Anambra Decides: Realistic or Not?(Episode 1)
Our Top 10 promises from Andy Uba and Charles Soludo
Emmanuel Andy Uba
Andy Uba (a.k.a Igwebuike) emerged as the flagbearer of APC in one of the controversial primaries for the upcoming 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial election held on 26 June at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu Lake in Awka, the state capital. Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, who led the APC primary election committee that conducted the primary, said Mr Uba got 230,201 votes while his closest rival, Johnbosco Onunkwo, garnered 28,746 votes. Igwebuike has continued to call for harmony in the party however some contestants in the primaries like Ben Etiaba and Dr. Godwin Maduka have since decamped to other parties so as to partake in the Gubernatorial race.
Andy Uba released a publicly-available 28-page policy document which have 10-pronged policy agenda, namely; Security, jobs, Economy, Infrastructure, Health, Agriculture, Local Government, Gender Inclusivity, Environment, Youths and Sport.
Andy Uba said his intent is to create massive jobs across Anambra state and tackle inequality. AdvoKC has been collecting Uba’s campaign promises from his social media handles and public comments. He was notably absent in the debate, titled “2021 Anambra Governorship Election: Face the Voters” which was organised by Kwechiri Unity Forum in Collaboration with Arise Television (Arise TV).
We identified Uba’s 10 promises that are important but seem difficult to accomplish. These promises were selected as a result of Stella Okeke’s research.
1. “I will dialogue with agitating groups to restore peace in Anambra State.”
2. “Eliminate all unnecessary fees in public schools”
3. The establishment of a Preventive Healthcare System to be called: Preventive Health Insurance Program (PHIP) – Health
4. Linking of Onitsha to the PH-Maiduguri railway being undertaken by the APC-led federal government with rail stations to be constructed in Awka and Onitsha. -
5. Uba promises to complete Awka-Amansea-Ebenebe road in six months.
6. Include a representative of the Physically Challenged at the State Executive Council.
7. Map all erosion-prone areas and begin initiatives to stop erosion from occurring in that area
8. Build an Innovation hub in the three senatorial zones to drive the digital economy of the state.
9. Create an Agricultural Hiring Center in every zone by utilising the local government.
10. Dualize roads connecting commercial centers in the state.
Charles Soludo
Professor Charles Soludo’s emergence as his party flag-bearer in the upcoming Anambra governorship election after a tightly contested APGA gubernatorial primary have been laced with several litigations. However, the former CBN governor is now focused on winning the race to occupy the Awka government house after the release of a final list by Independent National Electoral Commission.
The Aguata-born professor is contesting with 18 other aspirants in the race to choose a new governor for the state after the two-term reign of Willie Obiano.
In September 2021, Charles Soludo presented his manifesto. His 42-page manifesto was unveiled at Alex Ekwueme square, Awka and was tagged, “the People’s Manifesto”. Prof. Charles Soludo in the manifesto grouped his pan for Ndi Anambra into four (4) different major pillars. The four pillars are; Economic Transformation, Social Agenda, Governance, Rule of Law & Value and Environment.
“We are not making empty promises, the things we have here (manifesto) have been thought over by me and they are achievable, not the people who contracted people to concoct something that looks like manifesto for them,” said an excited Soludo while addressing his supporters at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.
The following are 10 promises that are important but seem difficult to accomplish.
The next APGA government will ensure that 130,000 jobs are created yearly in Anambra.
“We will set up and annual N5 billion early-stage/venture capital fund to provide multi-stage funding for tech-startups and other innovative businesses.”
Special attention will be given to Okpoko in Ogbaru LGA which is home to the largest urban slum in Anambra State, as it will be provided with modern basic amenities.”
“We will procure and distribute one million high yielding palm seedlings to 100,000 farmers/households per annum.”
“We will provide cheap (and ultimately free) Wi-fi hotspots in public places for the takeoff of the state emersion into the digital age.”
“We will leverage modern, secure, and transparent technology (blockchain) to maintain health data.”
Deploy a digitally enabled land administration process with a view of achieving land transfer of title within 72 hours.
“We will embark on the opening and clearing of drainages and flood channels regularly to eliminate the annual flooding of roads, streets, and communities.”
“We will amend and implement Anambra state Security Trust Fund Law, 2010 and amendment law, 2018.”
“We will develop some model schools and public libraries in the state and mainstream the “adopt a school programme.”
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