Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Enugu State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship flagbearer, Dr. Peter Mbah has re-echoed the resolve of his administration to construct not less than 10,000 kilometers road across the state if elected governor.
Mbah who gave the assurance on Saturday in Enugu at a meeting with the stakeholders of Edem Ani community in Nsukka local government area, insisted that the construction of 10,000 kilometers as part of the programmes in his manifesto unveiled on Thursday was achievable.
Addressing the dignitaries from the community who had visited to pledge their allegiance and reiterate commitment to the project, the PDP gubernatorial candidate noted that his manifesto was borne out of critical research and passion for the growth and development of the state, adding that he understood the implication of the magnitude of the tasks to be achieved in the state.
According to him, no meaningful progress and investment will be attracted without access road and quality infrastructures that will encourage potential investors, saying his administration will build a ring road that links all the 17 local government areas in the state for easy agriculture produce mobility.
“I listened to your concern with kin interest. If you look at our social contract, we have proposed to do 10,000 kilometers road because we understand how important road is to attracting investors.
“We have the ability, competence and character to construct roads that will connect all the 17 local government areas. Feeder roads that will allow our people access to move their produce from farmlands to the special agro-allied industrialisation zones where crops will be processed and values will be added,” Mbah assured.
While appreciating the Edem Ani leaders, the governorship hopeful enjoined them to continue to reinforce their support for the PDP as there’s no alternative in terms of what other political parties have to offer other than whipping up sentiments to deceive the people.
He warned against playing politics with the future of the state by candidates whose only stock-in-trade was playing up parochial interests, adding that his administration will achieve unprecedented transformation and human capital development with measurable indices.
According to him: “We want to have the best hands to make Enugu State attain the lofty state of our dreams. We need to go back to our community, embark on house-to-house campaign and inform the people of our programmes for them. This is not the time to allow people to play politics with the future of our children. Take our social contract to the people and tell them about our social contract and the fact that we have someone who can take Enugu State to that height.”
The governorship frontrunner who mocked some political parties and their candidates for not having any agenda for the people but would rather prefer to ride on sentiment and clannish interests, maintained that “some people want to lead the state without agenda”.
Mbah further promised the people of the community that he would formally engage them through town-hall meetings where he will break down his manifesto to measurable indices, reminding them that the task before them was to make all their votes to count for the PDP.
Earlier on, the former Enugu State Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezema, who led the delegation, said they had visited to reassure the governorship candidate of their support, adding that despite the agitations in some quarters in the area, Edem Ani would continue to be a PDP populous community.
Corroborating the above, Professor Felix Asogwa said Edem Ani is made up of three populous communities in Nsukka local government area who act as a body, speak with one voice and do things collectively.
He said they would use their population to deliver massive votes for the gubernatorial flagbearer, saying that their decision was inspired by Mbah’s unbeatable track records and background. “We want to assure you that we are with you day and night. We came to share the victory song with you and your colleague because we know the victory is yours, and it’s already done deal. We came to assure you because we have read so much about you, we have known so much about you, we have seen so much and you, and like it’s said; res ipsa loquitur,” he said.
On her part, Professor Rose Onah described Mbah as light at the end of the tunnel for the people of the state. Speaking on Mbah’s credibility, the erudite scholar said Mbah epitomized hope for the people.
“We are here because we saw hope in you. I was at Adada Hall when you came to see Nsukka stakeholders. There you assured us that when the time comes, you’ll demonstrate practically what you have for the state. After listening to you, we know there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“We want you to remember us and extend your laudable projects to our community when you win. We will play our own in ensuring you win. We will take the message of your programmes to our people,” the professor added.
Meanwhile a permanent secretary in the state, Dr. Benedict Ezema said it’s their responsibility to align with the project, saying they’re firmly standing behind Mbah’s candidacy.
“We have decided that this campaign will start with everybody’s family. It’s going to be a house-to-house campaign and as the third largest community in Enugu North senatorial zone, and the largest in terms of population in Nsukka local government area, we are going to give you our votes. You’re a man of action and we are sure you’re going to deliver,” he added.
