By Kemi Yesufu
The national secretariat of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) came alive on Wednesday, as the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Dan Nwanyanwu, conducted the official unveiling of Dr. Obiora Okonkwo as governorship candidate and Dame Jessie Balonwu as his running mate for the November 6 governorship election in Anambra State.
Nwanyanwu described Okonkwo as ready and prepared to restore Anambra State on the path of development and prosperity.
According to him, the wealth investor turned politician comes with impressive credentials and a good reputation. He projected Okonkwo as the candidate to beat in the tough race to take over the baton of leadership from the incumbent, Mr. Willie Obiano.
The ZLP national chairman listed the outstanding qualities of his party’s candidate as his independence, strength of character and verifiable success story. He called on the people of Anambra State to vote for the ZLP candidate assuring that he is capable of turning around the fortunes of the state.
Following the presentation of the ZLP flag to him, Okonkwo said he will be running an issues-based campaign, stressing that his party will spring a surprise come November.
“Let others call themselves Goliath, we are quit happy to be called David in this battle”, he stated.
The ZLP candidate announced his 10-point agenda for development explaining that implementing key aspects of his plan will come easy as he has practiced most what he proposes to do for the state as a private sector operator.
He said: “We entered this race, irrespective of the pains and the stress because we are deeply angry at the state of affairs in Anambra state. We had wondered who would fix the rot if we, as comfortable Anambra people, sit back in the comfort of our homes and wealth provide and watch as persons who lack the competence to administer even social media groups, mismanage our commonwealth and continually expect applause from us.
“We had told ourselves that if we shy away and refuse to get in to correct the impressions being created, we may end up bequeathing to our children a state they will be ashamed to identify with. It is for this reason that we come into the race with a 10-Point Agenda anchored on rapid rural development; economic growth with jobs; revitalization of education and human capital development; youth manpower development and employment; planned urbanization, urban renewal and ecological management; peace and security; improved access to basic (preventive and curative) health services; diaspora engagement; rebuilding our ethical infrastructure and social services to dutifully cater for senior citizen, the infirm and most vulnerable of our people”.
“To make things happen, we had promised, and we are committed to our promises, that every project, program and activity of our administration must pass the following tests: Poverty eradication and wealth creation, creation of employment (provision of dignified and meaningful life), reduction of in-equality (i.e. enthronement of social justice and the creation of a society in which everyone has a stake, now and its future), capacity building –building the critical; skills of the future, rebuild our ethical infrastructure –value re-orientation and finally, must have value for money –cost effectiveness, efficiency, equity and integrity. We are deeply committed to the above programmes and ideas. Like I always said, we will not promise what we may not be able to deliver”, he added.
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