Anambra: I am the most qualified to be Governor - Andy Uba
Posted by FN Editor | 2 years ago | 735 times
Andy Uba
All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Senator Andy Uba, yesterday unfolded his development plans for the state.
He promised to establish industrial parks to drive industrialisation across the state, if elected in the November 6 poll.
The APC candidate described himself as the best man for the job, drawing attention to his antecedents as a problem solver and developer of human resources.
He said it was ironical that many people he had assisted one way in the other, including All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Prof. Charles Soludo, are in the race with him.
Emphasising that he has an edge over other contender, Uba, who addressed reporters in Lagos, said he understood the gravity of the challenges on the ground, the solutions they require and people’s expectations.
He said: “I know my people. I know what they want. I know what they are going through.”
Uba reiterated that he had made sacrifices in the past for some people to attain enviable heights, like the erstwhile CBN governor, a minister and other highly placed individuals.
Unfolding his plan for industrial parks to drive industrialisation, he said: “Industrial parks encourage rapid industrialisation through Foreign Direct Investment, expertise as well as the production of quality goods and services.
“That way, more and better jobs are created; more people are gainfully employed and are able to spend a part of their earnings in the market place, which boosts the economy, creates a bigger tax base for the government, and reduces crime rate in the state.
“The World Bank-funded Ethiopian Competitiveness and Job Creation Project (CIC) is a good case in point, illustrating the demonstrable benefit of industrial parks, especially from small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).
“My government will work with the Federal Government to construct the Onitsha-Awka-Nnewi gas pipeline, which will become a boost to manufacturing in the state, especially the industrial parks we intend to set up.”
Uba decried the worsening insecurity in Anambra State, which he said had threatened the electioneering.
According to him, a proactive state government ought to have found solution to the problem.
The APC stalwart recalled that he rose swiftly in 2007 to solve the same problem by visiting Ralph Uwazuruike of MASSOB in detention, five times, to dialogue with him and his men.
Uba regretted that Governor Willy Obiano lacked the wisdom and skills of engagement and capacity to reduce youth restiveness through job creation.
The APC candidate stressed that in the absence of credible government, people have resorted to non-state actors who are responsible for the sit-at-home order in the Southeast.
He said one of the ways to boost employment is to partner the private sector through the provision of an enabling environment.
Urging Anambra not to despair, Uba said infrastructural development would be one of his priorities.
He added: “Roads are bad in Anambra, and there is no water system. There is no Government House.”
Uba promised that if elected, he would conduct local government elections and pave the way for council autonomy.
The APC candidate stressed that while N220 million was due to the each of the 21 local government areas, the state government was only willing to release a meagre N5 million as monthly allocation.
Uba said he has the backing of the church, adding that he and his deputy, Emeka Okafor, belong to Anglican and Catholic.
Acknowledging the push for zoning, he said many of the governorship flag bearers are from the South Senatorial District.
Uba rejected the notion that the Uba brothers -himself, Ogochukwu and Chris – were working at cross-purpose.
The APC stalwart explained that they were on the same page about his ambition to rule the state.
On his structure, he said: “I have a formidable structure while in he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The structure is still working with him.”
He expressed delight that Anambra APC had been enlarging its coast, following the defection of the deputy governor, National Assembly members and other chieftains into the fold.
Uba said the top politicians defected to APC because of their belief in his ability.
He said although he was not desperate to become governor, the time was ripe for him to fulfil his destiny.
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