Ebonyi LP Gubernatorial Candidate, Architect Edward Nkwegu.
From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Ebonyi gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Dr Edward Nkwegu has assured the citizens of the state of his zeal to emancipate them from the grips of bad administration if he emerges victorious at the 2023 polls.
Dr Nkwegu, an Ebonyi-born industrialist and entrepreneur gave the hint in his 2023 New Year Message, which he made available to journalists in Abakaliki, the State Capital on Saturday.
He expressed gratitude to God for His infinite mercy and grace in protecting and sustaining the Ebonyi people these past years.
According to him, "It is by God's mercy that you have not been consumed by the harsh times you have been forced to pass through over the years.
"As we march into 2023, it is our prayer that the good people of Ebonyi State shall be liberated from the clutches of bad administration and for once breathe in the fresh air in a peaceful, harmonious and productive environment."
He disclosed that after conducting a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis on Ebonyi, he has come to realise that the number one challenge of the state is poverty.
He described Ebonyi State as the poorest state in Southern Nigeria with a poverty rate of about 80 per cent.
He maintained: "There is hunger in the land and our children have stunted growth as a result of malnutrition.
"People no longer sleep with their two eyes closed because of insecurity challenges prevalent in every part of the State.
"Human capital development is non-existent with unemployment rising to an all-high dimension in the State.
"Our youths, young school leavers, tired of roaming the streets in search of non-existent jobs, have resorted to menial jobs to remain alive.
"The lack of productive and job-creating infrastructure or enablers has not only ensured that businesses remain stagnant but also keeps investors and high-profile business concerns away from the State."
He, however, commended the Ebonyi people for the good news associated with their hardworking, humble, and honest spirits, saying these virtues stand chance to change their ugly narratives.
He added: "It is for this reason that I am offering myself to serve you as the next Governor of Ebonyi State.
"I have a dream to transform and reposition Ebonyi State with a four-point agenda carefully planned to take the state out of the woods.
"The first is Economic Development which will usher in rapid industrialization, agricultural mechanization, infrastructural enhancement as well as job and wealth creation.
"My administration has a plan for a robust civic responsibility plan which will give our children accessible, qualitative and functional education that will ensure that they are not only employable but also self-reliant.
"Our good governance agenda will provide a conducive atmosphere for rule of law to prevail at all times, reformation of the civil service by injecting a human face for our criminally - neglected workers as well as ensure transparency and accountability in government business.
"We also have an agenda for creating a healthy environment which will culminate in the provision of portable water supply, environmental sanitation and other essentials that will add value to the life of the people.
"Fellow Ebonyians, 2023 provides a rare chance to dismantle the old order. It provides a golden opportunity to build a new Ebonyi State. Don't be deceived by sugar-coated promises that will never be redeemed. Refuse to be bought over to sell your birthright for a plate of pottage.
"Take your destiny into your own hands and vote in Arc. Dr Edward Okereke Nkwegu of the Labour Party is your next Governor. I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year."
