— As he says Federal Infrastructure needed to transform Anambra
A former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress and the Pro-Chancellor of Olivia University, Burundi, Paul Chukwuma has said Anambra state needs infrastructural support to drive sustainable growth.
He argued that Anambra would need to collaborate with the federal government to build infrastructure such as roads, railways, gas pipelines and ports that would be the anchor point for the next developmental phase of the state.
He opined that two factors were necessary for sustainable growth- Human Capital Development and Infrastructure. While Anambra has grown in HCD, it is poorly deficient in Infrastructure which he believes is the major reason why the state is yet to have sustainable growth. He proposed that Anambra must link to the centre to attract funding that will build these infrastructures as the state revenue is insufficient to do so.
Chukwuma stated this at a meeting held in his residence in Umueri to consult with the members of the APC in Anambra North to seek their advice as he seeks to contest the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election. The ex-national auditor stated that he has closely observed the situation of the state in the last two years and is convinced that he has superior ideas which he believes when implemented will create sustainable growth in the state and this realisation has driven him to throw in the hat in the ring whenever INEC opens the process for the Anambra gubernatorial election.
Speaking further, he added that he cannot progress to the next stage without coming to see his kinsmen of Anambra North in the APC to seek their opinion and consent, without which his ambition would not nought. He restated that he has the capacity to lead Anambra to prosperity having been an entrepreneur of repute and also possessing intellectual fecundity having excelled with distinction in all his academic sojourn.
Speaking, Hon. Chinedu Eluemuno, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the Oyi/Anyamelum federal constituency and a stakeholder of the party in Anambra North urged support for the ambition of Sir Paul Chukwuma, stating that he is a man of the people, an intellectual who understands the needs of the common man and how best to tackle them. He subsequently moved a motion for the zone to endorse the aspiration of Sir Paul Chukwuma which was seconded by Dr Emeka Aniegbonam, the motion was unanimously endorsed with a loud voice affirmation by the Chairman of the seven local governments, stakeholders and zonal officers from Anambra North.
Also speaking, Sen. Emma Anosike who spoke glowingly of Sir Paul Chukwuma urged everyone to give their support to him as his aspiration is noble coupled with the fact that he is smart, energetic and capable of leading the APC in Anambra to the much-awaited promise land. This culminated in a prayer by the seven local government chairmen, their stakeholders and all women present.
Similarly, Hon. Ralph Okeke, a former Deputy Gubernatorial aspirant and two-term House of Representatives member urged for support stating that the capability of Onwa Umueri is not in doubt and that 2025 presents the best opportunity for the APC to take over the government in Anambra.
The consultation continues today, with a visit to the State Working Committee and Local Government Chairmen.
