Abia Central: I will raise the bar in representation – Akobundu
*Sets human capital, infrastructure development as priority
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate for Abia Central Senatorial Zone and a former Minister of Defence, Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd.), has pledged to redefine representation of the zone by raising the bar through quality and effective representation at the senate.
Akobundu made the pledge on Tuesday during the official unveiling of his manifesto for the February 25, 2023 National Assembly elections christened “The Col. Akobundu People First Agenda,” held at Sacramento Event Centre, Umuahia.
Akobundu noted at the event that Abia Central has always been blessed with good people who have offered quality representation at the National Assembly but assured that he was not only going to build on the successes of his predecessors but to surpass their achievements.
Abia Central Senatorial District is made of up six local government areas, namely: Isialangwa North, Isialangwa South, Ikwuano, Osisioma, Umuahia North and Umuahia South, with 62 wards.
In the five-point People First Agenda, which the candidate said derives its strength from the wishes, aspiration and manifest will of the people of the senatorial district in their desire for quality representation at the National Assembly, Akobundu listed quality representation, prosperity and citizen empowerment, bridging of infrastructural deficit, security; as well as transparency, accountability and accessibility as his areas of focus.
To drive home his point that his representation would be people-oriented, the former PDP National Organising Secretary said: “My campaign is centered on citizens empowerment, human capital and infrastructure development which shall drive stronger production of goods and services through effective legislation and oversight,” adding that he was on a divine mission to improve the lots of his people.
“This vision is a Divine call in my life-long commitment towards the wellbeing of our people which is motivated by a strong demand on me from an overwhelming majority of our people whom I seek to represent at the Senate; a privilege I would not take for granted, if given the singular honour to serve,” he said.
He assured that if elected, he would pursue and advance the constitutional guaranteed rights and privileges of the people of Abia Central, Abia State and Nigerians in general while resisting discrimination, marginalization or victimization in all forms.
He added that he would not only ensure respect for Fiscal Federalism to guarantee desired allocation and infrastructural development but to ensure greater adherence to the Principle of Federal Character and pursue more federal appointments for deserving Abia and Abia Central citizens in key federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Akobundu equally promised to empower not less than 1,500 constituents (mostly youths) yearly in various personal vocations, trades and businesses; increase business and commercial activities by facilitating the upgrade of markets and economic value chains, especially in the rural communities, if he emerges victorious in the Abia Central senatorial battle.
Furthermore, he said also intends to facilitate phased rehabilitation or construction and equipping of cottage hospitals and Community Health Centers in the six LGAs of Abia Central and also facilitate extensive Federal Government intervention towards the menace of gully erosion in Communities in the zone; facilitate the yearly rehabilitation and construction of new blocks of classroom in schools in the area and also, facilitate rapid electrification including the provision of transformers and solar power in communities within the district.
He urged the people to hold him accountable should he fail to deliver on his promises as enunciated in his manifesto. According to him, he has been able to articulate the needs of the District, with inputs from the various stakeholders, and put them down in a document for easy checks, stressing that the onus lies on him to implement them.
In his remarks, Director-General of Col. Austin Akobundu Campaign Council, Pastor Emeka Inyama, described his principal as best suited for the job and would move Abia Central forward, if given the opportunity.
In their goodwill messages, Secretary to Abia State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem; the Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Chief Jerry Uzosike; and his Ikwuano State Constituency counterpart, Hon. Stanley Nwabuisi; the Deputy Chairman of Abia PDP, Mr. Obinna Nwachukwu; the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, among others, described Col. Akobundu as a man of integrity who has a record of excellence in performance in everything he does.
They predicted that the PDP Candidate would win the polls with a landslide victory, saying he stands tall above his rivals from other parties.
The event was witnessed by PDP leaders, party chieftains, traditional rulers and party faithful.
