November poll: I'll return Anambra to the people - YPP Guber candidate

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By Madu Obi

The governorship candidate of Young Progressives Party, YPP, for the November 8 Anambra election, Sir Paul Chukwuma has promised to return the state to the people if he wins the election.

Chukwuma, who spoke during a media briefing at Umueri, Anambra East local government area of the state, expressed happiness that the people are embracing his message to bring back joy in all parts of Anambra State.

"I am excited with the organic support I'm getting in the field across the 21 local government areas. Anambra people are tired of the primordial zoning and by the special grace of God, I will return the state to the people by ensuring that the local government system works well.

"I will not associate myself with anything illegal and undemocratic as governor of Anambra State. I intend to preside over Anambra relying on clear principles of rule of law. I intend to allow the different arms of government to enjoy the independence that the constitution has provided for each of them", he stated.

The YPP candidate vowed that to give various arms of government their independence saying, "I don't want to have a legislature that will be in my pocket. I want them to know that they were elected by their constituents who expect to get dividends of democracy from them. I will not only support that, I will champion their independence.

I will also ensure that the local government autonomy is sacrosanct and I will not interfere in their activities in terms of funding and provision of dividends of democracy to the grassroots. I will make sure that the security vote made available to the governor will be deployed to ensure that Anambra is safe", he said.

He also spoke on the recent clash between some traders and operatives of OCHA Brigade in the commercial city of Onitsha, explaining why he had to visit the scene on the day of the incident..

"When I heard it, I became interested because I want to liberate our state and I had no option than to go to the scene. I felt it was appropriate for us to calm nerves in the face of the altercations.

That's why I had to go there to assess things for myself. When we got there, the people briefed us on what happened. I addressed them and urged them not to take laws into their hands and that they should go about their businesses.

I also urged them to ensure that such a thing will never happen again and reminded them that it is our responsibility to hold government accountable."

Chukwuma added that before he left the market, he was told that those wounded had been taken to the General Hospital, adding that he went to the hospital to see how he could be of help.

"As your governor, I will not encourage the use of illegal persons for the purpose of generating revenue. For payment of tax, I will deploy available technology to ensure that taxes are properly collected. I won't engage in mudslinging in any form. I will be open and transparent and take responsibility for any action of government because the buck stops on my table.

My aspiration is to serve Anambra people as their governor and we're supposed to be a society governed by the rule of law", he concluded.