Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, has vowed to “make Abia work again,” if voted into power as Governor in 2023.
Ogah made the vow at the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Umuahia while formally declaring for the governorship race.
The oil magnet who said that Abia is endowed with abundant human and material resources, regretted that lack of vision and mismanagement were the reasons the state had not witnessed much progress.
He promised to bring his wealth of experiences and success stories both in the private and public sectors to bear in re-inventing the state if given the opportunity.
Ogah said that under his watch, Abia would experience multi-sectoral transformation with special attention to education and infrastructural development.
He stated: “I will make Abia work again through a robust synergy with the private sector.
“Nigeria is blessed with many natural resources and if we properly harness them, there will be less emphasis on oil and gas.
“I will bring my experience in the private and public sectors to bring positive change to the lives of Abia people. My administration will be anchored on faith in God and social transformation.
“I plan to transform the economic, agricultural, educational, security and health sectors of the state. I want to reinvent the dreams of our founding fathers, where the rule of law shall thrive.
“We will reintroduce the agricultural revolution, which made the defunct Eastern Region one of the fastest-growing economies in the world then.
“I know that I have the capacity to transform our dear state. I will provide visionary and purposeful leadership that would take the state to higher levels.
“I shall engage captains of industries within and outside the country to bring rapid development to the state,” he said.
Ogah who was making the declaration amid a mammoth crowd of fans, promised to rebuild the state and provide adequate security.
He expressed concern over the stockpile of workers’ salary and pension arrears in the state and promised to promptly pay workers’ salaries if elected Governor.