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…says it’s no longer time to experiment leadership

The Enugu State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship flagbearer, Dr. Peter Mbah has reaffirmed his resolve to make the state one of the 3 top ranking states in the federation in terms of resources management, revenue drive, infrastructure, investment destination, economic prosperity and good governance if elected the state governor in 2023.

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The governorship hopeful who made this known while addressing card carrying members and leadership of the PDP in Ibagwa-Aka, the headquarters of Igboeze South Local Government Area, as part of his thank you visit to the local council further maintained that he had done it before in the private sector where he moved Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited from scratch to the number one position in the downstream sub-sector of the petroleum industry in the country and would replicate same in the public sector.

Addressing the jubilant party supporters made up of party leaders, women and youth wings, Mbah announced that he has drawn a workable roadmap and strategy to achieve the task ahead if given the mantle to steer the ship of state in the next democratic dispensation.

Stressing that the task ahead appeared daunting, Mbah reassured that he would hit the ground running once the baton of leadership is handed over to him by the people of the state, promising not to leave any stone unturned until the state achieved its mission.

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According to him, despite the challenges posed by the worsening state of the economy and insecurity in the country, Enugu State under his leadership would conquer every hurdle to remain a viable state where the people will fulfill their dreams.

While quoting figures from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the disruptive innovator bemoaned the state of the economy and the near impossibility of the country to meet its financial obligations due to debt servicing and huge budget reserve for fuel subsidy. He, however, charged the people to start searching for an alternative pathway that would insure the state against the looming economic downturn.

Affirming that his candidacy represents the new generation of paradigm shift and innovative departure from the norm, Mbah promised to give the State a new lease of life.

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“The country is battling the challenges of insecurity and looming economic disaster, and we need someone who is committed to harnessing the resources and who understands the economy. It’s no longer time to experiment. It’s time for creative thinking on how to solve the existential threats”, he added.

Giving snippets of what to expect when he unveils his manifesto within the campaign period, Mbah vowed to stimulate the economy from its present GDP of $4 billion to $30 billion. Expressing optimism that the target is achievable, he stated that his development plan for the state would be guided by rational decisions and well thought out action plans.

Thanking the local government for their support, he insisted that their support contributed immensely to his victory at the May 25th, 2022 PDP primary election held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. He added that the result of their decision to queue behind him would be in giving them a new Enugu State.

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“The implication of what you did that day is that we are giving you a new state. We are equal to the task of building on the massive infrastructure of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. In Nigeria today, Enugu State is the safest and most secure to live because the governor made it possible. Not only that, he has been paying salaries and other emoluments and he deserves commendations. Many states are struggling to pay salaries, yet the people of Enugu State have seen salaries as a normal routine which the governor has been doing,” he said.

Assessing the state of the nation, Mbah declared that it’s no longer time for experimental and accidental leadership, assuring the people of his integrated programmes anchored on peace, development and prosperity which will accelerate development in critical infrastructure and youth employment. He further pledged to reinvent the state just as the PDP is ideologically reinventing itself towards becoming the dominant political party again.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area, Hon. Vitus Okechi promised that the council area would continue in their unflinching support for the Mbah’s gubernatorial candidature ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state.

Okechi who dismissed other political parties in the area as featherweights reiterated that Igboeze South belongs to PDP and Mbah, having come third in the entire state during the 2019 governorship general election. He assured that the council would queue behind the party candidates to emerge victorious at the polls.

Also expressing gratitude for the council’s cooperation, the State PDP chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani extolled the party supporters for their faith and solidarity for the party throughout the past years.

Outlining Mbah’s qualities, the Chairman stated that his choice was made possible by all the party members because of his successful background in the private sector and his creative thinking of displacing competitors to become the dominant oil and gas bigwig in the country.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Odimma Nsukka and former PDP Chairman in the State, Engr. Vita Abba described Mbah as a “proven world class entrepreneur whom people are waiting for to bring his innovation to bear in the development of the state,” adding that Odimma Nsukka had honoured his thank you visit with their presence because of his wonderful and unique candidature and that of his running mate, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai.