‘2015: How Abia governor will emerge’
Legal Adviser to the Goodluck-Sambo Support Group, Chinyere Chigbu is a stakeholder in the politics of Abia State. He is one of those who will determine the next governor of Abia State. In this interview, he speaks on the Jonathan presidency, Abia politics and why he thinks it is time for generational change in his state. Excerpts:
You are a member of the Jonathan/Sambo Solidarity Group. The current administration has been heavily criticised by some groups for performing below expectations. Do you think Nigerians made the right decision by voting in the PDP?
You have to look at the current administration from the perspective that it is facing unprecedented challenges. Yet, President Goodluck Jonathan has been able to carry out projects people can point at. It is not only about our country being included in the MINT category, it is about the aviation and railway reforms. The Jonathan administration is also about transparently run interventions like You Win and SURE P. Sure, I agree that government has to address nagging issues such as corruption and terrorism. But we also have to give the central government kudos for doing its best not to be overcome by the peculiar challenges of our time. Personally, I will support the same ticket again so that the transformation agenda can be fully realised.
There are mixed feelings when it comes to PDP being at the helm of affairs in Abia. Do you think the PDP will be an easy sell to the electorate based on the performance of the PDP government in your state?
For me, the Abia State government led by Chief T.A. Orji had done its best to develop our state. He has worked on different sectors like education, infrastructure and healthcare. But I do believe that things will get better when youths are given the opportunity to contribute to governance. My dream is for youths to be better involved in government both in my state and the national level.
How safe is Abia state from the encroachment of the APC?
Like I just said, only the people of Abia State will determine who serves as governor, lawmaker or Local Government chairperson. Power belongs to the people. They will vote in or vote out whom they wish. This is why we all in the PDP must ensure that we never renege on providing good governance. I do see the people giving the PDP another chance.
What is the philosophy behind your aspiration for the Abia State governorship?
Well, youth groups and some other associations in the state have called on me to run for governorship in 2015. But I am still consulting with stakeholders and elders in the state. Whatever decision I will take will be made known in due course in accordance with the electoral laws. And any decision I take will be of good impact to the people of Abia. Though, if you ask me, I think it’s time for youths to lead in my state.
President Olusegun Obasanjo once was quoted as saying the youths in government didn’t post impressive performances that would encourage generational change. Do you really think that the younger generation is prepared to provide good governance?
Please look around and you will see that it is the young politicians who are proving their worth. Individuals like Obong Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, all came into government as young men. These men have proven that if given the chance, they will do well. So for me, the youth of Abia are the ones who will return the state to its days of being an industrial and commercial hub.
Do you think youths in the country have the financial capability to contest for key offices?
Yes, they do. Just recently, Ifeanyi Uba of Capital Oil contested for the Anambra governorship election. He is one of the many successful young entrepreneurs who can either contest or support credible youths to vie for public office. Gone are the days when success is only ascribed to older or middle age people.
Indeed, people lament the lost glory of Aba as an industrial hub. How exactly do you think government can restore the city’s lost glory?
One of the major problems in society is that of attitudinal change and a leader with character can lead the charge for the change we desire. In Abia our next governor must be someone who is fanatical about leading the move for an Aba that will again be the toast as a location for commerce and industry. We need a leader who will initiate and promote a green industrial Aba. It is doable, especially with a governor who has vision and is committed to walking the talk.
What are your dreams for Abia state?
I may sound too ambitious. But my dream is to see an Abia State that will be known globally for being a good destination for investment. I do believe that if government invests heavily in empowering the people, the state will witness unprecedented growth, even in the rural areas.
The general notion is that for a young person to go far in politics, he needs the support of a godfather. Do you have powerful backers?
The people of Abia State are my godfathers. I have been in politics since 1998. I am a founding member of the PDP in my ward and the state. More importantly, I believe that only the people of Abia will determine who becomes the next governor. Not any godfather.
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