In a more practical demonstration of the move by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to contest all elective positions with the exception of the Presidential slot in 2015, Anambra Sate governor, Chief Willie Obiano has embarked on grassroots visits to local government areas of the State to drum support for both President Goodluck Jonathan and APGA.
Governor Obiano who defied rainfall in the areas he toured to thank and sensitize the people on the expectations from them and government, pointed out that APGA would contest all available political positions, except the Presidential slot which he said the party has already endorsed President Jonathan. He said: “beyond the Presidential ticket, APGA is in contention for all the State and National Assembly seats with an eye to win them not only in Anambra State but also in the South East geo-political zone.”
Governor Obiano Who spoke at Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area Headquarters, assured that APGA is determined to promote internal democracy by going through normal primaries to enable the people elect candidates of their choice and pointed out that there would be no automatic ticket for any aspirant. “APGA is on course and is leaving no stone unturned in its determination to consolidate its dominance in the entire South-East zone starting with Anambra State.” Obiano stated. The Governor and his entourage that received a rousing reception at Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area during the tour expressed satisfaction with the strong grassroots support enjoyed by the party and urged them not to relent. He thanked the people for the remarkable support given to his administration and assured that he would not let them down.
At Aguata Local Government Area of the State, governor Obiano said his administration would sustain equitable distribution of democracy dividends to all parts of the State, stressing that all communities and local government areas would receive their fair share of political appointments and infrastructural development, including roads leading to agricultural basins and industrial layouts. He explained that the visits would afford him the opportunity for close interaction with the people to feel their pulse, identify their problems and harness ideas on the future of the party, stressing that APGA has continued to grow from strength to strength.
Speaking at Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of the State and Awka South Local Government Area, respectively, Governor Obiano restated that APGA would not impose any candidate on the people and disclosed that more people have declared for the party because of its ideological leaning on equity and fairness.
On his part, the National Chairman of the Party, Sir Victor Umeh who accompanied governor Obiano throughout the grassroots visits stated that APGA remains a viable platform for Ndigbo to project stronger voice and presence in the country and occupy the right position in national affairs.
Observing that the governor has started on a strong footing and fulfilled his promises of ensuring continuity, Chief Umeh expressed satisfaction that the governor has shown readiness to expand the frontiers of the party and defend its interest.
Chief Umeh stated that the governor’s achievements especially in the area of security and implementation of development pillars has restored smiles on the faces of the people and created conducive environment for socio-economic activities to survive and thrive.
In their separate speeches, the member representing Anaocha I and Anaocha II in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Anselem Duru and Hon. Ebere Ejiofor, and their Aguata II counterpart, Hon Ikem Uzoezie, as well as Awka South counterpart, Hon. Harford Oseke said the governor has sustained high tempo of infrastructural development, completed some on-going projects and initiated new ones. Their counterparts from Orumba North and Orumba South, Hon. Romanus Obi and Princess Nikky Ugochukwu noted that the governor has justified the confidence reposed on him, and assured that the legislature would continue to give him total support to turn around the State.
The Chairman of Aguata LG Council, Mr. Chuma Umeoji and his Orumba North and Orumba South counterparts, Messrs Okey Enekwe and John Onyeakpa respectively extolled the governor for the various interventions in their areas, noting that the governor has brought a new dawn that impacted positively on the lives of the people.
Also speaking, Chairman of Awka South Local Government Council, Mr. Azubuike Iloh expressed gratitude to governor Obiano for his relentless efforts to give the State a befitting capital status while his Anaocha counterpart, Mr. Ikeobi Ejiofor extolled the governor for the policy thrust of his administration.
A chieftain of APGA in Anaocha and a House of Assembly aspirant, Barrister Nneka Ezeani pointed out that the governor has laid a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the State, which she said would provide an added platform for APGA to win future election. Barrister Ezeani expressed the hope that APGA under governor Obiano would continue to maintain the gender sensitivity it has shown in appointing many women in positions of authority by ensuring that more women are given opportunity to seek elective positions in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness.
The governor who was accompanied by the National Chairman of the APGA, State Executive members of the party and some cabinet members who are stakeholders in areas visited assured that the party would provide a level playing ground for all aspirants in future elections.
