Nsukka Professionals Vow To Be Involved In The Choice Of Enugu State Next Governor

By Frank Oshanugor

As attitude of passivity has obviously played some role in the enthronement of mediocre leadership in Nigeria, a professional group; Nsukka Professionals Association(NPA), has vowed to be actively involved in the emergence of those who will govern Enugu State as from 2023.

The NPA made its position known on Sunday in Lagos when it hosted a team of candidates of the Labour Party running for different positions in Enugu State.

Members of the team, led by Barrister Chijoke Edoga, the Governorship candidate of Labour Party in Enugu State, included Barrister Okey Ezeah, a Senatorial candidate for Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Dennis Agbo, House of Representatives candidate, Igbo Eze North and Chidi Obeta, House of Representatives candidate Nsukka/Igbo Eze South Federal Constituency .

At the event anchored by Barrister Sam Otobueze at Westwood Hotels, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Prince Charles Nwodo, President Nsukka Professionals Association, in his opening remark noted that the Association, though not partisan has chosen to ensure that responsible and responsive candidates take up the mantles as political leaders of Enugu State.

In his words, the Association “has chosen to be involved in chosing whoever emerges in the governance of the state.
Once again, it gives us great pleasure, to welcome yet, another delegation, from our state. This time around, from the Labour Party.

“Nsukka Professional Association is not partisan,” Nwodo said adding that it is much more interested in the transformation of Enugu State.

The NPA Chieftain said that in the effort to ensure that the state is developed, “we have chosen to be involved in the process that will lead to the emergence of those to govern our state.”

According to him, this was borne out of the experience the Asociation has had, with the outgoing administration, which they could not decode in any positive manner, the trajectory of governance. “So we were morally incapacitated in criticizing some of the excesses and the very-very obvious malfeasance.”

The NPA president noted that the current administration is now seven years plus and getting to eight years.
“Now we are asking ourselves, how did Enugu State get to this point ? How is it that in the State that immediately borders us in Southwest is able to build roads in the local government area, able to build an international airport, built an international market, is able to build universities, flyovers within a span of eight years?”

He disclosed that Enugu State on the average received far more allocation from the Federal Government than Ebonyi State.

“In terms of internally generated revenue, we also know that Enugu State, receives far more,” he remarked, adding that all these things happened because they were not engaged in the political process.

“Today, we have invited our brothers of the Labour Party. We offer our hand of fellowship that we will work with you in the event that you emerge governor of the State.”

Nwodo warned against election rigging saying those planning to rig election in Enugu state should go elsewhere.

Enugu State Labour Party Governorship Candidate; Barrister Chijoke Edoga expressed appreciation to NPA for the initiative in bringing them together for an interactive session.

He emphasised that they have come to make a difference from the past.
adding that their focus should be on how the leadership of the past eight years has affected the people rather than saying that NPA was not partisan.

“Your focus should be on how the zone will carry its name …. Your focus should be with regards to current politics, and how do you react to the threats before you by the last eight years of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

“Do you fold your hands and watch power move far away from you? Or do you settle for the Russian literature. The issues of near abroad?”

Edoga maintained that the eight years is gone, saying that people expected infrastructural development, empowerment, man power development and others, adding that “These things were not met.”

He maintained that if this power elude them, they may never get it until the next 16 years.

“So the remedy you have is to look for somebody like me as the governor of the state even as I assure of good infrastructure development, manpower development, security for those who are even there now and everyone.”

Edoga said they are coming to redeem what the people have lost in the last eight years and beyond.

He urged the people to be interested in what happens in Enugu state because it concerns them adding that he will fulfill all his campaign promises. Boldly he posited that “If I say I am going to do this, I will do it.

“If I make any statement here, it is not political statement, but fact that must be fulfilled. We are going to be prudent.

“We are going to work on our roads. That a particular road is Federal road will not stop me from fixing it.”

He said the flag ship of his work is the dualization of major roads.

He also pledged to embark on electrification and bring in solar energy to the people.

“I will be transparent and accountable with fear of God.

“Together we will get bigger. I am urging you to give us all round support so we can give our people the equity they deserve”