BY TONY EZIMAKOR
Labour Party (LP) national leader and Presidential Candidate of the party in 2023 election, Peter Obi, has urged the people of Anambra to vote Dr George Moghalu describing him as better prepared to provide governance for the state.
Obi who led other leaders of Labour Party to officially present the party’s governorship candidate to Anambra people on Friday’s campaign flag off in Onitsha, assured the people that Moghalu has the right temperament and compassion to serve the state.
He told the teeming crowd of supporters to return to their various Constituencies and rally the people around the Labour party candidate, even as he reminded them that he would be running for president in 2027.
While clarifying that the party is involved in the opposition Coalition talks which recently picked African Democratic Party as platform, Obi explained that the Coalition is for the 2027 polls.
He said, “Let me state categorically, I and all the members both at the state and national levels are part of the coalition that have adopted ADC for 2027 election.
“But today, we’re LP members. That’s why we’re here for this symbolic flag off the campaign for LP flagbearer, Dr George Moghalu.
“We urge you to go to your constituencies and convince people. You live in Anambra so I don’t need to tell you what’s happening here. You can assess things yourselves.
“Governance for me is about compassion and empathy, caring for the lowly, petty traders. It’s not these same poor masses you collect tax from.
“I’ve governed Anambra state and I don’t boast of things I didn’t do. I ensured quality education and healthcare. They’re all verifiable.
“You might have heard that the only thing I did was building brewery. But the same brewery didn’t only give employment to thousands of people but was the highest tax payer and IGR industry.
“You can compare that with the fun city you have today and which one is more profitable.”
Obi also hailed the choice of the party’s the Deputy Governorship candidate, Ifeoma Okaro describing as very organized. Obi said, “we chose female deputy governor because we want to care for families. She’s not only popular, but organized.
“Let me remind you that I’m contesting President in 2027 and I’m serious about it. Everyone has right to contest, but none of them is better than me. I have the backing of the senators, representatives and others.”
Abia state governor, Dr Alex Otti described Moghalu as principled politician, pledging full support for him.
Otti who was represented at the rally, said, “the Anambra Guber candidate is a son of Aba, grew up in Aba and started politics in Aba. We’ll campaign for him in Abia state.
“Obi remains number one performing governor of Anambra state. What he did during his tenure will be replicated and doubled by Moghalu.” Otti
Also speaking, Senators representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh and his Anambra North counterpart, Tony Nwonye promised to support Moghalu to ensure victory at the poll.
They however urged him to shun campaign of calumny but focus on issue based campaign throughout the electioneering period.
On his part, party flagbearer, Moghalu pledged to serve with the fear of God, assuring he would not disappoint the trust reposed in him.
“If we begin to enumerate all we’re going to do, we’ll sleep here. But my pledge to you today is that my deputy and I will serve with the fear of God.
“All will be happy, children will go to school, roads will be built, agriculture will blossom. We won’t disappoint or put you to shame.
“People will pay tax, but not with pestle. We won’t collect taxes with pestle. All in our manifesto will be implemented to the latter. None will be left out.
“Remember, the battle before us is not the type fought carrying snuff in hands. We must go back to our various wards and polling units to convince the people that Anambra will be better under LP,” he restated.
Earlier, State Chairman of the Party, Ugochukwu Emeh said the time had come to rescue the state from shackles of misgovernance.
Umeh, represented by Ven Chris Orajekwe blamed the insecurity situation in the state on what he called lackadaisical attitude of the present administration.
“Anambra does not belong to any individual. LP now has serious structure and will deliver the state from the hands of SASA, an outfit created to molest citizens in the name of tax collection,” he assured.