Frontline Politician in Imo State, Mike Nwachukwu, has given thumps up to Governor Hope Uzodinma , expressing hope that his administration will not derail.
Nwachukwu had vied for Owerri zone senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA in 2019. He hails from Egbulu Obube in Owerri North LGA and recently returned to his original political family, the All Progressive Congress, APC.
He spoke to select Journalists on a wide range of issues.
Excerpts:
Q: Move From APGA To APC?
The APC is well positioned to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Imo State. Governor Hope Uzodinma is committed to doing good for the State and we need to support the government of the day. And we can only do that by being in the ruling party and not in the opposition.
I had been a member of the APC. I was in APGA and we were successful during the elections in 2019. It’s just that APGA could not defend their votes during the elections. My move back to the APC is to support the Uzodinma administration to aid him leave an indelible mark on the sand of time, and also to return to my political family.
Q: On Allegations That Gov. Uzodinma Is Not Running An Inclusive Govt?
It is not true. Some members of Uzodinma’s administration are not members of CAMP HOPE. Some of them such as Dan Ikpeazu, an SA to the Governor, came from APGA. Some others such as Chidinma Okpara, are not members of CAMP HOPE. Some of the Governor’s Commissioners are not necessarily members of his CAMP HOPE. They joined him from other political parties. There are so many people who joined Uzodinma’s government who are not members of CAMP HOPE. So, it is not true that he is not running an inclusive government.
Q Performance Of Governor Uzodinma In Office In Eight Months?
He has done well. For example, in areas such as road construction. Go to Chukwuma Nwoha, Douglas Road and the Owerri end of Owerri – Aba Road.What you see on these roads are indications of good things to come from this Government. Governor Uzodinma will not derail. He has done well so far.
Q: On Pension Issues In Imo State?
Pension administration in Nigeria has been a fraud. In Imo state, there are issues of dead pensioners collecting pension. Those committing pension fraud are the ones shouting non payment of pensions. If Governor Hope Uzodinma continues with that trend of paying dead pensioners, Imo State will go bankrupt. And If 65%- 70% transparency is achieved in the pension system and all loopholes closed, the pension issue will be solved in the State.
Q: On Unemployment, Job Creation In Imo State?
The only way to eliminate unemployment is to create an enabling environment to encourage entrepreneurs and private investors to invest in the State. I m aware that the State government is taking steps to do so, by also establishing agro allied industries. This will go a long way to eliminate unemployment and create jobs.
Q: Bad Roads In Imo State?
We all hailed Governor Rochas Okorocha when he began to build and construct roads in the State. But we later found out, that the roads were of poor quality. And I know the present government is now taking steps to scrap, and rebuild these roads.
Q: Relationship With APGA After Quitting The Party For APC?
They are my friends. I never quarreled with them after I left. The APGA Chairman, John Iwuala, is my friend. I practice politics without bitterness.
Q: Assessment of LGA Administration In Imo State?
I m a student of political and Behavourial science. The Local Governments are the purveyors of development. It is important Local Government funds, are used to develop the local governments. I do not support the centre appropriating funds to the LGs. However, I believe the Local Government elections will hold in the state. There is no doubt about that.
Thank You For You Time
Thank You
Mike Nwachukwu: “The APC is well positioned to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Imo State. Governor Hope Uzodinma is committed to doing good for the State and we need to support the government of the day. And we can only do that by being in the ruling party and not in the opposition”…
