Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the November 8 election in Anambra State, Ozo Jephat Nweke, has urged fellow contestants to play by the rules and resist the temptation to resort to blackmail in pursuit of political advantage.
Speaking at a press conference over the weekend in Awka, the state capital, Nweke emphasized the importance of issue-based campaigns. He argued that the election period should serve as a platform for candidates to present their programmes and convince the electorate of the viability of their plans.
He said, “The essence of political campaigns should not be to malign, engage in character assassination, or indulge in unnecessary altercations with opponents, but to showcase our developmental blueprints for the people.
“Campaigns should focus on issues. What are your plans for ensuring the security of lives and property? How do you intend to stop kidnappings and killings that have become rampant in our state?
“How do you propose to tackle the crippling multiple taxation that is strangling businesses and impoverishing our people? What strategies do you have for the education sector, the welfare of the people, and the overall economy of the state? How do you plan to attract investors, create jobs for our youth, and improve our revenue base without resorting to political mudslinging?
“These are the issues that should dominate our discourse—not name-calling.”
Nweke warned that anything contrary amounts to politics of bitterness and grandstanding, which the state does not need at this critical time.
He also condemned the recent verbal attacks and use of vulgar language by some individuals who criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo over a viral video in which he was seen dancing with his son to a song produced by the latter.
According to Nweke, such reactions were unwarranted. “Governor Soludo is a family man with children. He has done absolutely nothing wrong by dancing with his son. He is human and deserves to express himself like everyone else,” he said.
“It is both condemnable and distasteful for anyone to ridicule the First Family of the state over such a matter. We must rise above this dirty politics of bitterness and calumny, and instead focus on the real issues.”
He added that his party has outlined robust plans to rescue Anambra from misgovernance and place the state on a path of sustainable development, details of which continue to unfold during campaign engagements.
While acknowledging that every administration has its shortcomings, Nweke commended Governor Soludo’s efforts in various areas of development.
“Though he is not without flaws—no one is—Governor Soludo is doing his best. Where there are missteps, they should be addressed constructively to move the state forward,” he said.
