A retired naval captain, Jerry Obike Ogbonna, has declared his intention to contest the 2019 governorship election in Abia State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ogbonna vowed to sack the incumbent governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, if given the APC ticket, describing the present leadership in the state as a colossal failure.
Speaking in Umuahia on Monday, Ogbonna said the Ikpeazu administration has nothing to offer or show on ground since assumption of office.
The APC chieftain said what Abians need is transparent and visionary leadership, and frowned at the management of public funds by the Ikpeazu government.
According to him, “PDP is the major problem of Abians. You can see there is no infrastructure in the State. Abia money is being used to acquire houses in Abuja. Recently, the governor said he sent 100 shoemakers to China to undergo skill production. Ikpeazu should explain how N3.5 billion was used in sponsoring the shoemakers to China.
“He has nothing to show on ground. The roads he said he is constructing; watch and see that after one year, the roads will fade out. Abia is a shame to Igbo race. Abians need total change. Abia needs a new face to solve the myriads of problems facing her.
“Also, I’m calling on all Abians to shun political moneybags who are only interested to offer you money as election is approaching. Once you collect money from them, you are mortgaging the future of unborn children.”
On President Muhammadu Buhari, Ogbonna said the president deserved a second term to enable him have more time to rid Nigeria of corruption, which according to him, has impeded the economic development of the country.
“For me, the problem of Nigeria is corruption. Just imagine the level of stealing that went under the immediate past PDP government where some certain individuals that worked under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration milked the common wealth of the people.
“As far as this country is concerned, corruption is the bane of Nigeria’s problem. And the way out is for all Nigerians to support the present Federal government’s effort in the fight against corruption.
“The level of looting under the PDP government cannot be forgotten. And Mr. President needs more time, I mean, he deserves a second term in office to enable him consolidate on the gains made so far by his government,” Ogbonna argued.