The revered monarch of Nnewi, His Royal Highness Igwe Dr. K.O.N Orizu III, on Sunday blessed and prayed for Chief Osita Chidoka, candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) for the November 18, 2017 Anambra governorship election.

Chidoka, who officially flagged off his election campaign at Uli on Saturday, September 30, in a ceremony attended by thousands of supporters had after a church service, paid the revered monarch a courtesy visit in his palace at Nnewi to brief him on his ambition and campaign.

Speaking during the visit, Igwe Orizu who laid hands on Chief Chidoka, prayed God to grant him wisdom, strength and good health to succeed in his ambition adding that the good of the people must be paramount in the minds of all.

“May God grant you the wisdom, strength and divine guidance to pursue this legitimate passion that I see in you,” the Igwe said, while blessing Chief Chidoka with the laying of hands.

Also speaking, spokesperson of the palace at the event, Chief Emma Iwuchukwu, said the palace is highly impressed with Chief Chidoka’s track record of performance in the public service as well as his courage in speaking out for the people especially at this trying time.

On his own part, the heir apparent to the Igwe, Prince Obi Anifor Orizu commended Chidoka for his courage in standing for the people’s rights and identity of Ndi-Igbo at this trying time in the history of the South-East.

“Leadership requires a lot of courage. We all appreciate your courage in speaking out for the southeast, particularly against the unfortunate military invasion in the southeast and the terrorism designation. That shows you a true leader who has the safety, interest and welfare of the people at heart,” he said.

Responding, Chief Chidoka thanked Igwe Orizu for receiving and praying for him and assured him that he will not let the people down.

Chidoka said he was not unmindful of the confidence the people reposed in him, noting that he was moved by the crowd of supporters who graced his campaign flag-off at Uli on Saturday.

He assured the Igwe that he would not relent in his “determination to restore the Igbo voice in Nigeria and use all legitimate means to end the inequity, marginalisation and denial of access to opportunities being suffered by south-easterners in Nigeria.”

The UPP candidate lamented the collapse of critical sectors in Anambra State. He blamed it on absence of purposeful leadership while further assuring the monarch that he has a highly operable blueprint to reposition the state, revamp the critical sectors and resurge productivity in Anambra.

Earlier in the day, Chief Chioka had worshipped at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Amichi also in Nnewi South Local Government Area where the priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ndukaji, besought God to grant him success in the race.