The clamour for Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State to join the big presidential dance rose by many decibels yesterday when royal fathers in the state lent their voice to the call for the governor to come out and lead Nigeria .

The erudite and voluble Igwe Jeremiah Onovo, chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, who led his colleagues to the Government House, Enugu , told the governor there was little time left to wait, urging him to pack his baggage and join the presidential fray without further delay.

Said Igwe Onovo: “Your Excellency, our son, Nigeria is today facing a political eclipse. The problems of Nigeria need the speedy invasion of a visionary mission, a desperate conqueror and a quasi spiritual element. You are our chosen commander-in-chief to lead this attack.”

Noting that under Governor Nnamani Enugu State emerged from a mere historical and cultural amalgam to a political and economic reality, the royal fathers urged the governor to join the presidential race, adding: “The royal fathers urge you here and now to rise and embrace the new dawn. Our son, the radiant sun, rise and shine like the Eastern sun that ushers in a new day.”

Upping the ante of the clamour, the Enugu State Market Traders Association asked Governor Nnamani, during a courtesy call, to heed the call, adding that Nigeria requires his services.

Speaking from a prepared text, the association’s president, Chief Ossy Peters Okoye and secretary, Francis Merejewe, said: “Please, go for the 2007 presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, adding that the masses will rejoice.

Responding to the royal call to service, Governor Nnamani assured them he would reflect deeply on their call, noting that he took their visit to the Government House serious.

He said he would not have hesitated to give his support for President Obasanjo to continue in office if the constitution did not limit him to two terms, observing that even the president’s critics would acknowledge his visionary and pragmatic leadership of the country, upturning its pariah status and making it an attractive destination for tourism and investment.

Praising the president’s reforms in information technology and other leading sectors of the Nigerian economy, he praised his sound economic diplomacy, which has seamlessly lifted Nigeria onto the world’s rapidly turning globalization wheel.

Dwelling on the visit, Governor Nnamani said: “I understand your concern. Your concern is that you hear drumbeats of Igede. There are dancers and you cannot find your own son.”

Waxing even more philosophical, the governor said: “We know the dance is going on but we want to sharpen our footsteps, to synchronise them with the rhythm of the music because we know our elders are watching the dance. We cannot afford to make mistakes.”

Governor Nnamani told the traders that he would not lose sight of the issue, which he said is a celebration of the successes of the Obasanjo administration in world affairs.

“ Today, Nigeria has taken her rightful place in the world, a country without borders. He has seen the expansion of the telecom sector, the consolidation of the banking sector and the liberation of Nigeria from the debt enslavement”, Governor Nnamani observed.

He said that while considering the request to run, he would continue to keep the president’s accomplishments in view, while exploring ways to project and sustain the achievements of the Obasanjo era, noting: “We thank you for your visit. As we consider your request, we will continue to reflect on the achievements, and the history of not only this administration but the achievements and history of President Olusegun Obasanjo.”