By Chukwudi Nweje
Politics, according to Harold Laswell, an American political scientist, is “Who gets what, when, and how.”
This struggle, and the intricacies of party affiliation among political actors in Enugu State were set aside recently when the 2023 governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state, Chief Peter Mba and his Labour Party counterpart, Chief Chijioke Edeoga, literarily embraced at a two-day event organised by Enugu State indigens in Lagos, under the banner of Association of Enugu State Development Unions (AESDU).
The handshake of the two political giants across their party lines was not a surprise since both governorship candidates, though separated by their contest against each other to occupy the Lion Building at Independence Layout, area of the state, are united by the burning desire to provide the best governance for indigenes and residents of the coal-city state.
The two day event started with a dinner night on Friday December 2, 2022, at 9 brigade officers mess Ikeja and culminated in a cultural festival at Gen T. Y. Brutai Sports Complex, Nigeria Army Cantonment, Ikeja on December 3.
The event also provided the two candidates with the opportunity to parley with indigenes of Enugu State in Lagos and give an insight into their plans for Enugu State.
Speaking, Mbah promised the people that he would return Enugu State to its glory through ensuring that Enugu State moves from a consumer economy to producing economy, if elected governor in 2023.
He also promised that his government will tackle the issue of insecurity in the state and appealed to Enugu indigenes in Lagos to think home investment wise.
Edeoga, represented by Prince Emeka Mamah likewise promised to sanitise, refocus, and restrengthen Enugu State if elected come 2023.
Earlier in his welcome address, AESDU President, High Chief Linus Ejimofor Igbudu noted that the group is committed to the development of Enugu State. He urged the members to join hands and build a befitting edifice as AESDU PLACE/UNITY HOUSE.
Chief Igbudu said the time was long due for AESDU to build a Palace of its own and pledged that his tenure as president would deliver the Palace.
The cultural festival also served to admit two members, Chief Martins Nnebedum, former president of the group and Chief Charles Okey Udeji into the AESDU League of Patrons.
In his address, President of People of South East Region (POSER) Chief Everest Ozonweke, charged AESDU to work towards building an AESDU Unity House, which he noted is vital to Enugu indigenes in Lagos State.
He appealed to Enugu State governorship candidates and other politicians to support the project because AESDU does not get subvention from anywhere.
The highlight was the award presentation to illustrious sons of Enugu State for their contribution to the society and development of Enugu State.
Those at the event include High Chief Patrick Onuokaibe, Chief Chinedu Ani, Proprietor and Chancellor of Coal City University, Mr Chinonso Udeonwo (MD/CEO Easy Way Medical Supplies Limited), Chief Tony Onuigbo, Prince Emeka Mamah, a former Commissioner in Enugu State, who represented the Labour Party Governorship Candidate,
Chukwuemelie Lambert Agu (MD Enugu State Housing Development Company, Chief Martins Nnebedum, president emeritus/Patron, Rear Admiral Obi Ofordile, Dr. Okey Udeji, CEO Okeyson Group, and a host of others.
From right, ASEDU President, High Chief Linus Igbudu; Enugu State PDP governorship candidate, Peter Mba; and his deputy governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Ossai.