…As PWD offer special inter-denominational prayers for his victory at the polls
From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Igbo community in Kaduna State on Wednesday endorsed and declared full support for the Kaduna State governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi ahead of Saturday election.
The leadership of the Igbo community which took unanimous decision to rally support for Hunkuyi said the decision was based on the candidate’s track record, competence, truthfulness and his determination to run an inclusive government if elected.
Speaking before Igbo leaders from across the 23 local government areas of the state in Kaduna town, the President-General of Igbo community, Mr. Francis Uchenna said what the Igbo community needed is the enabling environment for their businesses, believing that Hunkuyi is capable to do that if elected governor of the state.
Also, the Secretary General of the Igbo community in Kaduna State, Vincent Anagwonye noted that “Senator Hunkuyi understands the complexity of the State. I have worked with him in the past and he is a man of his word.“
“We are going to vote for him because of his qualities – competence, truthfulness and his ability, wiliness and determination to carry everyone along irrespective of age, tribe, language, religion and social class.”
Earlier, while addressing the gathering, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi reiterated his promise to run an inclusive government and review several policies of the outgoing Governor Nasir El-Rufai with the view to revise the ones tagged as anti-people.
Hunkuyi said he will revisit the issue of over 36,000 shops and business places demolished by the present government in Kaduna State.
“We believe in cooperation and unity. No one can put up a building with one hand. I hardly make a promise on what is not in my hand but I assure you there will be a special adviser from the Igbo community if we win this election. Our windows and doors are open. This is the beginning of inclusive government.“
Hunkuyi said any government that does not listen to the people in respect of their yearnings and aspirations is not a responsive government.
The leaders of the Igbo community headed by its President-General, Mr. Francis Uchenna consists of Vice President for each state in the South East – Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.
Others who were also in attendance include President of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States as well as Local Government Chairmen for each of the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State.
All the chairmen of the various trade unions such as Auto Mobile Parts, Building Materials etc were also in attendance.
However, at a separate event, the association of people living with disability otherwise known as people with special needs or physically challenged persons had organised inter-religious prayer session for Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi in order to emerge victorious in the Saturday governorship election.
This consist of both Muslim and Christian prayer session in one venue.
On why the PWD decided to organize prayer session for Hunkuyi, the State Leader of PWD, Comrade Muntari Saleh said “because we see Hunkuyi as man of integrity and good leadership qualities who does not discriminate against anyone, wether you are a Muslim or a Christian, whether you are big or small, whether you are among the privileged people or less privileged.”
“We have done a thorough assessment and evaluation and discovered that Senator Hunkuyi stands out above others in the race in terms of character, competence, compassion for the people, hence our support for him. He has promised an inclusive government and a special status for the PWD.”
Speaking at the event, Hunkuyi who was represented by Yakubu Anchau said two institutions of learning will be built for the people with special needs in the state.