By Jude Atupulazi
For Sir Paul Chukwuma, Guber Candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, in the November 8 Poll in Anambra State, the focus is on rescuing the state from its current brink of collapse and returning it to its pride of place, rather than embarking on frivolities.
Chukwuma who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen, Monday, maintained that he was not in the race for a comedy show as was being seen in the state currently.
‘I’m in the race to present concrete ideas to Ndi Anambra on how to transform the state and mobilize resources to tackle the challenges confronting it.
‘I am not in this race to drag or say uncomplimentary things about anybody, not even my fellow aspirants. By March 2026, I know I will be the Governor of Anambra State, including those candidates that contested against me. They are Ndi Anambra, and I will be Governor for everybody. Therefore, I am not interested in throwing jabs,’ Chukwuma stated, insisting that his campaign would remain issues-based.
The Umuleri-born educationist said he was well aware of where the system had gone wrong and also how to fix things through a transparent funding process to achieve what he described as positive, disruptive change.
Chukwuma who expressed delight at the support he was getting from the people of the state, promised to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law, with all the arms of government enjoying independence.
He said he was never going to pocket the legislature as the lawmakers were elected by their people in expectation of getting the dividends of democracy.
‘I will not only support but champion their independence. Local government autonomy will be sacrosanct and I will not interfere with their job, especially in funding and delivery of grassroots development. Security votes will be properly utilised to ensure that Anambra is safe,’ Chukwuma assured.
Throwing light on the reported scuffle with the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth in Onitsha after the shooting to death of four citizens at the Main Market by agents of the State Government, Chukwuma regretted what he described as lack of empathy by the State Government, who, he said, allowed their agents to be exercising lawlessness and harassing and intimidating the citizenry.
‘When I heard about the incident, I felt compelled to visit. I addressed the traders, urged them not to take law into their hands, and reminded them that it is our collective duty to hold government accountable,’ he explained, adding that he later visited the General Hospital to check on the injured where he pledged to foot their bill. He said it was there that he noticed the doors of the ward where the victim was were being shut and he learnt that the said Commissioner blocked the entrance to the hospital.
He said while this was happening, one of the victims who was in life support was about to be driven to another hospital better equipped to treat him. This, he said, was after he had made funds available for the victim’s treatment.
Noting that the Commissioner later drove his car away from the gate, he regretted that the State Government was playing politics with life, even as he pledged to serve the state with integrity and ensure a society governed by the rule of law.
The YPP strong man said if elected, he would decisively address the security situation within his first six months in office.
‘The insecurity in Anambra is a fact. But with the mandate of Ndi Anambra, I will deal squarely with it, and it will become a thing of the past,’ he assured, while also vowing to end the prolonged Monday sit-at-home.
‘There is confusion in Anambra. People no longer know when it is Friday, Saturday, or even Monday, because of the sit-at-home. I will reset the days of the week and ensure Ndi Anambra return to work on Mondays to fend for their families,’ Chukwuma said.
‘I am confident that God is with me on this journey. By His grace and with the mandate of Ndi Anambra, I will be the next Governor of Anambra State,’ he enthused.
