Chief Ogah: “I’ll change the ugly narrative of Abia state.”
The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Chief Uche Ogah, Friday declared his interest to run for Abia governorship in 2023.
Ogah, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the declaration at the state party Secretariat in Umuahia.
SummitNews reports that this is his third attempt to govern the state.
In 2015, he was highly tipped to pick the PDP ticket but lost to incumbent Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Again in 2019, he became the APC flag bearer but came a distant second behind Ikpeazu.
In a declaration speech, Ogah said his decision to join the race was to enable him to change “the ugly narrative of the state, when elected.”
According to him, “I know that I have the capacity to transform our dear state. I will provide a visionary and purposeful leadership that would take the state to the next level.
The oil merchant said that he would leverage his wealth of experience as a successful businessman to make the state great among the comity of states.
He said that he would create an enabling environment that would make the state the destination for local and international investors.
“I shall engage the captains of industry within and outside the country to bring rapid develoment to the state. I will make Abia work again through a robust synergy with the private sector,” he said.
The minister further said: “Nigeria is blessed with many natural resources and if we properly harness them, there will be less emphasis oil.
“I will bring my experience in the private and public sectors to bring positive change in the lives of Abia people. My adminstration will be anchored on faith in God and social transformation. I plan to transform the economic, agricultural, educational, security and health sectors of the state.I want to reinvent the dreams of our founding fathers, where the rule of law shall thrive.
“We will reintroduce the agricultural revolution, which made the defunct Eastern Region one of the fastest growing economy in world then.”
Ogah also promised to tackle the problem of dilapidated infrastructure, assuring the people that he would provide quality roads and social amenities to make the state conducive.
He said that he would ensure adequate security of lives and property for businesses to thrive, especially in the major cities of Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia.
The governorship aspirant also said that his administration would work assiduously to ensure functional education in the state.
Ogah further spoke on his plan to fix the dis-functional health system in the state, promising to build standard hospitals in the three senatorial districts to meet the health needs of the people.
He also gave assurance that workers’ salaries and pensions would be paid as and when due, pointing out that “every labourer deserves his wages”.
Responding, a chieftain of the party, Chief Acho Obioma, gave assurance that the party would provide a level playing field for all the aspirants during the primaries.
Other chieftains of the party at the declaration, included the former state Chairman of the party, Chief Donatus Nwankpa.
The party stalwarts urged members to remain steadfast and positive, saying that APC would produce the next governor of the state.
