The governorship aspiration of a Labour Party chieftain, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, received further boost, April 13, in Onitsha when leaders of political parties and stakeholders in the area threw support behind his aspiration.
Ozigbo used the opportunity of the well-attended function to appreciate the support of the people of Anambra North towards Mr. Peter Obi’s presidential movement and success regardless of the eventual outcome.
In his opening remarks to the large audience, Ozigbo expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and people of Anambra North, pointing out that it was a great privilege being among them to strategize on how to make Anambra State through them.
His words, ‘To achieve this, my demonstrable competence, leadership qualities, and proven records in corporate and philanthropic endeavours, especially in important sectors like economy, power, education, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, will help in this transformation quest. Anambra under me as Governor will be repositioned and transformed to an enviable height.
He promised that his administration would focus on attracting illustrious sons of Anambra and the business moguls back to the state to invest and create opportunities for people through the provision of adequate security.
He pledged to submit himself to the will of the people and institutions rather than displaying arrogance, noting that the absence of such trait was hurting the state presently; even as he identified security, good roads, quality improvements in education and healthcare as nonpareil.
Ozigbo said that the Onitsha environment could be a far better commercial hub, while Ogbaru and Omambala axis could be far better agricultural hubs. He pledged to work smartly and strategically to curb and manage the seasonal flooding problems.
Speaking on his qualifications to govern Anambra State, Ozigbo said: ‘We have to insist on character, competence, and compassion in choosing our Governor. I represent the right combination of these qualities. Making Onitsha a true commercial city and the Omambala area, a true processing zone for agricultural production, eliminating insecurity, and dealing with human relationships, will help to bring a breath of fresh air in Anambra State.
‘We need to learn from the records Peter Obi set in Anambra, learn what Alex Otti is doing in Abia and install a government that will revolutionize governance and usher in the Anambra of our dreams. My three core approaches to improving governance are the Sector approach, to enable us achieve clearly defined and measurable key performance indices in sectors of importance; Cluster approach, so we can leverage economy of scale in important cities like Onitsha axis, Nnewi axis, Omambala axis, Awka capital axis and Ekwulobia axis. The final approach is partnership, where we allow critical stakeholders to be a critical part of governance,’ he said.
One of the attendees, Barr. Nonso Nwaebili, applauded Mr. Ozigbo for his commitment and readiness for the governorship project, urging the populace to be steadfast in working to give him the mandate as, according to him, the task ahead would be a battle of Titans.
Nwaebili expressed confidence in the project and said that Anambra had many sons but had a true leader and a democratic personality in Valentine Ozigbo for whom he pledged his unflinching support.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Azuka Enemuo (Ozigbo’s running mate in the 2021 governorship election) urged all to be united and to embrace unity of purpose to clinch victory.
‘We should start working towards Labour party taking over Anambra, and then we can proceed to the federal level to make Nigeria work again. I have my visa but insisted to remain in Nigeria and fight for good governance and betterment of all,’ she said.
Hon. Engr Emeka Idu, member representing Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency, also expressed gladness with Ozigbo’s character and competence, stating that the state needed somebody like Peter Obi to help fix Anambra.
‘We see it in Mr. Valentine Ozigbo. The important thing is to remain united, not only in the North, but Central and South senatorial districts and the grassroots to actualize the goal,’ Idu said.
Hon. Afam Ogene, Caucus Leader of the Labour Party in the National Assembly, and member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, expressed great worry over the high level of insecurity in the state and affirmed that Ozigbo had the capacity and connections to change the story positively for Anambra.
He appreciated the Labour Party in Anambra for their support during the last general elections.
Hon. Peter Anekwe emphasized the importance of Labour Party winning the election, stating that it was necessary to honour their National Leader, Peter Obi. He also called on the people of Anambra North to be united in the quest.
Ozigbo, in his closing remarks, thanked the stakeholders for coming despite the short notice, restating that he decided to run for the governorship because he was uncomfortable with the status quo.
‘We are in this project to win. I entrust my victory at the polls to the good people of Anambra. Our national leader, Peter Obi, is a man of fairness and equity despite his inspiring global personality. He will definitely lead the project for the main election, but as a great leader he is, he would prefer that I am a candidate of Ndi Anambra rather than just his or anyone else’s candidate.
‘So, now you have shown me this love, and with the incredible momentum we already have, let us send out the message to Ndi Anambra that God is about to answer their prayers. I promise you all, I will make Ndi Anambra proud,’ he assured.
Other political leaders and stakeholders present at the meeting included three former State Chairmen of PDP; Evangelist Don Onochie; Pandola Okwuosa and Ejike Oguebego. All the House of Assembly members of Labour Party from Anambra North, including Hon Barr Pat Okafor; Hon Barr Jude Umennajiego; Hon Justice Azuka and Hon Fred Ezenwa.
The candidates of LP in the 2023 House of Assembly election were also there, including their coordinator, Hon. OCN Okafor; Labour Party State Officers and leaders from the seven LGAs in the Anambra North.
Notable elders of Anambra North present included a former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Paul Obidigwe; former House of Reps member, Hon. CY Egwuatu; Zonal Chairman of PDP, Onowu Francis Udeoba and other leaders of PDP, APC and APGA in Anambra North.
