I’m coming to heal and bind Abia’s wounds, Nwaka tells delegates

From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Abia State, Senator Emma Nwaka, says a vote for him is a vote for an Abia with a secured future, adding that he was coming to heal and bind the wounds of the state.

Addressing PDP stakeholders from Umuahia North Local Government Area, Nwaka said all delegates, particularly, those who will vote in the forthcoming governorship primary, should be guided by their conscience because the choice they make would either promote or retard development of the state.

“I urge you to secure a bright future for our state, yourself and your children by casting your vote for me,” the former State Chairman of Abia PDP told the Umuahia North stakeholders.

According to the former Senator, aprt from being favoured by the Abia Charter of Equity, he was the best of the aspirants jostling for the Abia PDP governorship ticket by reasons of his requisite experience.

“Our founding fathers, in their wisdom in a sacred document, agreed that none of the four constituent districts of our State, namely: old Afikpo, old Bende, Isuikwuato District and old Aba Division shall be left out in the allocation of the highest office in the land.

“As of date, three of the component units have had their turns in running and directing the affairs of the our State, except Isuikwuato District where I come from,” he said, arguing that denying Isukwuato this golden opportunity would defeat the spirit of  “Onye aghala nwanne ya” (be your brother’s keeper).

He said he was not a mediocre, as some people would spuriously argued that zoning breeds mediocrity. “But I tell you that my candidacy is one of the instances where zoning meets capacity, capability and integrity,” he said.

“Dear Delegates, I urge you to cast your votes for me to ensure that the rotational order instituted by our forebears which has guaranteed peace, amity and brotherhood is not crushed by those who have no qualms to tamper with ancient boundaries and the long established natural order of things,” he added.

“Of all the gladiators angling to fly our guber flag, I consider myself the most eminently qualified to run the race on your behalf,” recalling his past services to the party and marshalling his credentials.

He said: “I am a foundation member of our party and I have remained with you both in good and bad times.

“When our party was floundering, I was sought for to come and stabilise the party and I took the bull by the horns, achieved stability and led the party to many electoral victories.

“Given the versatility of my background: lawyer, Senator, rich boardroom experience and as an active participant in the executive branch of government, I am endowed with all it takes to provide effective leadership for our state such that it can begin to compare and compete favourably with her peers

“My strength of character has never been in doubt. I can beat my chest and say that I do not have corrupt tendencies which explains why I have never been and will not be linked with any scandal.

“I have demonstrated that I am a unifier with legendary affability. This is not the time to have a divisive character as governor.”

He said that he reflected deeply about the myriads of problems and challenges facing Abia before throwing his hat in the ring, and was therefore, nobody’s stooge but running the race on his own.

“From my antecedents, I have deep knowledge of the onerous responsibilities of a servant leader and assure you that I shall devote my entire time, energy, experience and far-reaching political network in high places to the service of our people. So help me God,” he prayed.

He promised that under his watch as governor, “the revenues of the state shall be harnessed and applied wholly to advance the social and economic well being of our people.” This, he said was because he was coming to “heal and bind the wounds of Abia.”

“Abia is God’s own State and I assure you that I will run the affairs of government  with the fear of God Almighty. Cross my heart,“ he added.

Appealing to the delegates to vote wisely, the aspirant reminded them that they were about to execute a “sacred duty” and advising them to be guided by their conscience, instead of yielding to any form of financial inducement. “The outcome of your noble franchise as the conscience of the party would have far-reaching consequences, not just for PDP, but also for Abia State,” he stressed.