Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday defied rain as he embarked on grassroots visits to local government areas of the state to drum support for both President Goodluck Jonathan and his (Obiano’s) party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Governor Obiano used the tour to thank and sensitise the people on the expectations from them and government, pointing out that APGA would contest all available political positions, except the presidential slot, for which he said the party has already endorsed President Jonathan. “Beyond the presidential ticket, APGA is in contention for all the State and National Assembly seats with an eye to win them not only in Anambra State but also in the South East geo-political zone,” Obiano said.

Speaking at Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area Headquarters, the governor assured that APGA is determined to promote internal democracy by going through normal primaries to enable the people elect candidates of their choice. He stressed that there would be no automatic ticket for any aspirant. “APGA is on course and is leaving no stone unturned in its determination to consolidate its dominance in the entire South-East zone starting with Anambra State,” Obiano stated.

The governor and his entourage received a rousing reception at Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area, expressing satisfaction with the strong grassroots support enjoyed by the party and urging the people not to relent. He thanked the people for the remarkable support given to his administration and assured that he would not let them down.

At Aguata LGA, Governor Obiano said his administration would sustain equitable distribution of democracy dividends to all parts of the state. He assured that all communities and local government areas would receive their fair share of political appointments and infrastructural development, including roads leading to agricultural basins and industrial layouts. The governor explained that the visits would afford him the opportunity for close interaction with the people to feel their pulse, identify their problems and harness ideas on the future of the party, stressing that APGA has continued to grow from strength to strength.

Speaking at Umunze, Orumba South LGA and Awka South LGA, respectively, Chief Obiano restated that APGA would not impose any candidate on the people. He disclosed that more people have declared for the party because of its ideological leaning on equity and fairness.

On his part, the National Chairman of the party, Sir Victor Umeh, who accompanied Governor Obiano throughout the grassroots visits, stated that APGA remains a viable platform for Ndigbo to project stronger voice and presence in the country and occupy the right position in national affairs.

Observing that Obiano has started on a strong footing and fulfilled his promises of ensuring continuity, Umeh expressed satisfaction that the governor has shown readiness to expand the frontiers of the party and defend its interest.

The APGA Chairman stated that the governor’s achievements especially in the areas of security and implementation of development pillars have restored smiles on the faces of the people and created conducive environment for socio-economic activities to survive and thrive.

In their separate speeches, the member representing Anaocha I and Anaocha II in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Anselm Duru and Hon. Ebere Ejiofor, and their Aguata II counterpart, Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, as well as Awka South counterpart, Hon. Harford Oseke, said the governor has sustained high tempo of infrastructural development, completed some on-going projects besides initiating new ones. Their counterparts for Orumba North and Orumba South, Hon. Romanus Obi and Princess Nikky Ugochukwu, noted that the governor has justified the confidence reposed on him, and assured that the legislature would continue to give him total support to turn around the state.

Chairman of Aguata LG Council, Mr. Chuma Umeoji and his Orumba North and Orumba South counterparts, Messrs Okey Enekwe and John Onyeakpa, respectively extolled Obiano for the various interventions in their areas. They noted that the governor has brought a new dawn that impacted positively on the lives of the people.

Also speaking, Chairman of Awka South Local Government Council, Mr. Azubuike Iloh, expressed gratitude to Governor Obiano for his relentless efforts to give the state a befitting capital status. His Anaocha counterpart, Mr. Ikeobi Ejiofor, extolled the governor for the policy thrust of his administration.

A chieftain of APGA in Anaocha and a House of Assembly aspirant, Barrister Nneka Ezeani, pointed out that the governor has laid a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the state, which she said would provide an added platform for APGA to win future elections. Barrister Ezeani expressed the hope that APGA under Governor Obiano would continue to maintain the gender sensitivity it has shown in appointing many women in positions of authority by ensuring that more women are given opportunity to seek election position in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness.

Obiano, who was also accompanied by the APGA, State Executive members as well as some cabinet members who are stakeholders in areas visited, assured that the party would provide a level playing ground for all aspirants in future elections.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano acknowledging cheers at Nnewi yesterday during the grassroots tour. With his are Emeka Ojukwu Jr and Victor Umeh.

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