Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Executive Director, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Chief Chuku Wachuku, has advised the Abia Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti, to jettison professional politicians and engage technocrats and people of great ideas to help him drive his economic agenda for the state.
Wachuku in an interview with our Correspondent told politicians who have no alternative job to quit the scene and allow competent people to come on board and help rebuild Abia State.
He advised Otti to place premium on competence and integrity as he constitutes his cabinet.
“Those whose job is only politics should quit and allow technocrats to rebuild Abia. They should leave the stage and try something else because Abia is tired of politicians. The Governor-Elect should consider merit and integrity as he forms his cabinet.”
He described Otti as an accomplished Abian with great exposure, urging him not to be vindictive but hit the ground running upon his inauguration to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Wachuku predicted a great future for Abia State under the watch of Otti.
He said Otti’s emergence should end the era of sharing Abia money to elders as monthly stipends.
Wachuku who was the Young Peoples Party, YPP, senatorial candidate for Abia central in the just-concluded general elections, said anyone who had nothing to offer should quit the political space.
Wachuku said he would personally lead a coalition of genuine Abia leaders to support Otti to rebuild Abia from the ruins of under-development.
He called on those who lost at the polls not to bother going to challenge Otti’s victory at the court as such would amount to distracting him from developing the state.
“We won’t tolerate any distraction in the form of litigations. People should drop every litigation; let’s have peace in Abia.
“It’s about time that we all came together as Abia leaders irrespective of party affiliations to say enough is enough!
“We need to move our state forward. I adopt the position of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu that those who lost should not go to court to allow the governor-elect maximum concentration.
“I, therefore, call on every genuine Abia leader to support the Governor-Elect. We will support his economic blueprint to grow the state’s economy.
“I think the era of sycophancy should be over. The Governor-Elect should not be looking at elders to supply all their needs.
“If you have nothing to offer stay out. You won’t sit and do nothing and be getting monthly stipends.
“We are all going to fight and support the Governor-Elect. I call on progressive Abians across party lines to support him and rebuild Abia. Let him build on what Ikpeazu has done. We want Abia to move forward.”
Wachuku who said his ultimate desire was to bequeath power to the younger generation, said those who had no second address should leave the political space for people with ideas.
