A governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has vowed to restore power to the people and drive community-based development if elected in the November 8 Anambra governorship election.
Okonkwo made this commitment while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
He criticized the current administration, accusing it of poor governance and failing to meet the expectations of the people.
“Anambra has witnessed poor governance and retrogression under the current administration, which has not done anything spectacular to deserve a second term,” he stated.
Okonkwo, the Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, decried the growing insecurity and economic downturn in Anambra, attributing them to an unfriendly business environment.
He warned that these challenges were stifling economic growth and forcing businesses to relocate from the state.
He emphasized the need for governments to position themselves strategically to maximize the benefits of Federal Government tax reforms by stimulating productivity and economic activities.
“Anambra is not faring well in terms of kilometers of roads constructed. Using public funds to build a fun city and naming it after yourself is not an achievement but sheer egoism. No serious leader names projects after himself while still in office.”
Okonkwo stressed that effective governance requires engagement with all segments of society, including investors, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens, to understand their challenges and address them adequately.
“Government must be able to relate well with a cross-section of society, including investors, entrepreneurs, and the middle or low class. That is the way to understand their challenges; it should not be distant from them,” he said.
He pledged that if elected, he would create an enabling environment that incorporates input from traditional rulers, town union leaders, and the business community to foster inclusive development.
According to him, APC has a strong chance of taking over power in Anambra, considering the alleged poor performance of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led government.
He called for unity within the APC to maximize this opportunity.
On the issue of zoning, Okonkwo dismissed it as an internal arrangement within APGA, arguing that competence should take precedence over rotation.
“Zoning came into being in 2010 when a former governor wanted to go for a second tenure. He met the people from the North and promised to hand over to them, as he was the only one that would do one term at that time.
“Even when APGA produced a candidate, the current governor and other persons from the South contested for the ticket from other parties.
“Zoning is not an issue now. Anambra is in a fix. The economy is destroyed, businesses are shutting down, and insecurity is ravaging us. We need a sensitive government.”
Okonkwo maintained that his ambition is driven by a passion for the development of Anambra rather than desperation for power.
