate the governor’s developmental efforts through massive electoral support in 2027.
He, however, appealed to Mr Mbah to provide modern irrigation equipment for women engaged in dry-season farming in the community to increase agricultural productivity, reduce hardship and strengthen food security.
Mr Nnamchi also appealed for the reopening of the Attakwu Nyama sand excavation site, which he described as a major source of livelihood for youths in the community.
The president-general said reopening the site would create employment opportunities, generate revenue for the state and reduce youth restiveness.
Also speaking, a community leader and former Federal Commissioner in the Federal Character Commission, Emeka Ani, described the turnout at the rally as genuine grassroots mobilisation in support of Mbah.
“I have been in Abuja but what I have heard and seen about the governor’s achievements is marvellous. He has demonstrated capacity fully, and my endorsement is total and complete,” he said.
Calling on the community to support Mbah’s re-election bid, Mr Ani expressed optimism that the governor would secure a second term in 2027 to consolidate his administration’s development projects.
Responding on behalf of Mr Mbah, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Charles Egumgbe, commended the community for its solidarity and massive turnout at the rally.
He assured the people that their requests and concerns would be communicated to the governor for consideration.
The commissioner urged the community to remain peaceful, united and focused on development rather than allowing political differences to create divisions among them.
“I call on you all to translate this endorsement into votes during the 2027 general elections,” Mr Egumgbe said.
(NAN)
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