Politics

Willie Obiano(APGA) Manifesto  

Continuity

I am passionate, very enthusiastic and will continue the programs of the present administration to transform

our state to occupy its rightful place in Nigeria and Africa!

Building on the enviable foundation laid by Governor Obi, Continuity will be the guiding strategy and

theme of my administration. The importance of 'Continuity' is evident both at home and abroad as

Governments and private institutions who have adopted a similar theme have

benefitted immensely. I also intend to adopt the State's current strategy, christened: Anambra

Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS). Today, ANIDS is and shall continue to be the driving force

behind the rapid development taking place across all sectors. Over my administration's first

12months, we will work tirelessly to Continue, Complete, Commission all ongoing projects

and Commence (4Cs) new projects across various sectors in the State.

OUR 4Cs SHALL IMPACT THE FOLLOWING SECTORS:

EDUCATION

We shall complete the construction of phase 2 of over 1,500 classroom blocks for primary schools

We shall complete the numerous faculty and administrative blocks at Anambra State University (ANSU) campuses and classrooms at Nwafor Orizu College of Education

We shall continue with the deployment of more Microsoft Academies; ongoing rehabilitation of secondary schools and sustain existing, strong, working relationship with the Church in transforming the education sector.

WORKS & INFRASTRUCTURE

We shall complete the ongoing construction of over 300 km of roads and bridges across the State

We shall complete the rehabilitation and lighting of Ojukwu expressway, Onitsha

HEALTH

We shall continue with the ongoing construction of hostels and several administrative blocks at Schools of Nursing, Midwifery schools in parts of the State.

We shall continue with the construction of new classroom blocks at Schools of Nursing and Midwifery

PUBLIC UTILITIES

 We shall continue with the rehabilitation and expansion of N10bn Onitsha water supply scheme

The expansion of greater Awka water supply scheme shall continue under my administration

We shall continue with the electrification projects across all regions in the Anambra State.

ENVIRONMENT

We shall continue with the beautification of Onitsha town as well as the restoration and

beautification of numerous parks across the State

We shall continue with the restoration of over 15 floodplain sites

We shall construct 35 major storm water management and erosion control sites

LANDS, PLANNING & HOUSING

We shall continue with the ongoing construction of all commissioned housing estates (Ngozika II, Unity, etc.)

We shall continue with the construction of a modern city settlement (Greenwood) to contain the new Government House, Government Lodge, Judges quarters, large commercial and residential layouts

INVESTMENTS & JOB CREATION

We shall continue the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) negotiations with the largest African chicken producer, Rainbow Chicken, to build comprehensive chicken production facility. 

We shall continue with the ongoing negotiations to secure a joint investment with Africa's No.1 distillers for the construction of a distillery

We shall complete the construction of two first-rate hotels in Onitsha and Agulu.

We shall complete the ongoing construction of three ultra-modern shopping malls in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi.

We shall complete the construction via Public Private Partnership (PPP) of a N50 billion 260 mw independent power plant in Onitsha

We shall complete the construction of the N3 billion Onitsha football stadium and sports complex

KEY DRIVERS FOR MY ENVISIONED ECONOMIC REFORM

We Shall:

leverage on our proximity to the River Niger and our boundary with 5 states (Abia, Imo, Enugu, Kogi, Rivers)

substantially develop all of our naturally endowed resources (such as natural gas, crude oil and fertile soil)

leverage Anambra State's strong relationships with foreign development finance institutions to raise more counter-part funding for socio-developmental projects

introduce the use of Private Public Partnership (PPP) & Build Operate & Transfer (BOT) models to drive development across all sectors

ensure that the Federal Government commences full operations of Onitsha Inland Ports

secure adequate funding from infrastructure-focused financial institutions for the large scale infrastructure needs of the State.

Word Health Organisation (WHO) to provide healthcare services at affordable costs to the general population

Continue significant funding and sourcing of international support for the equipping and management of Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka

Provision of excellent healthcare services leveraging on a voluntary National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve technology and subsidize healthcare costs across the State

Promote Medical Tourism by persuading the Federal Government to create a Healthcare free trade zone in Anambra State

Partner with large foreign healthcare organizations (such as GE Health, Bill & Melinda Gates, etc.) to construct 3 new General Hospitals (Ihiala, Anambra East and Ogbaru) and 2 specialist hospitals in Awka and Nnewi

Provision of 10 medical emergency/trauma centres across all senatorial zones

Introduce free medical services for underprivileged pregnant women in general hospitals across the State.

FORWARD EVER... (My Articles of Faith) 

Education

Prepare an all-inclusive education master plan to drive further development and progress within the sector

Creation of 3 State-funded specialized schools for the handicapped across the 3 senatorial zones

Introduction of a rigorous recruitment exercise and revised remuneration for teachers to attract the best resources in Nigeria across all levels of education

Introduction of basic ICT into all programs at all levels and curricula.

