There was jubilation across Obosi, hometown of frontline contender in the November 2017 Anambra state governorship election, Chief Osita Chidoka as he officially indicates his aspiration to contest the election.



Chidoka, accompanied by numerous supporters from across the state including those defecting from other political parties registered at the Obosi ward of the United Progressives Party (UPP), the party on which platform he will run for the election.



Jubilating market women, artisans, commercial motorcyclists, bus drivers, youth groups and students abandoned their various activities to show solidarity to the governorship hopeful who holds the elevated traditional title of Ike Obosi



Addressing the media shortly after his registration, Chidoka said his aspiration is for an administration that will primarily focus on the youth, forgotten, the poor and the disadvantaged to ensure that they are accorded desired respect and care as well as unhindered access to government resources and as citizens. He added that the time has come for citizens to get land C-of-Os free of charge in any part of the state, while school children in Anambra enjoy free education.



“This quest for governorship of Anambra state is a product of extensive consultation among our people devoid of all primordial sentiments that set us back. Our people are a very resourceful and ingenious people and there is a strong sense of urgency for a government that thinks about their peculiarity as a people.



“My aspiration is that the forgotten, the poor and the disadvantaged are reintroduced into our society by providing them the basic amenities. No woman should die during childbirth. No child should die because of lack of access to medical care. Attending private schools should be a choice not a necessity. The financial burden of our state should not be borne by traders, artisans, okada riders and small businesses owners struggling to find three square meals a day.



“Our vision is a shared future anchored on creating opportunities for those who are disadvantaged today to have equal access to government resources, equal obligations as citizens of the state, and a regime of fairness, equity and justice,” he said.



Chidoka lamented the failure of government in Anambra noting that a new spirit is needed to move the state forward.



“As a citizen or resident of Anambra, the questions you should ask yourself today are: despite the inherent potentials and resources of our dear state, is your life better than it was four years ago? Do you have access to the things that make a state run correctly? Is the future of your children secure? Are the education offered in our schools today the kind that will produce another Chinua Achebe or Chimamanda Adichie? Are our current infrastructures such that will support our quest for technological and economic growth? Are our hospitals desirable with the prevailing 74 deaths out of every 1000 live births? Sadly, the answer is "No!"



“It is a sad commentary to our state that almost 25 years after the creation of Anambra State, there is no 10-square meter space with government pipe borne water, guaranteed electricity or even a well-planned and laid out city. We are yet to have a city that attracts young people or where foreign investors want to stay. Our state is made up of very intelligent and creative people, but they leave to seek livelihood and set up elsewhere, all because the required infrastructure for stability and growth is lacking. The time has come for us to put a stop to all these.



“We must end a system where those who do well in Anambra are only those who live off huge government contracts on white elephant projects while the people are ignored. The Anambra we look forward to is one that invests in human beings; where government care for and treat citizens with the desired respect; the Anambra that makes it possible for our children to learn and become global players; the Anambra that positions its men and women to compete globally in technology, commerce and industry. That is the Anambra we look forward to and we need to make the right investments today”, he said.



On the issue of zoning, Chidoka noted that the solution to the challenges of the state does not lie in political divisive zoning or denominational sentiments but in innovative government that is driven by ideas which he epitomizes. He said the Anambra people are no longer moved by money politics or godfatherism but on those who have the creativity to move the state forward.