By Gabriel Atumeyi
365Daily – A leading candidate for the forthcoming November 6 governorship election in Anambra State, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, has assured that he will make ensure Local government elections are held within the first 12 months of his election as Governor of the state.
He made this known on Tuesday, September 1,2021, in Abuja during the unveiling of himself and Madam Jessie Balonwu, as the flagbearers of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Okonkwo, who arrived the venue amidst celebration, promised to take the state to the zenith of development.
While expressing worry and dismay that Anambra State has not actually made significant progress in terms of infrastructural and human capacity development despite being governed by democratically elected individuals since 1999, he promised that if elected, he would hold Local Government elections within his first 12 months in office.
He alleged that the rural communities have become even more impoverished because of the refusal of successive administrations to return power to the people through the conduct of local government elections, thus denying the people the right to participate in their own governance.
The ZLP governorship flagbearer stated: “If elected, I will conduct local government elections within the first 12 months. It may interest you to note that the last time Anambra people elected their leaders at the local government level was on January 11, 2014. Ever since then, Anambra people have yearned to elect their local government leader and bring governance to the grassroots for rapid development of the state.
”The APGA leadership has criminally denied the people this right which is constitutionally guaranteed at Section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic.
“Our rural communities have become even more impoverished because of the refusal of successive administrations in the state to return power to the people through the conduct of local government elections. As a result, our people have been denied the right to participate in their own governance. Basic development projects and programs which elected local government authorities should bring to their people have failed to materialize because of the decision of the APGA government in the state to undermine local councils by refusing to release to them their statutory allocations.
”At the base of political governance, independent local councils are foundational to grassroots development in Nigeria and it is in recognition of this that we pledge to conduct free and fair local government elections in Anambra state within our first 12 months in office as governor and deputy governor. This is a most solemn commitment from us never to deny the people their right to elect their leaders at the local government level.”
Okonkwo also disclosed that he came into the race with a 10-Point Agenda anchored on rapid rural development; economic growth with jobs; revitalization of education and human capital development; youth manpower development and employment; planned urbanization, urban renewal and ecological management; peace and security; improved access to basic health services; diaspora engagement; rebuilding our ethical infrastructure and social services to dutifully cater for senior citizen, the infirm and most vulnerable of our people.
Speaking further, he explained that Education and youth empowerment shall be his two core priorities if elected.
“With respect to education, we commit to embrace both formal and informal education, make our schools the models for other states to follow, enhance enrolment especially for vulnerable children and champion vocational education where young people can acquire technical and vocational skills to earn quality living.
”Further, we have developed a blueprint that will empower Anambra youths through an apprenticeship scheme that guarantees them start-up funds. This is one area that we are deeply passionate about because of its potential to turn many of our youths into entrepreneurs and employers of labour within the shortest possible time.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are deeply committed to the cause of changing the current development trajectory of our state. However, we cannot do it without the people. First, we need Anambra people to propel us to Agu Awka and afterwards to hold us accountable every step of the way. Democracy thrives on an alert and active citizenry.
Unfortunately, in Anambra as in the rest of Nigeria, our people have become so dehumanised by politicians that they now ask very little of their leaders. So much that today, paying salaries which our parents’ generation took for granted is now celebrated as achievement.”