By Emma Ogbuehi
With the campaigns for the November 6 Anambra governorship election taking shape, Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, Peter Obi, has declared Valentine Ozigbo, the flag bearer of the, as the best option for the State.
Obi, former governor of the state, made the declaration on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, while addressing thousands of supporters at the PDP gubernatorial campaign rally in Orumba South Local Government Area. The rally was one of 21 rallies the Valentine Ozigbo Campaign is holding across the local government areas of Anambra.
In his address, Obi assured the large gathering at the St Joseph’s School Field that Ozigbo would continue from where he stopped and ensure the State witnesses aggressive development.
Obi however lamented that since he left office about eight years ago, there has been progressive infrastructural decay in the state as schools, hospitals and roads across the state are in terrible shape.
“When we were in government, we invested heavily in the infrastructural development of the state. During that period, our schools, hospitals and roads became the best in the country, as Anambra was rated top in every sphere of governance.
“We did not discriminate between state and federal roads, which made Anambra one of the best in terms of road infrastructure. Today, the story is different. Nothing was added to what we built when we were in government. This is a complete failure, and Anambra people cannot afford to reinforce failure by voting them into power again”, he said.
In his remarks, Ozigbo promised the people of Orumba South LGA that if elected governor, he would follow and improve on Obi’s model to develop the state to the standard it deserves.
Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, thanked the people of Orumba South for the massive support accorded him.
“I started my early life in Orumba. I did all my early education here. I am a son of the soil. My victory will be a victory for Orumba South, Old Aguata and the people of Anambra State.
“PDP remains the best option for Anambra State today, after suffering from an infrastructural setback for the past eight years by a lackluster APGA government.
“If you carry out due diligence on all the candidates on the ballot, it is evident that Valentine Ozigbo and Dame Azuka Enemo are the best combination.
“Anambra was proud of Peter Obi’s government. I assure you that you’ll also be proud of my government. My administration will return power to the people. Women and youths will be given prominent seats at the table.
“We’ve drawn a road map on how to take Anambra to a better level – how to build schools, hospitals, roads and empower our people. By the special grace of God and through your support, I’ll be the next governor,” Ozigbo added.
While making a brief speech at the event, Ozigbo’s running mate, Mrs. Azuka Enemo, said she is motivated to see Ndi Anambra enjoy the true dividends of democracy.
Mrs. Enemo, who served as a Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Peter Obi’s administration, said Ndi Anambra are in for a good time with Ozigbo as governor.
Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, the Director-General of the Anambra PDP Governorship Campaign Council, described Ozigbo as a man of excellence who would bring his wealth of experience in the corporate sector to bear in the governance of the State. He added that Mrs. Enemo’s rich experience in public administration would ensure that the people at the grassroots feel the impact of good governance.
While thanking the people of Orumba South for turning out in large number to welcome the campaign train, Obiogbolu asked the people to also turnout in their great numbers to cast their votes for Ozigbo and PDP come November 6, 2021.
A host of dignitaries were present at the event, including Dr. Okey Muo Aroh, a member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC); directors and members of the Anambra PDP Governorship Campaign Council; members of the Anambra State House of Assembly led by the Minority Leader, Apostle Onyebuchi Offor; members of the PDP Anambra state working committee led by the state.
