By Vincent Kalu
An All Progressives Congress aspirant in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Dr. JohnBosco Onunkwo, has said that he would breathe fresh air into the state.
Dr. Onunkwo stated this while addressing newsmen at the APC National Headquarters, Abuja, when he went to submit his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. He reinforced his commitment to the development of Anambra State and national progress. Having contested for the Anambra APC governorship ticket twice – in 2017 and 2021, he expressed readiness and capacity to emerge victorious at the polls and take APC to the Government House, Awka.
At the APC headquarters, Onunkwo emphasised his deep-rooted loyalty to the ruling party, stating, “I am the only founding member of the APC in this election who has not defected to any other party before. I serve as the bridge between the old APC and the new APC in Anambra State.”
He also advised APC to field a youthful candidate, highlighting his influence over the 256 youth groups as the Grand Commander of Anambra Youths and Grand Patron of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide.
Onunkwo asserted that he is the only aspirant that is capable of defeating incumbent governor of the state, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.
“The economy of Anambra is struggling, businesses are shutting down, and insecurity is rampant, so, we need a government that is sensitive to the needs of the people and committed to bringing about positive change. My values and visions align with the APC’s principles of progress, integrity, and service to the people, and I am committed to fostering an environment where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.”
He further underscored his impact on the party. “People joined APC in 2020 and 2021 because of my humanitarian interventions in Anambra State. I am the rallying point of the party. My co-aspirants should close their ranks and give me their support. This is the third time I am vying for the governorship ticket, and I have the biggest and most popular brand in APC. What Anambra State needs is Ifedichie (something that is different).”
On his economic plans, Onunkwo dismissed an elitist approach, pledging to work closely with the grassroots.
“I will not run an elitist government that is far removed from the people. Every weekend, I am in Anambra, attending events and engaging with the grassroots. My approach is not bureaucratic but focused on genuine solutions. We must create an enabling environment for businesses, stop over-taxing small enterprises, and invest in infrastructure like quality roads and independent power projects. Go to Nnewi; some parts have no power supply, yet it houses major industries in Anambra. I will also promote agriculture, technology, and tourism.”
On agriculture, he said: “We are going to carry out and agricultural revolution concept geared towards redirecting our consciousness to think agriculture and venture into it. We’ve always had it so good some donkey years ago when the country dwelt more on agriculture before the discovery of oil. Our message is for us to return to the farm, this time around embracing mechanised farming for greater yields.”
On security, he outlined a strategy involving strengthening law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and youth engagement. “We will introduce a strict surveillance culture and a community-based policing approach where everyone acts as a watchdog. My government will involve youths in protecting their communities, in addition to the efforts of security agencies.
“Engaging young people in productive ventures will also reduce crime by effective partnership through self realisation, economic empowerment, capacity building and the rekindling the entrepreneurial mind-set of the younger generation.
“The youth are facing a serious myriad of development challenges. Their needs and aspirations are often overlooked. Many young people with potential have not been able to unleash their genius due to lack of opportunities, support systems or empowerment programmes aimed at reducing poverty, harnessing and enabling the potentials of the youths to come to fruition.
“The potential of young people’s contributions to sustainable development cannot be ignored. To utilise the potential of the youths as agents of positive change requires involving and empowering them.”
On health care, he said: “We would not relent in our commitment towards providing our rural dwellers access Medicare. Together, we can build a prosperous and secure future.”
