The umbrella body of traditional rulers in the Anambra, the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, has endorsed All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) flag bearer, Chief Willie Obiano, and bestowed their royal blessings on him as the next governor of the state.

The ceremony which took place Tuesday at the Secretariat of the Council of Traditional Rulers in the state capital, Awka, was attended by all the Igwes from the 177 communities in the state.

Conferring the blessings on Chief Obiano, the Nrienwelani 1, Eze Nri Obidigbo Onyeso, was assisted by the Chairmen of the State Council of Traditional Rulers in the three Senatorial Zones of the state, namely Igwe of Okpuno, Engr. Simon Okafor of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Igwe Aborgu II na Nteje, Rowland Odegbo of Anambra North Senatorial Zone and Igwe Dr. Cosmas Okechukwu Oluoha XVI of Ihiala representing Anambra South Senatorial District.

Placing their hands on the forehead of Chief Obiano to seal the anointing, the royal fathers declared the APGA candidate the chosen candidate to succeed Governor Peter Obi in office and prayed to God grant him victory at the polls and imbue him with wisdom to lead Anambra State into a prosperous future.

According to Eze Nri, who is the supreme custodian of the totems of the ancestral heritage of the Igbo race, the royal fathers had come to a conclusion that Obiano was the best choice for Anambra after a carefully objective assessment of all the candidates who are standing election in the November 16 poll.

Lending his weighty voice to Obiano’s endorsement, the Chairman of Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Agbogidi, Igwe Nnemeka Achebe (the Obi of Onitsha), said he is in agreement with the endorsement of Chief Obiano. Igwe Achebe noted that only one person will become the Governor of Anambra State and urged other contestants to accept the position of the traditional rulers.

Earlier in his introductory remarks, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, had explained that Chief Obiano’s credentials and experience as a seasoned manager of men and resources are some of the reasons APGA, after due consideration settled for him as flag bearer ahead of others. Chief Umeh assured the royal fathers that Obiano has what it takes to continue the model of governance that has been in place in Anambra since the past eight years.

On his part, Chief Obiano thanked the royal fathers for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his readiness to serve the people of Anambra State. He also expressed his willingness to deepen the existing cordial relationship between the royal fathers and the state government and ensure that their role in the delivery of good governance is enhanced for the overall good of the state.

Among other prominent traditional rulers at the occasion were Patron, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Okpoko of Oba, Igwe Peter Ezenwa; Deputy Chairman, Anambra Central Senatorial Zone Council of Traditional Rulers and Eze-Uzu of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu; Igwe of Aguleri, Igwe Christopher Idigo; Igwe Okalakwu, of Igbariam, and Igwe Kelly Nzekwe.

From the ranks of non-traditional rulers, the Member Representing, Njikoka/Aniocha Federal Constituency, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, was among dignitaries that witnessed the anointing of Obiano.

•Photo shows Obiano.

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