The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) candidate for Abia Central senatorial election, Col. Austin Akobundu, has said his aspiration to represent the district in the Senate is Divine call towards his commitment to better the well-being of his constituents.
He spoke at the presentation of his Manifesto to leadership of the party within the Senatorial district at Umuahia, the State Capital on Tuesday tagged, “The Col. Akobundu People-First Agenda”.
Col. Akobundu said the five points manifesto derives her strength, from the wishes, aspiration and manifest Will of the people of Abia Central senatorial district in their desire for quality representation at the National Assembly.
According to him, “This vision is a Divine call in my lifelong commitment towards the wellbeing of our people which is motivated by a strong demand on me from an overwhelming majority of our people whom I seek to represent at the Senate; privilege I would not take for granted, if given the singular honour to serve.
“In putting together my manifesto, we received inputs from professionals in various fields, community leaders, the traditional Institutions, youth groups, student bodies, faith-based Organizations, women groups, artisans, transporters, traders and all other stakeholders in a shared commitment towards the collective good of the people of Abia Central senatorial district”.
He assured that if elected, he will pursue and advance the constitutional guaranteed rights and privileges of the people of Abia Central, Abia State and Nigerians in general while resisting discrimination, marginalization or victimization in all forms.
He added that he would not only ensure respect for Fiscal Federalism to guarantee desired allocation and infrastructural development but to ensure greater adherence to the Principle of Federal Character and pursue more Federal appointments for deserving Abia and Abia Central citizens in key Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Akobundu disclosed his intentions to empower not less than 1,500 constituents (mostly youths) yearly in various personal vocations, trades and businesses; increase business and commercial activities by facilitating the upgrade of markets and economic value chains, especially in the rural communities.
He maintained that he will also facilitate phased rehabilitation or construction and equipping of cottage hospitals and Community Health Centers in the six L.G.A, of Abia Central and also facilitate extensive Federal Government intervention towards the menace of gully erosion in Communities in Abia Central.
Akobundu further maintained that his campaign was centered on citizens’ empowerment, human capital and infrastructure development, which according to him, shall drive stronger production of goods and services through effective legislation and oversight.
In their respective speeches, the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem; the Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Chief Jerry Uzosike; the Deputy Chairman of PDP Abia State chapter, Mr. Obinna Nwachukwu; the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Eze Chikamnayo; the Director General of Col. Austin Akobundu campaign Organization, Pastor Emeka Inyama; Member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Chief Stanley Nwabuisi among others who spoke during the event, described Col. Akobundu as a super candidate whose records are ever glaring.
They maintained that the PDP is not an ordinary party but a party to be and to beat, assuring
Col. Akobundu a landslide victory at the polls.