2027: Anosike Unveils M.I. Okpara-Inspired Blueprint for Abia, Promises Welfare-Driven Government

2027: Anosike Unveils M.I. Okpara-Inspired Blueprint for Abia, Promises Welfare-Driven Government

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Abia State election, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has unveiled an economic and social development blueprint anchored on the philosophy of the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, pledging to prioritise agriculture, industrialisation and workers’ welfare if elected governor.

Speaking during a media parley at the PDP State Secretariat in Umuahia, Anosike said his administration would draw inspiration from Okpara’s developmental model, which emphasised agricultural productivity, industrial growth and economic self-sufficiency.

“Our philosophy aligns with that of Dr. M.I. Okpara. Agriculture and industrialisation will receive priority attention to guarantee food security, create jobs and stimulate economic growth,” he stated.

The PDP standard-bearer said reviving moribund industries and establishing new cottage industries across the state would be central to his economic agenda, adding that his government would also strengthen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through grants and intervention programmes aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and expanding the state’s economy.

Anosike, who described Abia as a state blessed with enormous resources, maintained that the state’s developmental challenges stem from poor management rather than lack of funds.

“Abia is not poor but poorly managed,” he declared, arguing that the level of development in the state does not reflect the huge allocations currently received from the Federation Account.

According to him, governance should not be assessed solely on physical infrastructure but also on the extent to which it improves the welfare and living conditions of citizens.

“Government should not be measured only by infrastructure. Building the people is equally important. A welfarist believes in holistic development,” he said.

The PDP governorship candidate also expressed confidence in the party’s readiness to reclaim power in 2027, saying the party had undergone internal reforms and emerged stronger and more united.

“The past no longer matters. Abia PDP now has a new mindset. We are focused, united and prepared to rescue the state,” he said.

Anosike, who disclosed that he joined the PDP in 2005 and is also an author and publisher, described himself as a man of integrity committed to inclusive governance and social welfare.

“A good man gets power and power becomes good, but when a bad man gets power, power becomes bad,” he stated.

As part of his welfare agenda, Anosike promised to offset outstanding promotional arrears, pension liabilities and gratuity shortfalls owed to civil servants. He further pledged to review cases involving workers allegedly retired before attaining the statutory retirement age.

He also vowed to revisit the disengagement of about 10,000 civil servants in the state, assuring that those found to have been unfairly dismissed would be reinstated after a comprehensive review.

To improve the welfare of workers, the PDP candidate promised to introduce housing and vehicle loan schemes for civil servants, establish affordable retirement homes and review the state’s salary structure with a proposed minimum wage of ₦90,000.

He further announced plans to establish a Civil Service College to provide continuous training and retraining for public servants to enhance productivity and service delivery.

Responding to questions on the performance of previous PDP administrations, Anosike noted that past governments operated under severe financial constraints, explaining that Abia previously received about ₦3.5 billion monthly from the Federation Account, making large-scale development difficult.

He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal policy with increasing states’ revenues, noting that governors now receive substantially higher allocations than before.

“Before President Tinubu’s emergence, many governors had to borrow from banks just to pay salaries. Today, enough funds are available. The difference between one state and another is management, and unfortunately Abia is poorly managed,” he said.

On security, Anosike assured residents that security votes would be managed transparently to enhance the protection of lives and property across the state.

He also disclosed plans to establish the Abia State Informal Sector Regulatory and Development Agency (ABSIRDA), a body that would regulate and support artisans, including plumbers, electricians, mechanics and technicians, while exposing them to international opportunities and improving professional standards.

Reaffirming his confidence in the PDP’s electoral prospects, Anosike maintained that the party remains united, formidable and prepared to return to Government House in 2027.

“Our party is united, formidable and ready to take over the government in 2027,” he declared.