Abuja: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Abia, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has highlighted the mismanagement of the state despite its significant wealth and resources. Anosike made these remarks during a news conference in Abuja, emphasizing his determination to rescue the state from its current ‘brick-and-mortar’ governance approach.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Anosike criticized the current administration’s focus on infrastructure development through social media while overlooking human capital and citizens’ welfare. While acknowledging progress in road construction, he pointed out the lack of comprehensive development in essential sectors such as health, education, and agriculture.
Anosike stated, “Abia is not poor, but Abia is poorly managed. The state is poorly managed.” He expressed concern that the state’s financial resources over the past three years had not translated into adequate progress. He outlined a welfare manifesto built on seven core pillars to humanize governance and boost the local economy.
Anosike pledged to prioritize human life alongside infrastructure, ensuring infrastructure projects do not compromise citizens’ well-being. He proposed a ?90,000 minimum wage for state workers, surpassing both the national benchmark and neighboring Ebonyi’s wage. The wage structure would undergo regular assessments to align with economic realities.
He also addressed systemic issues in the state, where public funds have shown little visible impact, especially in primary healthcare and school rehabilitation. Anosike promised to establish functional primary healthcare centers with modern diagnostic laboratories across all 17 local government areas, employing skilled professionals to maximize functionality.
In education, he vowed to revamp the curriculum to tie graduation to academic certification and practical skills, reintegrating technical and vocational training. Anosike also emphasized professionalizing teaching through specialized certification programs and regular skills enhancement.
Anosike introduced ‘Operation Feed Abia (OFA),’ a strategy to eliminate hunger and promote agricultural exports. This initiative would modernize farm settlements and reintroduce agricultural extension services to educate farmers on proper practices, ensuring local crops meet international standards.
Despite the state’s mineral wealth and industries, Anosike noted the lack of new industrial plants and the closure of existing assets. He proposed the Abia Global Opportunities Agency to train youth for high-paying international remote jobs, reducing reliance on traditional empowerment methods.
As a legal practitioner, Anosike condemned the recent judiciary workers’ strike, which affected court operations and left many in detention. He promised to launch an inquiry into the plight of Awaiting Trial Persons and review cases of prolonged pre-trial detention.
Anosike addressed infrastructure development, criticizing the ongoing airport project for neglecting local communities. He promised transparent negotiations, full land compensations, and job quotas for host communities, aiming to complete a top-tier international airport within eight to 12 months of taking office.
He urged voters to look beyond social media propaganda and assess the state’s actual quality of life, asserting that the PDP’s welfare-centered blueprint is the way forward for Abia.