Again, Engr. Chris Azubogu Amazes

By Tai Emeka Obasi

In any Democracy, lobbying is the game while quid pro quo is the norm. Do not say I told you but our National Assembly is like the stock market. What you get depends on your knowledge of the system and hunger for general development.

Needless to inform that the man we call Mr Project has adequate knowledge of statecraft as well as the burning desire for development and empowerment. If you’re still in doubt, just read on.

On Sunday, February 7, Engr Chris Emeka Azubogu continued his local government tours of the state, notifying his party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP of his intention to run for the gubernatorial race of November 6 general election as a candidate of the party.

The federal lawmaker representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Constituency saw all the 18 LGA executive members, all the 17-man ward executive members of Anambra East and West LGAs as well as the stakeholders representing all the combined total of 25 wards.

His message was characteristically direct, ranging from opening up the areas with access roads as well as building processing industries to effectively harness the rich aggro potentials of the axis. He noted with concern of the recurrent community feuds within communities in the areas and affirmed that as a governor, bringing lasting peace within the LGAs will be his top priority.

But what amazed many was his explanation of the efforts in the developmental regard, even without yet having the executive powers to be affirmative.

As the Deputy Chairman of Loans and Debt Management, a lot of bucks stop on his table. It happened that a neighbouring state government was seeking a $100 million loan to facilitate the building of an aggro industry. That’s nearly N50 billion. It’s a big and very visionary project and Azubogu was naturally given to approving such people-oriented dream. But what did he do? He saw that Onitsha market in his own state would be the biggest market for the industry when completed. He convinced the governor to make a commitment of constructing a road to pass through communities in both states to link Onitsha.

This is a difficult terrain but with know-how and commitment, both states will combine to construct this 110 km of road with the requisite bridges. Advantages are legion; give access to communities with rich agricultural potentials, generate employment and spring up more industries and SMEs, ease transportation from Onitsha to Abuja, which will be a matter of four hours, etc.

The agreement was in place and the loan was approved in 2020. Any governor of Anambra with same developmental vision can actualise it with the state governor in question but it certainly will be a supersonic reality if Mr. Project takes charge from 2022.

Those with little knowledge of the inner workings of NASS hardly attract projects for the people. It’s selfless and well-armed representatives that barter with projects for the good of their people. Everyday people shout of restructuring but the Nigerian Constitution has enough room for any dedicated and selfless leader to appropriately develop and empower his people.

HE Peter Obi did not create a new constitution to, not only achieve all he did for dear state but also left N75 billion behind for the future of his people.

It requires will for a man of knowledge to bring prosperity. One of such men is Hon Azubogu.

He is very #PreparedToServe.