Anambra guber; Mammoth crowd attends PPA campaign flag-off

By O’star Eze

The Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA witnessed a mammoth crowd as they held officially flagged off their campaign over the weekend at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, during which the National Working Committee of the party led by her National Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh performed the ceremonial handing over of the party’s flag to Mr Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo and his deputy, 38 year old Hon. Stanley Nkwokah and Ezeemo stunned everyone by signing a social contract with the people.

Handing over the flag, Chief Ameh described Ezeemo as “a man of integrity and an embodiment of honesty and humility who has disting uished himself as an astute business man and administrator and therefore the ideal candidate for governorship in a great state like Anambra”.

Appreciating the “emotions, enthusiasm and excitement”expressed by the teeming crowd of supporters, Ezeemo opined that the electorates’ sacrificing their time to be part of the flag off was evidence that they are resolved to see a better Anambra State.

 

He shared his disgust at the “reckless abandon with which previous governments and event he present have been misusing their power to lord it over the people and siphon public funds” and promised that his emergence is a coup de grace for irresponsible governance.

In his words, “I know that our people have been lied to for so long and that is why you find it difficult convincing some people who have seen my antecedents but are still doubting the genuineness of my purpose. This is why I have chosen to sign a social contract with you women, youths, traders, commuter drivers and all other groups that make up Anambra people today so that you can hold me  accountable if I default from accomplishing any of my promises within the timeline I have slated to actualise them if I emerge your governor.”

He then read out the social contracts which consist of definite actions he would take to address infrastructural, policy and social justice issues that militate against the smooth and optimum functioning of the various groups of people in the state, signed them and asked for a representative of the various demographics to sign on their column.

Ezeemo also introduced his running mate, 39 year old Stanley Nkwokah who he referred to as “one who has distinguished himself as an environmentalist and a consultant and therefore deserves a chance in governance.”

He said that his administration is poised to give everyone equal chance to exercise his potentials regardless of his age or background.

On his part, Ezeemo’s running mate, Stanley Nkwokah charged the youths to ensure they do not miss “the wonderful opportunity given to them who have been long forgotten and relegated to the background in the scheme of things politically.”

He said that Ezeemo has come with sincerity to lay a foundation for facilitated development in Anambra State and should be accorded every support that will enable him emerge as governor as it is “to the best interest of every demographic in the state.”

Speaking with the press, Barrister Keinde Ado, PPA National Secretary said that he is confident Anambra electorates will vote in Godwin Ezeemo this time around as the party has taken time since the last election to prove to them that Ezeemo is one man whose heart is with Anambra people and indeed the black man at large.

“This was what informed his transferring the headquarters of his booming business empire to his hometown. Where a man’s heart is, that is where he wants to put his treasure and where his treasure is, that is where his heart will be.”

He attributed the loss in the last election to not having enough time to introduce the candidate to Anambra electorates but that the party has had enough time to do between then and now.

“What you see today is a pre-victory celebration. All the people you see here are not rented crowd but converted devotees who have bought into this project and who are witnessing to others about the lofty project God intends to carry out through the instrumentality of Godwin Ezeemo,” Barrister Ado said.

There were also goodwill messages from the likes of a former presidential candidate under APGA, Mr George Okoye; Hon. Edwin Okonkwo, Deputy National Chairman (South) and victory songs as the local government branches of PPA as well as other pressure groups from within and outside the state marched past Mr Godwin Ezeemo assuring him of their unalloyed support and resolve to see him elected the next governor of Anambra state.