The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election, Sir. Chidi Charles Onyeze, has pledged to raise the minimum wage in the state to ₦200,000 if elected as governor.
Speaking on Wednesday during the flag-off of the party’s campaign in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Onyeze declared that the state has sufficient financial capacity to pay its workers a living wage but is being held back by poor leadership and misplaced priorities.
“Anambra State has enough money to pay a ₦200,000 minimum wage. The problem is not the lack of funds but the lack of political will and genuine concern for workers’ welfare,” he stated.
Onyeze criticized the current administration for paying what he described as “unlivable wages,” arguing that while political office holders receive extravagant allowances, workers are left to suffer.
“If political office holders cannot accept ₦65,000 monthly, why should workers be paid peanuts? Anyone saying ₦200,000 is impossible is not telling the truth. Anambra’s monthly wage bill , I learnt is about ₦1.5 billion,why can’t the governor prioritize this amount for workers’ well-being and increases to N5billions ? The joy of Anambra workers should come before political luxury,” he said.
Onyeze further lamented the growing insecurity in Anambra, which he said has forced many of the state’s billionaires and investors to relocate their businesses elsewhere.
He pledged to restore peace and stability, making the state attractive again for both local and foreign investments.
“Our billionaires and millionaires have fled because of insecurity. When we take office, we will give criminals 48 hours to vacate the state, or they will face the consequences. Once security is restored, businesses will return, jobs will be created, and prosperity will follow,” he vowed.
The party candidate emphasized that job creation would be central to his administration’s agenda, arguing that unemployment is a major driver of crime.
“People turn to crime when they are idle. Once everyone is gainfully employed, insecurity will drastically reduce,” he added.
Onyeze revealed that several foreign investors are already in talks with his campaign to invest in Anambra once the right governance structure is in place.
“Out of many interested investors, three companies have already committed to establishing operations in Anambra, which will immediately employ over 7,000 people,” he said.
He also announced plans to make student employment and post-graduation support a policy priority.
“Any company investing in the state must provide part-time jobs for students. Upon graduation, these students will be fully employed and given startup grants to establish their own businesses. That’s how we build a sustainable economy,” he stated.
Dr. Onyeze urged Anambra citizens to reject mediocrity and demand accountability from their leaders.
“Ndi Anambra should stop celebrating ordinary government duties. Building roads or opening small hospitals should not be treated as achievements,there are basic responsibilities of any government. We must demand more from those in power,” he said.
He accused the incumbent administration of using state resources for political manipulation.
“Governor Soludo has openly boasted of giving millions to polling units with the highest votes. That is vote buying, not democracy. The people should take the money if offered but vote their conscience,” he warned.
Onyeze also called on the people,especially youths, mothers, and fathers to make responsible choices during the election.
“This election will not be like others. Do not sell your vote for ₦10,000. Anyone who sells his vote sells his future. I make a promise ,in two years of my administration, every capable person in Anambra will have meaningful work to do,” he assured.
The Director-General of the Onyeze Campaign Organization, Mrs. Uju Nzeakor, described Onyeze as “a proud son of Anambra and a youth-focused leader determined to bring positive change to the state.”
She highlighted his philanthropic efforts through his foundation, which has supported widows, funded educational programs, and provided economic empowerment to young people.
“Recently, he supported 36 youths with funds to purchase vehicles for transport businesses.
Onyeze is not coming to amass wealth; God has already blessed him. He is here to heal and transform the state,” she said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Mrs. Apollonia Ezeadili, commended supporters for their turnout and reaffirmed her commitment to restoring Anambra’s greatness.
“Do not be deceived by money politics. ₦10,000 cannot buy your future. Vote wisely, vote for Accord, and let’s make Anambra great again,” she urged.
At the end Onyeze finally reaffirmed his commitment to building a secure, prosperous, and worker-friendly Anambra State, calling on citizens to rise above vote buying and political deception.
“We must choose leaders who care for the masses, not themselves. Together, we can rescue Anambra from hunger, insecurity, and poor governance,” he said.
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