The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in Abia, Nkole Uko Ndukwe, has vowed to make the welfare of his constituents and infrastructural development of the constituency his priories if he wins the 2015 election.

The PDP flagbearer said when he receives the mandate of his people, his first task would b to build the bridge linking Abam and Arochukwu. He said this would enhance communication and rural development in the area.

Abam is in Arochukwu Local Government Area and the road linking Abam with tthe council headquarters in Arochukwu is under constrution with the bridge yet to be built.

Nkole, during an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia, said when he is done with the bridge, he would unleash empowerment programmes on his constituents.

“The first constituency allowance I am going to get as the representative of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, I will use it to ensure that the uncompleted bridge on the road linking Abam to Amuvi Arochukwu, is fixed. That is my major task and first priority,” he said.

Nkole, a professional Town Planner, promised to institute welfare packages that would promote agriculture; improve education and boost healthcare delivery in his constituency.

“I will make sure wherever the peasant farmers and artisans are, a lot of things would be done for them, so that they will be able to fend for themselves and their immediate families so that this issue of crime and other social vices that usually are the attendant consequences of lack of social security would be eradicated in my constituency,” he added.

He dismissed the view that lack of funds would impede smooth implementation of his welfare packages and programmes since he would not be controlling votes

Hear him: “Yes, legislayors don’t control votes. But, remember, all the budgets pass through the National Assembly and if you are a strong, dynamic and a proactive legislator, you will have your way through your input into the budget. So, I intend to tackle all these. I know it will not be easy but I know that by God’s grace, I understand the system and how it works through lobbying and building necessary synergy with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“I intend to take care of these projects through adequate budgetry provisions and a follow up.”

The Ozu Abam-born pioneer staff of the National Assembly Service Commission also dismissed arguments that his quest for effective representation and attracting projects to his constituency would be hampered because he would be a first timer in the House of Representatives.

He pointed out that being a ranking lawmaker has its advantages but is not the only yardstick for performannce.

"The issue of ranking is in the House Rules but not in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but I know that in the Assembly, you have to have your group. Assuming I am following the majority, whatever decision we take, I think is binding,” he said, adding:

“So, it is my own homework that I need to do. I dont see that as a challenge or a barrier because I have worked in the Federal civil service and I know what happens there and again, I was a pioneer staff of the National Assembly Service Commission. So, I know one or two things about this issue of ranking.”

The 39-year-old University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduate of Geography expressed optimism that he would eventually emerge victorious in the 2015 general poll based on his level of preparations, as well as the the overwhelming acceptance of his party in Abia.

His words: “I started eyeing this position since 2009. And since then, I have ben preparing myself for it. There is power in preparation. I have faith and confidence in God that having started this project, He will perfect it.

“So, we have crossed the first hurdle and Abia, I keep telling people that is a PDP state and by the time you make the right choice, victory is yours. If a seat is meant for one person and the right person has been chosen, it is going to be a bandwagon effect.”

•Photo shows Nkole Uko Ndukwe.

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