Traditional rulers in Enugu State under the Enugu East Local Government Traditional Rulers Council have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah and the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, for a second term in office.
The endorsement was declared on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the council chairman at the Local Government Headquarters, Nkwo Nike, following a strategic meeting of the royal fathers.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, said the endorsement was a reflection of the confidence reposed in both leaders for their developmental strides and governance style.
He said Governor Mbah has transformed Enugu State through high-impact infrastructure projects, describing the administration as one that has repositioned the state as a leading model in the country.
The royal fathers also praised the leadership of Engr. Anike, describing his tenure as “the coming of a new moon” that has brought renewed light and progress to the council area.
According to the monarchs, key achievements of the Mbah administration include Smart School projects, the completion of abandoned infrastructure, the dualisation of the Nike–Ugwogo–Opi–Nsukka Road, and the rollout of Type 2 hospitals across the 260 wards of the state.
On the council chairman, Igwe Ugwu said his administration has restored peace and strengthened development across the local government area since assuming office about a year and eight months ago.
He noted that the impact of the council leadership is visible across all 12 electoral wards and 22 communities in Enugu East LGA.
The royal fathers further commended what they described as inclusive governance under Anike, citing his harmonious relationship with his vice chairman, Engr. Kingsley Obi-Anike, and the council secretary, Barr. Obinna Mbeke, as well as balanced political appointments across communities.
They also highlighted initiatives including sponsorship of over 100 youths for aviation training, scholarships for students, monthly stipends for elderly persons and veteran politicians, and other community development interventions.
Igwe Ugwu said:
“The traditional rulers is not just endorsing Engr Beloved-Dan Anike. We are not endorsing you because of your name or because of your handsomeness. We are endorsing you because in your first tenure you gave us peace. We are endorsing you because we need peace in Nike land.
We are endorsing you because we need development. We are endorsing you because we want you to continue in the good job. We are endorsing you because you are always changing gear while the state governor is also changing gear. That is why we are endorsing you.”
Backing the position, the First Deputy Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Julius Nnaji, also affirmed the endorsement, saying it was based on the achievements recorded in peacebuilding and development across the council area.
A symbolic highlight of the visit was the presentation of the traditional “Ofor” to the council chairman, a sacred emblem signifying authority and legitimacy.
In his response, Engr. Anike expressed gratitude to the royal fathers, describing his leadership experience as closely tied to the developmental vision of Governor Mbah.
He said:
“So I’m lucky that the governor has already built the wagon of his leadership, the rail system of his leadership, and we are hired as automated wagons to run in that railroads, automated coaches to run in that rail. So the direction is already known.
We will not fail Nike people, we will not fail the governor. The ‘Ofor’ you have given us will yield more dividends for our people,” he said.
