Chinedum Treasure
Former governorship candidate of Africa Liberation Party (ALP) in Anambra State, Chief Imoyeto Ikeotuonye has revealed why he did not want to participate in the on-going governorship race in the State.
Ikeotuonye said at 61 which is his current age he would have been about 70, if he had won the election to do two terms of eight years when he should leave office in the next dispensation.
He said, “For me, governorship should be for the young ones between the ages of 35 and 45 years. I can excuse Soludo as he’s craving for second tenure but the rest in the race are old for the job.
“Most of them are older than me, so you can imagine how old they would be when they leave office. We have a vibrant brilliant young generation who can do wonders in leadership positions.
“We should encourage the young generation to participate actively not just using them to meet our political ambitions.
“If the young ones are encouraged to participate in politics as leaders, there is every tendency that crime would be reduced amongst the youths.”
Ikeotuonye recalled how Soludo in 2010 while in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) came up with the mantra of turning Anambra into Dubai and Japan of Africa and has continued with that mantra.
He said he had expected to see Soludo creating a new Awka capital city to justify that election promise.
“As he is building a new government house, I want to see Soludo create a new Awka city designating some areas for high rise buildings, well thought out residential areas with very functional road network, flyovers where necessary, malls and industrial areas.
“High rise areas can be allocated to individuals and companies who have the capacity for such a project with a timeline for development otherwise they forfeit their allocation, same with residential areas.
“Let’s not forget that Anambra is a State with enormous oil and gas deposits. As a matter of fact, Anambra State is the second largest sedimentary basin in Nigeria. As a man who’s well read, well traveled, it’s not rocket science to see high rises in Awka capital city.
“In terms of roads, Soludo has started doing well, I urge him to intensify his efforts to zero potholes in all Anambra roads, “said the Nnewi-born politician and opinion leader.
Chief Ikeotuonye gave a pass mark to Soludo on healthcare delivery but urged the Governor to do more, adding that the possibility of having state-of-the-art hospitals should not be seen as a rocket science in present day world.
He explained that all the equipment for state-of-the-art hospitals are in the market, saying that Anambra State has the capacity to acquire them, if the Governor could activate his political will.
In his further ex-ray of Soludo’s administration, he said: “The Governor should assess his tax regime and do the needful. Our people complain about over taxation and as a listening Governor I urge him to take a critical look into the complaints of our people.
This should be a government of the people, by the people and for the people. That’s what democracy is all about. Tax is essential but over taxing the people defeats the essence of taxation itself.
“On electricity, the new electricity bill he signed is a welcome development. The Governor should do everything possible for it not to be monopolized as currently is. He should decentralize generation and distribution.
“Nnewi could have power plant to serve Nnewi likewise Onitsha, Awka, Aguata and others unlike what obtains now where one company is in charge of the whole State and beyond, “Chief Ikeotuonye advised.
He also took a look at the signing into law of the Anambra State Homeland Security Bill and establishment of Operation Udo-ga-chi security outfit which he described as a welcome development and long over due.
But the Governor, according to the former ALP governorship candidate, should pay more attention to an alleged abuses by the outfit.
He said that Soludo has to ensure the operatives work under the laid down rules and should not be used for any political or personal purposes.
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