Health

Prepare a revolutionary healthcare master plan with the support and assistance of UNICEF and WHO to provide healthcare services at affordable costs to the general population

Continue significant funding and sourcing of international support for the equipping and management of Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka

Provision of excellent healthcare services leveraging on a voluntary National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve technology and subsidize healthcare costs across the State

Promote Medical Tourism by persuading the Federal Government to create a Healthcare free trade zone in Anambra State

Partner with large foreign healthcare organizations (such as GE Health, Bill & Melinda Gates, etc.) to construct 3 new General Hospitals (Ihiala, Anambra East and Ogbaru) and 2 specialist hospitals in Awka and Nnewi

Provision of 10 medical emergency/trauma centres across all senatorial zones

Introduce free medical services for underprivileged pregnant women in general hospitals across the

State.

Environment

Source large financing and technical support from foreign developmental institutions to combat over 750 erosion sites

Continue to maintain cordial relationship with Federal Government with a view to attracting greater projects from the Federal Ministry of Environment in tackling the State's erosion issue

Create an environment taskforce to enforce against air, water and noise pollution and to reverse current 80% deforestation to reduce new occurrences of erosion

Introduce “plant-a-tree” schemes in all primary schools across the State

Seek foreign support from indigenes, international donors and corporate Nigeria to exponentially grow the State's ecological fund

Construction of 30 major storm water management and erosion control sites

Embark on numerous channelization (of flood plains) projects across the State

Introduce PPP initiatives for all levels of Waste Management value chain (collection, dump sites and recycling)

Provision of modern public sanitary sites in major cities (Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha) via PPP Build Operate & Own schemes

Commence large scale beautification projects in Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha

Construction of cemeteries across all local governments in the State

Infrastructure Development

Continue with the expansion of Awka Capital. Build 2 new modern cities/settlements (in addition to the Greenwood city) via PPP with competent real estate financiers which shall come complete with all social amenities (such as water scheme, sewer system, electricity and roads) in Nkwelle Ezunaka and Nnewi

Strategically build 700 km of roads, flyovers and pedestrian bridges (in addition to ongoing 300 km road projects) to harness potentials and enhance economic activities in the remote parts of the state.

Dualization of major high-traffic roads in our major cities (Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha)

Secure foreign infrastructure development institutions to develop an intra-state light rail system connecting all major cities (Awka-Onitsha-Nnewi) within the State

Leverage on the State's strong relationship with the Federal Government to accelerate the construction and deployment of inter-state rail transport to Anambra for easy movement, transport of raw materials and finished goods manufactured in the State to other parts of Nigeria

Provide via a BOT scheme an airstrip with human traffic and cargo facilities in Anambra North senatorial district to foster the development of the Oil and Gas, and agriculture sector in the State

Modernization of the State's transportation system by building bus stops, remodeling parks and introducing an electronic payment scheme

Development of a water transportation master plan A, with a view to providing indigenes (especially those in the riverine areas of the State) a quick and reliable transportation option for the movement of people, goods and services

Promote more investments in power to complement ongoing projects in power generation (such as the Onitsha 260mw IPP)

Leverage cordial relationship with Federal Government and initiate an intensive lobbying to fast-track the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge, the dredging of the River Niger and Anambra River

Commerce & Industry

Create Anambra State Markets Agency (ASMA) to rehabilitate, construct and regulate all trade activities in all our major markets across the State

Construct new and organized markets via PPP schemes in surrounding towns of Onitsha and Nnewi

Invest in support infrastructure in existing industrial clusters in Onitsha, Nnewi and Ozubulu and create 2 new clusters in Orumba and Achalla

Set-up training schools that focus on educating Small-Medium Enteprise.

Incentivize private sector to embrace PPP to provide shared infrastructure statewide for use on “pay as you use” basis, such as:

Automotive parts production towns

Food processing Plants (Mills, Juicers, Packaging plant, etc)

Wood processing Plants

Storage Silos

Food packaging

Promote Exportation

Use PPP to set up a Bio-fuel and waste recycling plant to be sited at a major waste dump site in the outskirts of Onitsha

Assist existing automobile industry participants and attract at least 1 global auto brand to establish an assembly plant in the State

Improve existing patronage to local manufacturers and encourage other States and Federal Government to patronize domestic manufacturers

Create an annual N1bn youth empowerment grant scheme modeled after the Federal Government's YouWin! programme to tackle youth unemployment and foster economic growth

Create a new agency solely responsible for promoting, protecting, monitoring, regulating and facilitating investments in Anambra State Anambra State Investment Promotion & Protection

Agency (ANSIPPA)

Agriculture

Prepare a 5-year agricultural transformation agenda leveraging on the Federal Government's existing plan focusing on the development of the State's food basin (Ayamelum, Anambra West, Anambra East and Ogbaru) to ensure Anambra State becomes self-sufficient in all staple foods (rice, cassava, maize and yam) by 2018

