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The gubernatorial candidate of the APC, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, his PDP counterpart, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the LP candidate, Senator Athan Nneji Achonu, were noticeably absent from the political debate held ahead of next month’s election in Imo State.
The purpose of the event, which was held at the NUJ press centre in Owerri, was to provide a venue for the impending November governorship election in Imo to be used by the contestants to deliver their manifestos. Still, only the ADC and YPP candidates showed up.
The GEDA Director-General, Prof. Mrs. Mercy Ada Mere (Agu Nwanyi Ndigbo Gburu Gburu), stated in her opening remarks that she was pleased with the integrity shown by the two gubernatorial candidates who were present at the discussion. She characterised them as extremely capable and qualified candidates who sincerely wanted to be elected governor in the Imo governor’s race on the 11th of November.
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The YPP candidate, High Chief Dr. Kemdi Chino Opara (Omeudo), passionately expressed his commitment to serving the people of Imo as their next Governor. He voiced his concerns about the current state of insecurity in Imo under the present Shared Prosperity Government, emphasizing the need for change.
He also promised to address the issue of poor road infrastructure in Imo, stating that he would make significant improvements. In education, he pledged to reorganise the curriculum to enhance educational standards and provide free education from primary to tertiary levels with a 50% reduction in tuition fees. He also vowed to drive the economy to meet the people’s expectations.
Dr. Opara stressed that he would bring quality healthcare to the people, improve the state’s hospitals, and enhance health services with the help of his foreign connections. He also expressed his commitment to promoting mechanized agriculture and job creation.
Regarding security, he proposed to offer training to the youth in ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and improve the state’s tourism sector, particularly the development of waterways.
In conclusion, he urged Imo residents to support him in his bid to oust the incumbent Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the betterment of the state.
The ADC gubernatorial candidate, Prof. James Okoroma, who described his aspiration as divine, aimed to bring positive change to Imo State. He stressed the importance of peace, security, and conflict resolution, emphasizing that he had the solutions to address these issues.
Prof. Okoroma, an academic scholar, teacher, and journalist, expressed his commitment to good governance and making Imo a better place. He pledged to restore peace, negotiate with relevant parties, and create gainful employment opportunities.
In terms of education, he proposed a new curriculum and policies that incorporate AI, ICT, and science and technology to address unemployment and cognitive development.
He promised to establish a youth entrepreneurship bank, renovate schools, and ensure prompt payment of pensions to teachers. He also emphasized his support for women’s empowerment and equal opportunities for female residents.
Prof. Okoroma outlined plans to establish three power stations in Imo and spoke about his vision for security, peace, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and knowledge-driven leadership.
In conclusion, he called on Imolites to support his quest to unseat the incumbent APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and promised quality leadership and good governance if elected.
