APC is a better option for Anambra — Uzoh

Dr Obinna Uzoh is a lawyer and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State. In this interview in Abuja, he explained why he is contesting for the state governorship scheduled for November this year; the fate of the Ndigbo in 2019, development of the South East among others. Excerpts:

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Anambra governorship election for November this year, what are the chances of the APC in the election?

Following the impunity and impositions in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the formation of a formidable opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I joined the APC about three years ago. I have remained steadfast and I am happy to have contributed my quota with our leader, Senator Chris Ngige, other valued stakeholders and members of the party in Anambra State in ensuring the success of the party at the 2015 general elections. Together, by God’s grace, we will do it in Anambra State so as to make Anambra great again.

As you know, good governance is central to human development and social progression. The converse leads to retrogression and socio-political stagnation. Look around you to discern the kernel of my position. Good governance has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law.

It assures that corruption is minimised and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

Deficits in these areas give rise to conflict and set back human development. Deficits in these areas are the reasons for our developmental woes. These concepts I have enunciated actually remain my guiding principle in the political arena. At 54, I cannot change this principled position that is clearly founded on deep conviction.

My folks are widely recognized for their industry, courage and resourcefulness. These qualities have enabled us survive as a people in the face of daunting existential challenges.

It’s worth recalling that at creation in August 27, 1991, by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime, Ndi-Anambra had over 75 percent literacy level and boasted extra-ordinary human and material resources. These attributes need to be given a new direction, new discipline and new energy. God has given me the vision to do this.

What are those things you think are needed in Anambra State now?

I have identified 10 key sectors that deserve total focus to transform the state. These include security, infrastructural development which is foundation for industrialisation and will support Nnewi, Onitsha and Awka as critical technology hubs, real agricultural revolution. Deploying a transparent, judicious and efficient management of resources, I will empower our people with skill acquisition, mainstream our judiciary, step-up sports, provide microfinance for SMEs and pursue an integrated development scheme that should fundamentally change the game in Anambra State.

Anambra needs a deep but temperate personality and thinker to guide its journey. Let me share this with you and many may not know this. The fate of Anambra State has fundamental connections with the fate of Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.

Another recurring decimal in the Anambra politics is that of zoning, how does it affect the forthcoming polls?

The zoning arrangement presupposes that the governorship position in Anambra State be rotated among the three senatorial districts in the state. Recall that at the inception of democracy in 1999, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju from Anambra South senatorial district was elected as governor. He spent a single term of only four years in office as he was not re-elected for a second term in 2003 on grounds of non-performance.

Between 2003 and 2014, a period of 11 years, Anambra Central Senatorial District held power with Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige holding office for a period of about three years and Sir Peter G. Obi holding office for a consecutive two tenures of eight years. Chief Willie M. Obiano from Anambra North Senatorial District has done a first term and not having performed well, the Anambra South Senatorial District should be given the opportunity to complete their truncated second term.

There is currently a preponderance of politicians from the Anambra North Senatorial District claiming that the incumbent Governor Obiano has disappointed them with his abysmal non-performance and should step aside to give another person from Anambra North a chance.

However, considering the fact that Anambra Central Senatorial District has had 11 years in power and the North has had a single term of four years with an overwhelming agreement on lack of confidence and abysmal non-performance, equity requires that the Anambra South Senatorial District, precisely the Ihiala local government where Dr Mbadinuju comes from should be given the opportunity of completing second term in office.

Religious groups play key role in politics in the Southeast. How do you handle that?

Of all the governorship aspirants in the state, with all humility, I have done so well for the Catholics and Anglicans, as well as other religious and non-religious organizations. I have been recognized by the Pope as a Knight of St. Gregory.