Dr. Kelechi Anosike, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State, has pledged to establish a monthly public forum as governor to directly address the welfare and problems of the Abia people. This move is part of his campaign promises aimed at ensuring accessibility and people-centred governance. Anosike made this promise at his campaign office in Umuahia when members of his leading support group, the Kelechi Anosike G’eme Karia Movement, paid him a visit.
Anosike emphasized that his administration would prioritize accessibility, stating that he would not rely on Special Assistants to filter his mails or decide who gets to see him. He stressed that he would personally read and address mails from the public. This approach, he believes, would help bridge the gap between the government and the governed. Anosike's campaign is built on the principle of engaging directly with the people and addressing their concerns promptly.
The proposed monthly public forum, dubbed "Meet-Your-Governor," aims to provide a platform for the people of Abia State to express their grievances and seek redress. Anosike plans to hold this forum at a large hall, such as the Michael Okpara Auditorium, where he, his deputy, and relevant security agencies would be present to listen to and address the people's complaints. This initiative, he believes, would help curb injustice, oppression, and intimidation.
Anosike's welfarist ideology is a core aspect of his campaign. He insisted that his promise to build a Micro-finance Bank in Aba to provide interest-free loans is not just a political rhetoric, but a genuine commitment to empowering the people. The bank, he explained, would be funded by the state government, underscoring his administration's focus on economic empowerment. Anosike described the current state of economic empowerment in the state as "terrible" and emphasized the need for a government that prioritizes the people's welfare.
The Kelechi G’eme Karia Movement, one of Anosike's leading support groups, has established a robust structure across the state, with functional units in all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), 184 wards, and 4,006 polling units. The group's Director-General, Kelechi Nwosu, stated that they are working to deliver over 80,000 votes and plan a one-million-man march across all 17 LGAs.
Anosike's campaign strategy focuses on engaging with critical stakeholders who worked with him during the campaign trail. He believes that appointing people who were not part of his campaign team would lead to a disconnect between the government and the people. By working with those who understand the needs of the people, Anosike is confident that his administration would effectively address the problems faced by the Abia people.
Anosike's commitment to people-centred governance and accessibility has been welcomed by his supporters. His plans to establish a monthly public forum and prioritize economic empowerment reflect his focus on addressing the welfare and problems of the Abia people. As the election approaches, Anosike's campaign continues to gain momentum, with his supporters expressing confidence in his ability to bring about positive change in the state.
Key points
- Dr. Kelechi Anosike to establish monthly public forum to address people's problems
- Anosike prioritizes accessibility and people-centred governance
- Anosike's administration to focus on economic empowerment through a Micro-finance Bank in Aba
