● Ferdy Agu
Hon. John Ogbodo, the Chairman-elect of Nkanu West Local Government, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the people following his victory in the September 21 council election. In a message released on September 22, 2024 and made available to GMTNewsng, Ogbodo highlighted the role of Governor Peter Mbah, the overwhelming support of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the electorate, and the transparency of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC).
“I first of all express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the progress of Enugu State. His administration’s commitment to economic growth, infrastructure development, and good governance will serve as a guiding principle,” Ogbodo noted, setting the tone for his leadership’s alignment with the state’s broader goals.
Ogbodo, who won in a landslide, secured a total of 57,771 votes to defeat his opponents. Declaring the results, the ENSIEC Returning Officer for Nkanu West, Honourable Edward Nnaji, a board member at the College of Medicine and Midwifery, National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu, stated: “John Ogbodo polled a total of 57,771 votes to defeat other contestants, Kingsley Maduka Nnamchi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Amarachi Nwobodo of the Labour Party (LP), who also contested for the chairmanship.”
Thanking the people of Nkanu West for their trust, Ogbodo said, “Ndi Nkanu West, I am deeply honored to have been declared the winner and returned as your Chairman-elect. This victory is a reflection of your overwhelming support and belief in our collective goal for an inclusive and thriving Local Government Council (LGC),” pledging to deliver on the mandate of development and inclusivity.
Stakeholders have lauded Ogbodo’s election, endorsing him for his leadership potential. Uwabunkeonye Nnamoko, a PDP stakeholder and immediate past Chairman of the party in Nkanu West, voiced optimism about the future under Ogbodo’s leadership. “The emergence of John as the council chairman-elect is what we believe will enhance a lot of things in Nkanu West and, by extension, the entire Nkanuland. We wish him wisdom, good health, and God’s blessings. Personally, I believe he will not disappoint.”
The endorsement from political, community, and youth leaders is a clear sign of confidence in Ogbodo’s ability to foster positive change. “We see this as a new dawn for Nkanu West,” said Chief Gabriel Nnamani, a leader in the area. “John Ogbodo has shown he can unite all sides and lead with fairness. We believe in his vision and look forward to seeing real development under his leadership.”
Similarly, Njideka Okereke, a women’s rights advocate in the local government, praised Ogbodo’s focus on inclusivity. “He has always been someone who values every segment of society. Women, youth, and the elderly can count on him to make sure their voices are heard and their needs met.”
The chairman-elect’s promise of inclusive leadership resonates deeply with the youth as well. Engr. Uche Nwatu, a youth leader in Akpugo, expressed his excitement. “This is our time. John has always been a strong advocate for youth empowerment. We are optimistic that his tenure will bring opportunities for young people in Nkanu West.”
Ogbodo further commended ENSIEC for conducting a peaceful and transparent election. “ENSIEC has demonstrated its dedication to upholding democratic principles, and their conduct of the election has reinforced our faith in the process,” he remarked.
Below is the full text of Hon. John Ogbodo’s appreciation message:
Message of Appreciation to the Good People of Nkanu West
September 22, 2024
“Dear Good People of Nkanu West,
“May I first of all express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the progress of Enugu State. His administration’s commitment to economic growth, infrastructure development, and good governance will serve as a guiding principle as we work to elevate Nkanu West and align with the broader vision for a more prosperous state.
“Ndi Nkanu West, I am deeply honored to have been declared the winner and returned as your Chairman-elect. This victory is a reflection of your overwhelming support and belief in our collective goal for an inclusive and thriving Local Government Council (LGC). I sincerely thank the PDP and your good selves for placing your trust in me, and I pledge to work diligently to meet your expectations and drive the development we all envision for our LGA.
“I also extend my gratitude to the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) for conducting a peaceful, transparent, and credible election. Their dedication to upholding democratic principles has reinforced our faith in the process. Together, with all stakeholders, we will build a stronger and more progressive Nkanu West.
“Sincerely,
Hon. John Ogbodo
Chairman-elect, Nkanu West LGC.”
With the trust of the people and the endorsement of stakeholders, Ogbodo’s leadership promises a new era of growth, unity, and progress for Nkanu West. GMTNewsng