The South-East Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Chike Obidigbo, has joined the 2014 governorship race in Anambra State.

Obidigbo declared yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He said he chose the party because of what it represents in the South-East geopolitical zone.

Obidigbo commended the developmental efforts of past governors of the state, namely, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Senator Chris Ngige and the incumbent, Mr. Peter Obi. He promised to build on their achievements if elected and to move the state to an enviable height.

Obidigbo stressed that if he wins, he would fight crime with aggressive employment of the youth.

On his other programmes, Obidigbo said: “We are coming into governance to pursue an aggressive agricultural programme that would rival the contribution of the late Michael Okpara’s era which catapulted then Eastern Nigeria as fastest growing economy in the sub-region. In doing that, we shall factor in gender into the development by promoting domestic arts and crafts.

“We are coming to tackle the issue of knowledge expansion by ensuring that quality attends our education policy.”

The MAN boss further said that his reign would decongest Awka by creating new towns and industrial hubs.

While presenting Obidigbo formally to APGA at the party’s secretariat, APGA’s Vice Chairman (Anambra North) Fidelis Okafor, noted that Obidigbo had tall accomplishments that would be his guiding tools to give the state a proper direction.

He thanked the Governor Peter Obi for championing the cause for Anambra North to produce the next governor of the state.

Okafor called on the people of the state to consider the zone in the gubernatorial race in the interest of equity, justice and good conscience.

On his part, the APGA State Chairman, Egbeoyibo Okoye, assured that the party would give a level playing ground to all governorship aspirants on the platform of APGA.

•Photo shows Dr. Obidigbo.