We’ll grow Enugu economy to $30bn –Mbah

From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu

Governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu, Peter Mbah, yesterday, said he would grow the state economy to $30 billion if elected governor.

This is as the royal fathers, under the auspices of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, have endorsed him as their candidate in the March 2023 governorship election.

Mbah, who addressed the monarchs on the floor of their council chamber at state House of Assembly complex, shortly after they handed him the traditional Ọfọ (symbol of authority), to signify his choice, also said peace and security would be a priority for his government.

“Our vision is to grow our economy from the current position to $30 billion and what that means is to grow our economy seven folds, that is seven times over. We are going to make sure all our dormant and docile assets are reinvigorated.”

Thanking the monarchs for the endorsement, Mbah assured them he would no abandon them if he wins and become governor.

“The value of what you did here today cannot be lost on me. What you have done is to bestow on me the symbol of justice and peace. You have given me this insignia to represent the authority of peace and justice and I tell you that my virtues will symbolise this thing you did,” he said.

Mbah assured he has targeted programmes and policies that would address youth employment and integrated rural development.

Performing the kolanut rites earlier, the traditional ruler of Nike, Julius Nnaji, confessed it was the first time the council was doing such a thing and urged Mbah, who they repeatedly called “our incoming governor,” to remember the monarchs when he becomes governor of the state.

Chairman of the council, Lawrence Agubuzu, his remarks said Mbah’s emergence as PDP candidate was in keeping with the rotational principle advocated earlier by the council.