Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, the minority leader in the Nigerian Senate, announced that IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu had never given orders not to hold elections in Anambra state.
Senator Abaribe gave the presentation on Thursday, October 28, 2021, when speaking with executives and students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, outside a town hall.
The town hall meeting, held in the ASUU NAU building, was organized by Valentine Ozigbo, Flag bearer of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the Anambra Guber elections in 2021, to present his manifesto to the university community.
Speaking to the large gathering, Senator Abaribe announced that he had called Mazi Kanu's attorney, who confirmed the order was not from the head of the IPOB, and accused unknown Fifth Columnists of fabricating the rumors.
“Who ordered that there would be no elections? The IPOB never said there would be no elections in Anambra. It is the manual work of the 5th columnists, ”said Senator Abaribe.
The respected legislature continued to support the PDP candidate, describing him as a "gentleman of impeccable character".
“When I choose to support anyone who aspires to public office, I become more interested in the person's character. If you can't stand up for your people, you don't deserve to be a leader.
Anambra deserves a governor who doesn't always go to Abuja with a plate in hand. We want a governor who will stay in Anambra and work for his people.
It is rare that I publicly endorse a candidate, but in Valentine, I saw someone who is sincere, qualified, and ready to work for the people. Hold me responsible in the unlikely event he doesn't keep his promises. sen. Abaribe futher explained.
“There are a lot of candidates in the race, so it's up to us to make our decision based on the content of the character. We have to insist on the right candidate in the right party, go through the right process, and make the right promises.
“Before the PDP area code, we visited the 21 local government area in the state of Anambra to ask people what they want. We realized that Ndi Anambra has two basic needs: safety and roads.
“We also found that people's needs differ from region to region, which led to the cluster approach enshrined in our Ka Anambra Chawapu Manifesto.
“We have therefore defined five clusters to meet the needs of Ndi Anambra according to their unique economic potential: the Onitsha cluster for commercial activities, Awka and its surroundings as an administrative and tourism center, the Omambala cluster for agricultural expansion. , Industrial Center, and in the Old Aguata cluster, we will explore the creation of a technology center where our young people can use their talents and help solve global problems.
"We think well of Ndi Anambra and look forward to working with the academic world to make Anambra a place to be proud of," added Ozigbo, a respected corporate leader.
Mr. Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra, who also spoke at the event, said he was excited to work with the university community as the future belongs to them.
“Nigeria is collapsing, Anambra is collapsing, and our only problem is the habit of putting incompetent people into leadership positions. In Valentine Ozigbo, Ndi Anambra has someone who cannot afford to fail. Vote for him; he won't disappoint, "remarked Obi.
Professor Stella Okunna, who worked as chief of staff in Obi's administration, also called on the population before the meeting to support Ozigbo, whom he described as "down-to-earth, knowledgeable and humble".
Valentine is a multi-award winning global CEO. According to analysts, Ozigbo's Ka Anambra Chawapu Manifesto is the most comprehensive document detailing a plan for the rapid development of Anambra.
The streets of Anambra are a nightmare and we all suffer from it. Every citizen wants quality roads, electricity, education, and health care. In my interaction with Ndi Anambra, the average Anambra person needs a governor with an impeccable character, and that man is Valentine Ozigbo.
So come out and tell your people that a big change is brewing in the state of Anambra and that it will come from Val and the PDP, added Senator Abaribe, who represents Abia South in the Green Chamber.
In his remarks, Ozigbo urged the academic community to treat all candidates with due care in the November 6 election.
There is a lot at stake in this election. We need a serving leader who listens and can build a team across parties and beliefs. This choice is about enlightened self-interest, not selfish interests.