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As the 2023 general election fast approaches, it is no longer news who the contenders for Enugu state governorship position is. And while others still canvas for votes, the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who has left indelible marks of his works in Enugu over the years seem to be far ahead of his peers in the game.
Addressing journalists on 6th of February, during the Inauguration ceremony of Ndi Oganiru Enugu, the veteran law maker expressed his optimism for the year ahead, saying “I believe that now we are spreading the news, and by the grace of God and support of the governor we can change the dynamics and narrative of politics in Enugu State”.
The veteran lawmaker has in the past years, through his foundation, ‘the Ikeoha Foundation’ paid school fees for school children both in secondary and the university level, and has also contributed immensely in the infrastructural development of the state.
Revealing some of the plans he have for the people of Enugu and her youths, he said, “It’s going to be politics of issues, politics of competence, politics of consensus and politics of inclusions. We are going to make sure that everywhere counts.
Addressing how the youths can make all these possible, he said that “this is the age of social media, and in this segment is the young people, so they need to use their capacity and competence in that sector to be able to support candidates who will take care of them.
“When someone is telling you that the future belongs to you and that future is now, that future they are talking about is already here. We are going to instill our young men and women into governance, both at the legislative and judicial arm of government.
“We are going to create opportunities for them so they are able to show that things can be done differently. We are going to consciously bring them into government in addition to empowering them in the private sector. They are going to be our major force.
“Today America and Canada are asking them to come over by giving them different programs, we are not going to allow that keep happening, we will provide for them what they see in America and they will stay here. We will make the environment conducive for them to stay” he said.
Speaking on Nigeria presidential election and igbo marginalization, Ekweremadu said that “When someone is saying ‘it’s our turn’, either in the local government, state or national level, they are simply telling you that ‘we have been marginalized’, that ‘we have been forgotten’, segregated.
“If we have a leader both at national, state or local government that have the capacity to include every part and treat them as though they are part and parcel of that entity then nobody will be talking about marginalization”, he said.
Reminiscing on his political journey, Ekweremadu added that “I have been a senator representing Enugu West for the past 19 years and meanwhile I come from the smallest community in that part, but because the people of that area have confidence that whatever I do for my community, I will do for every other community, and they believe that I can represent one local government in equal capacity and force as I represent the other one they let me represent them all these years”.
Emphasizing on credibility being the main point to look out for when choosing a president, he said, “When I talk about credibility am talking about exposure, education and experience. I don’t think there is any geopolitical zone as equipped as the south-east in these areas.
“The south easterners are ready, credible and knowledgeable with vast experience and passion for this country. Because of our dexterity and our spread within and outside Nigeria, the Igbo man is cosmopolitan in his thinking, so we can’t have a better president than a president of igbo extraction.
“I believe that Nigerians will this time support the Igbo quest for the presidency of this country. We are also very competitive people, if we leave it open, and an Igbo man has a level playing ground, am sure he will be able to put a good show.
“Without any doubt, when the contest starts I believe we are going to see people who will represent the interest of the people in the south east and ultimately the people of Nigeria”, Ekweremadu concluded.
Chidiogo asuke