Improve and expand the Root Crop Research Centre (Igbariam) into a full-fledged agro-institute,similar to International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to provide scientific research capable of enhancing the quality and quantity of the State agricultural produce

Creation of large agro-allied zones for commercial and mechanized farming located in the State's

food basin fully equipped with a comprehensive irrigation system, large industrial silos for secure storage and roads infrastructure

Create via PPP large agro-processing centres across the State to provide quality consistency and promote exportation of produce from Anambra

Mobilize and incentivize foreign and domestic private sector experts to cultivate for local consumption, processing & export

Collaborate (via PPP) with reputable agro-based Israeli institution to introduce modern farming technologies to improve yield productivity

Housing & Urban Development

Embark on an aggressive implementation of the city master plan for Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi jointly prepared by Peter Obi's Administration and UN Habitat

Introduction of a fully automated C of O issuance, structure approval and renovation processes

Introduce PPP with reputable developers to build new settlements of 10,000 housing units annually to decongest high population regions of the State

Working closely with the Federal Ministries for Housing and Finance, to provide single digit interest mortgage loans to encourage house ownership amongst working class (civil service and private sector) in the State.

Security &Social Welfare

Creation of Anambra State Traffic and Safety Agency

Introduce CCTVs at all the entry and exit routes of the states to enable security agencies track movements of kidnappers and other criminals.

Construct new and rehabilitate existing security agency infrastructure

Donation of 1,500 security patrol vehicles, communication and other surveillance equipment to security agencies across the State

Put in place a 'Target/Reward System' to motivate security agencies towards aggressive crime fighting

Sustain cordial working relationship between all security agencies

Grow State's security trust fund via assistance of blue chip corporations in the State

Introduce capacity building programs for Community Vigilante groups

Establish 6 new fire emergency stations across all 3 senatorial zones

Build upon the recently commissioned Social Security scheme for the elderly 

Tourism, Sports & Youth Development

Prepare a tourism and hospitality policy to promote private sector investments in hotels, resorts, museums, tourist sites and theme parks

Establish 21 sport centres across all local governments to discover young talents

Establish at least one (1) fully functional Sports Academy via PPP in each senatorial District

Encourage the setting up of a State Football club

Upon completion of Onitsha stadium, the State shall bid aggressively to host major games and national sporting events

Introduction of annual Anambra State Sports Festival to stimulate and promote healthy competition

Judiciary

Introduction of a fully automated judicial system

Improve welfare packages to attract the best qualified judges and supporting staff

Provide resources for adequate training programs and summits

Administration & Civil Service

Embark on an extensive revision of the compensation and welfare packages of Civil Service in Anambra to enhance productivity and improve the quality of life of every civil servant

Introduce a structured, rigorous and transparent recruitment exercise annually

Commence annual retreats for all civil servants (level 15 and up) to evaluate ministerial performance and devise strategies to improve performance

Continue the recently introduced annual domestic and foreign retreat for senior government officials (members of the Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries and other Political Appointees)

4-year replacement of official vehicles for all qualified Staff (Permanent Secretaries and Directors)

Introduce annual training programs for all staff across all levels

Enabling Laws

In my first 6 months, we will strive to pass into law or amend the following enabling laws to create

legal bedrock for my policies and programs to thrive:

Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Law

Awka Capital Development Authority Law

Anambra State Tourism and Hospitality Law

Children and Young Persons Law

Criminal Justice Law

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Pix: Ngige

In the face of the transparent governorship primary elections in Anambra State, in other political parties, the state was thrown into mourning on August 21, 2013 when it was announced that Senator Chris Ngige has been presented as consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 16 election.

This was mainly so because no primaries have been held to select the candidate of the party,

This is moreso since, on August 22, almost all the newspapers that circulated in Anambra state that day had a picture of Chief Bisi Akande, interim national chairman of APC and Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State raising Ngige’s hand as the party’s candidate.

As expected, some aggrieved and disappointed party members had troop out to demonstrate in some parts of Anambra State, as they condemn the  APC for not allowing primary election to take place, before pronouncing Ngige as the candidate.

Some of their placards read: “APC is not democratic; APC, you have shot yourself on the legs; Ngige is not our choice; APC give us primary election; We will swim or sink with Godwin Ezeemo’ Please save Anambra now; Ngige, don’t enter house through the window; Abuja can’t choose for us; Ngige come home and face us in the primary; We don’t want sponsored governor in Anambra State again and  Godwin Ezeemo talk now,”

When Godwin Ezeemo released a statement demanding a primary election, the aggrieved people felt that something will be done. And it’s more gratifying that the APC has decided to hold primary election on Monday, September 2.

My advice is: Ngige should come back to Anambra State to test his popularity with the people, in a free and fair election. Ngige must think less of these greedy sponsors, as Anambra can’t progress with that. Ngige must understand that Anambra governorship is not a do or die affair. To all politicians, do not mortgage Anambra to these heartless moneybags again.

Anambra people must reject all form of godfatherism. We must learn from what happened in 2003.