Pressure mounts on ex-Provost Philips Nto to contest Abia North senatorial seat
A political advocacy group, Abia North Voice for Change, has called on a former Provost of Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu (ASCETA), Dr. Philips Nto, to contest the forthcoming senatorial election to represent Abia North under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group said its appeal was driven by Nto’s “impressive credentials and track record of service,” describing him as a capable leader who could reposition the zone and address what it termed years of political deception and underrepresentation.
In a statement issued at the end of its meeting held in Arochukwu on Thursday, the group stressed the urgent need for leadership with the capacity to drive development and reverse what it described as a growing trend of exclusion and political division in Abia North.
The statement, signed by its chairman, Mazi Sunday Torty, and secretary, Mr. Iroha Samuel, criticised what it called “family-based politics” and the use of blackmail in the guise of representation, insisting that the zone deserves a more inclusive and progressive leadership.
“Abia North is tired of being a laughing stock among other senatorial zones. We cannot continue to be subjected to the whims of one family cornering the patrimony of the entire zone. We need fresh blood and a new voice like Philips Nto,” the group stated.
Highlighting Nto’s achievements, the group pointed to his tenure as Provost of ASCETA, where it said he transformed the institution within seven years into a standard centre of learning.
It also referenced his service as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State, noting that his tenure was marked by innovative policies and significant contributions to the state’s financial sector.
According to the group, Nto has also demonstrated a commitment to human capital development by facilitating employment opportunities for many youths in Abia North through his professional networks.
The group further noted that Nto’s experience as a World Bank consultant and his wide-ranging connections place him in a strong position to advance the economic and political interests of the zone.
It, therefore, urged him to contest the Abia North Senate seat on the platform of the APC, assuring him of broad-based support from the five local government areas in the senatorial district.
