Politicians , stakeholders Snub Ayamelum Good Governance Forum Debate

The political debate organized by a Non Governmental Organization, Ayamelum Good Governance Forum (AGGF) for the candidates seeking elective position in the National and State Assemblies in Anambra North senatorial zone of Anambra State shunned the event.

www.odogwublog.com reports that it was marred with apathy as some candidates absconded while other stakeholders from the area boycotted the debate for reasons yet to be identified.

Although, three State House of Assembly candidates, Hon. Uchenna Okafor of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chinonso Chinwuba (Esq) of All Progressive Congress (APC) and Barr. Mike Ikegbunam of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were present it was short of an elaborate event planned for by the group.

Chairman of the group, Godwin Amuluche expressed disappointment on the attitude of some stakeholders from Ayamelum Council Area especially the traditional rulers, presidents General of the communities, councilors including the Local Government Chairman of the council area, for abandoning the debate for other programmes.

He urged the electorate present at the debate, which took place at Anaku, Ayamelum council area secretariat to endeavour to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to enable them vote according to their conscience during the elections.
While presenting his manifestoes earlier, the APGA candidate, Hon. Uchenna Okafor said he is contesting the position to give voice to the voiceless and support the government by sponsoring bills that will better the lots of the down-trodden, physically challenged, women and youths.

“I will institute Neighbourhood Management Initiative (NMI) that will cut across all sectors of the economy in Ayemelum because I understand that lack of funding is the major reason why people don’t go to school here. I will provide sporting facilities in schools to boost education and build computer Laboratory system and equip them with our constituency fund.
“My area of specialty in school is community development Management and I will use my contacts in United kingdom to attract donor agencies in Ayamelum and apart from that, because I am in APGA, influence the state Government to tar our roads, provide portable water and provide electricity in this area and also build skill acquisition centres to provide job for our youths” he said.

For APC candidate, Chinonso Chinwuba (Esq), APGA government has failed Anambra State, especially Ayamelum that have suffered neglect and abandonment over nine years of APGA administration in the State.

He said ,“I am vying for this position to make a sacrifice because we are in a critical condition and it is a must that we must get it right at this point in time.
“It is too necessary for Ayamelum to have water for our own health. If elected, I will make sure we have a functional library as that is the only way to empower our brothers and sisters in school. Ayamelum had electricity since 1989 but this government is unable to make it functional up till today, I will ensure that we revive the electricity. Our people were short changed during the last recruitment in the State and nobody challenged them.
“Most of our people die prematurely because most of our health centres are not equipped. I am going there to pass a bill that any Anambra child within seven years and above get admission in schools” he said.

PDP candidate, Mr Mike Ikegbunam, a lawyer said he will contribute effectively in the Hallowed chamber by making laws that will give people oriented representation.
“I will not build library but award scholarship at intervals to students to encourage them continue their education. I am in this race to salvage our people from bondage.
Ikegbunam criticized the former PDP member, Hon. Gabriel Onyenweife who occupied the position for eight years without anything to show for it.

‘’He did not do well. Some roads are not motorable,  no government presence here for good eight years. Even the road that led to his town was not tarred. I will swing into action as soon as I  am elected and most importantly, more people will get employment”.