Ebonyi Governorship Race: Prof. Benard Odoh declares under APGA
By Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi
Professor Benard Odoh, former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government has declared to contest for the 2023 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Odoh who announced this in Abakaliki, on Thursday said if elected, his government will be geared towards reawakening Ebonyi to prosperity.
He promised to solve the challenges of health system collapse, unemployment, insecurity, and revive the moribund educational sector, as well as improve the economy of the state.
According to Odoh, “The healthcare system is still glittering in propaganda but actual healthcare delivery to suffering patients, whether in our rural communities or urban areas, remains a mirage.
“The empty structures that harbour wild birds and reptiles that are spread across our local government areas in the name of rural general hospitals will be fully equipped and operational through a well-structured Private Public Partnership Programme.
“The Nigerian space has been turned crimson with the blood of innocent citizens, as insecurity has remained at the top of the many challenges that confront us as a country. Kidnapping, banditry and various acts of terror have become woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Here at home, virtually every community in Ebonyi is grappling with one degree of violent crisis or another. What used to be the safest and most tranquil state in the country is now one of the most troubled and unsecured.
” The yardstick to measure youth unemployment in the state no longer exists because.”If graduates at all levels are achieving less than 10 per cent employment rate in all sectors, then statistics becomes useless. “In the military, the principle which says that if you lose 10 per cent of your fighting force you can never win the war applies here.
“We have lost at least two generations of our youths to unemployment and desperation. It will require drastic, thoughtful and calculated measures to recover from this calamity. I believe that I am the man who can do this and together we will achieve this.
“Ebonyi Civil Service has been on a lockdown for the past seven years. Hardworking staff have been denied their due promotions and privileges that accrue to their services. “Pensioners and retirees who poured their energy and sweat to the service of our dear state are owed their benefits and made to undergo worst of huddles to access what is rightfully theirs.
“This is totally unacceptable; under my stewardship as your governor, regular and full payment of pensions and gratuities; regular payment of predictable-figure salaries, leave allowances and fringe benefits will be restored,” Odoh said
The professor of applied geophysics called for the full participation of Ebonyians to set the state on the path of development and shun mediocrity by getting their permanent voters card.
“The 2023 general election will be unique. Stand up to be counted. Take advantage of the new electoral act recently passed aw and the historic Anambra election that produced Professor Chukwuma Soludo as a motivation to alter the cause of history,” he stated
