By Linus Aleke
The Former Deputy President of the Senate and Guber aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Enugu State, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has finally perished his ambition to contest for the plum office in his home state of Enugu.

He, however, called for unity in the party, saying that no sacrifice is too much for the peace and prosperity of the state.

In a statement, he signed and made available to the press through his media aide, Hon. Uche Anichukwu, the legislator said that his ambition is not worth the life of anybody.

He also congratulated the winner of the PDP primary election, Barr. Peter Mba.

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The former Deputy President of the Senate who met with his supporters and political associates in Enugu on Thursday regretted that his lofty plans for the transformation of Enugu, “A Pathway to a New Enugu”, were sabotaged by betrayals, a high level of ingratitude, fraudulent political practices, and persecution of his supporters.

He, however, noted that the light of political emancipation he lit together with his supporters, though dimmed temporarily, would never be extinguished.

According to him, “In the last two years, we set out to run for the governorship of Enugu State. Our mission was to change the narrative in the governance of our state and possibly inspire other states in the delivery of impressive governance. We hoped that this would lead to a total recalibration of governance in Nigeria with Enugu State as a starting point and model.

“Within the period, we set up a platform with a grassroots base. We named it Oganiru Ndi Enugu. It was duly registered. We received 77 support groups, which showed uncommon support for our mission.

“To show our seriousness, we developed and presented our manifesto entitled “My Agenda for Enugu State: A Pathway to a New Enugu State”.

“We were prepared to deliver good governance that would see to the prompt payment of salaries and retirement benefits to our senior citizens. We pledged to build not just roads, but also super highways that would connect our borders with other states and a ring road that would connect our local government areas.

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“We were set to deliver water and electricity to our cities and communities as well as impeccable envirothe, automobile, and sports.

“We were determined to provide jobs to our people to keep them from the temptation to commit a crime and enhance their wellbeing as well as secure their future and the future of their children. Our solution was to build at least two industries in each of our local governments in four years. Our economy would have changed forever.

“We had plans to secure our state using digital technology and a well-equipped Security and Public Safety Coordination Centre with adequate manpower. We committed to setting up an efficient state-funded security outfit and an Enugu State Identity Database to help fight crime.

“We were ready to deliver world-class education to our people. We promised to run 24-hour governance that would enhance service delivery. We were prepared to make the Enugu people proud again.

“Unfortunately, as we were doing these, some of our compatriots were busy conspiring and planting landmines to frustrate our rescue and transformation mission. We have witnessed betrayals and a high level of ingratitude on this journey. Yet we remained focused”.

The lawmaker further said, “I think we have fought a good fight to redefine governance in our dear state. It is time to review this journey and take a well-considered decision for the unity of our state. We have succeeded in opening the political space for greater participation. We have raised the consciousness of our people and opened their eyes to positive possibilities. Although these possibilities are today dimmed by fraudulent political practices, the light will never go out and we hope to rekindle the light by mentoring our youth in good governance, responsible political participation, and the finest practice of democracy.

“I know you have been waiting to hear from me. You have expressed to me individually and collectively your readiness to take a long journey with me to actualize our vision on whatever platform. I have deeply reflected on it all with a good sense of history, including my political history, and the need for the unity and peace of our state. No sacrifice will be too much. Therefore, I have come to a decision. Please, bear with me if my decision does not meet your expectations. I call for your understanding.

“After consulting widely with the elders of our party as well-meaning friends and respected elders across the country and beyond; after a long and painstaking introspection on our contributions to the development of the PDP, after considering the current security situation in the South East region and the need not to put anybody in harms way by a foreseeable combustive political environment, as my ambition is not worth the life of any Enugu son or daughter.

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“After considering that the things that hold us together as Ndi Enugu will ultimately outlive the treacheries of the moment; after receiving assurances from the gubernatorial candidate of our party, Barr. Peter Mba, that he would integrate our “Pathway to a New Enugu State” in his program and his assurances of the participation of everybody in his campaign team and government;

“I, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, hereby formally withdraw from the 2023 gubernatorial contest in Enugu State. I congratulate Barr. Peter Mba and wish him success. It is time to unite”.

Senator Ekweremadu also.thanked his supporters, the people of Enugu State at home and in the diaspora, and the PDP leadership at various levels in the state for their uncommon support and goodwill.

While appreciating his campaign organization, he promises to stand by them collectively and individually in appreciation.

He expressed sadness over the political clap down of opposition in the state, concluding that “I am pained by the experience of our people, who were injured in the series of senseless attacks on our disciples in the course of this journey as well as many being persecuted, some of whom are still facing sham trials and some in detention for offenses they did not commit. Their only offense was their support for Ike Ekweremadu”.