The unemployment rate in Anambra state, one of the highest in the country has now reached an all-time high of about 95%.
This was disclosed at Amawbia, Awka yesterday at a media chat by one of the front liner in the state’s 2014 governorship race, Dr Ifeatu Ekelem.
The United States of America-trained medical expert/specialist who is vying on the platform of the Afirican Democratic Congress (ADC), admitted that his humble background prepared and motivated him to vie for the state’s top job.
Dr Ekelem, the youngest of a set of triplets, said he considers lowering of the unemployment figure of the state from 95% to about 35% within the first two years as a key priority of his administration if he wins.
He saw all the social tension, banditry, militancy, brazen kidnap regime, widespread hunger, non-accountability in government and other such anti-social vices currently enveloping the state’s economic and social scene, as a direct function of poor governance. Hear him, “I thank God for the incumbent Gov Peter Obi administration. He has done his best, but it was not good enough, he couldn’t tackle criminality, unemployment, kidnap and killing of innocent citizens. It was under his watch scores of citizens were murdered and dumped in Ezu, Amansea River, without proper investigation/justice. It was under his watch the state has nearly fallen into anarchy.
“Therefore, I intend to create a ministry for the Vigilance Services as a way to register all employable adult males while monthly stipend of about N20, 000 would be paid to each one until they were fully absorbed in one office or another.”
Ekelem noted that Anambra could easily become the USA of Nigeria if the abundant God-given resources were well-harnessed.
He plans 5 new General Hospitals and about 30 additional cottage hospitals in parts of the state. And that he would use his reach and global contacts to attract foreign donors to the state.
Commenting on the outcry that only Anambra North senatorial zone would produce the next governor, the physician said it was undemocratic, autocratic and unacceptable as it was laden with selfishness. He accused the outgoing governor as planning to have a stooge and his lapdog as a successor. He therefore urged the citizens to choose the best, irrespective of where he hails from.
Chief Chetanna Udoka, the state chairman of the party also urged Anambra citizens to make a wise choice now and chose him come the election.
