…Says he has proven antecedents of credibility, transparent

From Felix Ikem, Nsukka

Ahead of Saturday’s Governorship and state Assembly elections, a socio-political group, comprising Enugu State indigenes in the United  States of America, (USA), under the umbrella of 042 in Diaspora, have endorsed the Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State, Chijioke Edeoga.

The group stated that the choice of Edeoga hinged on the need to champion the new Nigeria aspirations and principles of the Presidential Candidate of LP, Peter Obi, in Enugu State.

In a statement on Friday, jointly signed by a six-member Board of Trustees of the group, including Tony Nnadi, Hilary Onyishi, Gerald Ezekpo, Dr. Chris Ikechukwu Odezulu, Chief Petra Amaka Ugwu, and Dr. Uchenna Ogenyi, also said that Edeoga has proven antecedents of credibility, transparent and prudent management of human and material resources and accountability in office as a politician.

The group equally bemoaned low life expectancy rate, poor educational attainment, and other indicators of bad governance in the state under the People’s Democratic Party’s 24 years reign in the state, and insisted that the latter political party must give way to herald the new political paradigm shift in the state.

The statement read “The choice of Edeoga among PDP candidate Peter Ndubisi Mbah; APGA candidate, Hon. Frank Nweke Jr, and Hon. Uche Nnaji of APC emerged after long review and evaluation of numerous factors in Enugu state.

“The group analyzed how the state has fared over the past 24 years under the PDP government, the governor picks and “o jebe go” ideology, and how the human development index (HDI) (per capita GDP, Educational Attainment, Life Expectancy, level of Human Rights and fulfillment of Basic Needs) have negatively impacted the well-being of the Enugu State citizens.

“Our group also reviewed the new Nigeria aspirations and principles championed by LP Presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi and Obi-Dient families globally which we in Diaspora are fully inclined to and embody the same principles and philosophies.

Related News

“We have had cause to review the concerns raised about the candidature of the gubernatorial candidate in Enugu State based on Competency and Commitment,
Character and Credibility, Fairness  and Justice, drive for eradication of massive corruption in Enugu public and private sector, and drive to provide succour to the poor
masses of the state, and Edeoga is ranked No 1 based on the following personalities and antecedents:

“Throughout his political career, Edeoga has never been found wanting for abuse of public funds or abuse of his office in any way. He has never been the subject of an investigation, charged for financial misappropriation, not to talk of being convicted. Edeoga’s educational background is credible and verifiable. His credentials including his NYSC certificate are not a subject of debate or legal tussle.

“Chijioke Edeoga, a lawyer by profession started his career as a journalist. On joining politics, he served in various capacities as a Local Government administrator, Federal legislator, advisor to the President, and Commissioner. His political career spanning over 24 years not only provides him with the requisite experience to pilot the affairs of the Old Eastern Region’s capital; his consistent appointment/election into public service without any dent on his character or accusation of mismanagement of public funds/ trust is a proof of
his ability to deliver on the job.

“As Chairman, House Committee on Information, the foundational works, he and members of his committee put in what we enjoy today as the Freedom of Information Act cannot be over-emphasized. The recent allegation of poor waste management during his time as Commissioner for Environment is only diversionary as ESWAMA charged with the maintenance
of the public sanitation was not under his purview – Go and Verify!

“Having analyzed these qualities against the ethos the LP relies on in assessing candidates: Competency, Character, and Commitment, we are convinced that a vote for Chijioke Edeoga and members of the House of Assembly candidates under Labour Party is not just a vote for equity but a support to the overall objective of the ‘Obidients’, Peter Obi and the LP to make a new Nigeria possible.

“We encourage our fellow citizens to eschew violence and make use of all legitimate means to ensure that the will of the people triumphs.

“While we head to the polls on Saturday, 18th March 2023, we must not forget in a hurry the past and recent dark days in Enugu state:
The recent killing of Oyibo Chukwu was destined to win the Enugu East senatorial election on February 25th, 2023, but the enemies of our senatorial zone assassinated him before he could fulfill that divine mandate and numerous others.

“We must all join hands to salvage our state and be part of the movement for a new Nigeria by voting LP all the way,” the statement said.