Leading All Progressives Congress, APC aspirant for Owerri Zone Senate, Prince Alex Mbata (PAM) has been endorsed by traditional rulers and political leaders in Owerri zone under the auspices of Owerri Zone Political Leadership.
The endorsement came barely 24 hours to the APC Senatorial Primary.
The endorsement of Mbata was made after a strategic meeting held at the palace of the Chairman, Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Akujobi D. Osuagwu, and attended by LGA Chairmen Of Council of Traditional Rulers and political leaders in Owerri zone.
Some of the APC senatorial aspirants in Owerri zone sighted at the meeting, include wife of Ondo State Governor, Dr (Mrs) Betty Akeredolu, Chief Jerry Chukwueke and Prince Alex Mbata.
Sources at the meeting said that all the aspirants present, made presentations to the traditional rulers and political leaders.
Mrs Akeredolu was said to have pledged to remain in the APC and work with any candidate that emerged, while Chief Jerry Chukwueke, who described himself as a party loyalist, assured that he would remain in line with the position of the party.
Prince Mbata in his remarks said the race is not a personal one, because he saw it as a race for the good of Owerri zone, pledging to support financially anyone who emerges the candidate of the party.
It was further gathered that after the presentations by the aspirants, discussions and consultations, the traditional rulers and political leaders agreed that all the aspirants are eminently qualified, but decided to endorse Prince Alex Mbata, not only for the APC Owerri Zone Senatorial ticket, but as Senator of the zone.
The source said the leaders resolved to endorse Prince Mbata, because he stood out among others and through his PAM Foundation, he has demonstrated capacity in the areas of youth and women empowerment, social responsibility, positive influence on humanity and support to the efforts of the administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma in repositioning the State through the 3R mantra.
The source further stated “Owerri Zone Political leadership endorsed Prince Alex Mbata for Imo East Senatorial seat because the entire Owerri zone has benefited from his massive empowerment programmes.
“PAM was also considered because he single-handely built roads worth several millions of naira within the zone to make life meaningful for the people. He also created employment opportunities for many in the State.
“The traditional rulers and political leaders are convinced that a man who has done so much with his personal resources would be of great service to the people of Owerri zone if elected as Senator for the zone and the state in general.
“And they remain convinced that he can deliver the APC at the grassroots” the source at the meeting told this newspaper.
Among those at the meeting who endorsed Prince Mbata were Chairmen of Traditional Rulers from the nine local governments that make up Owerri zone.
They are: HRH Eze Jude Nwaogu (Chairman, Owerri North), HRH Eze Possible Uche (Chairman, Owerri Municipal), HRH Eze Dr. Lucky Okoro (Chairman, Owerri West LGA), HRH Eze Engr. Fred Nwachukwu (Chairman, Ngor Okpala LGA), HRH Eze Marcel Nwaturuocha (Chairman, Aboh Mbaise), HRH Eze O.B Nwokocha (Chairman, Ezinihitte Mbaise), HRH Eze Sabinus Nwaneche (Chairman, Ahiazu Mbaise), HRH Eze Peter Njoku (Chairman, Ikeduru LGA) and Eze George Ekeh (Chairman, Mbaitoli LGA)
Some political leaders at the meeting include Chief Chris Ogonos Okoro (Aboh Mbaise), Chief T.OE Ekechi (Ngor Okpala), Prince Victor Murako (Owerri West), Ezeala Jude Egwim (Ahiazu Mbaise), Hon Emma Emezie (Mbaitoli), Hon King Nwabueze (Ezinihitte Mbaise), Prof Chidi Onuoha (Mbaitoli), Chief Ezenwa Iheanacho (Owerri North) and Chief Paddy Obinna (Owerri North)