By COLLINS AMADI
Traditional rulers in Imo East Senatorial District at the weekend declared Prince Alex Mbata, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as their choice for the 2023 poll in the district.
The Deputy Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman, Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Akujuobi Osuagwu made the declaration at a briefing in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The Oshimiri 2 of Awaka Kingdom in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, said the traditional rulers picked Prince Alex Mbata owing to his track record of achievements.
Eze Osagwu said days were gone when people without track records ascended such exalted position without the blessings and endorsement of the traditional rulers of the zone.
According to him, “Prince Alex Mbata has done so much for the state which included tarring of 3 kilometers road from Protea Hotel to Nekede, tarring of roads at his home town Ngwoma Obube Community, Owerri North LGA and empowerment of hundreds of youths and women.
The monarch disclosed that Prince Mbata made a firm promise that if elected senator of the zone in 2023, the pains of Owerri Zone inflicted by past representatives will automatically take flight.
He declared that the serving senator of the zone, Chief Ezenwa Onyewuchi is not known to them.
He noted that for Prince Mbata popularly known as PAM has also assisted the state government with his personal resources.
According to him, his performance is an eloquent testimony that he will do more than expected if given the opportunity to serve the zone.
Eze Osuagwu stated that should anyone from the zone eventually turn out to be a ‘black leg’, the traditional council will place a curse on such a person.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Egbelu Obube in Owerri North LGA, Eze Jude Chidi Nwaogu revealed that during COVID-19 pandemic in the state, Prince Mbata spent huge sums of money, helping the state government combat the hydra- headed monster that ravaged the country.
Eze Nwaogu, who is also the Chairman, Owerri North Traditional Council and Secretary, Owerri Zone Traditional Rulers assured Prince Mbata of victory at the 2023 poll.
The traditional ruler called on indigenes of Owerri zone to queue behind Prince Mbata if Imo State and Owerri zone must move forward.
