Senator Obinna Ogba, representing Ebonyi Central senatorial zone at the upper chamber, on Saturday declared for the Ebonyi State governorship race.
Ogba, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), and a two-term ranking Senator in the National Assembly, said he decided to run for the governorship to take away the massive poverty ravaging the people of the State.
He disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State.
He stated; “Since 1999, when the first governorship election was held in Ebonyi state, our history has been shaped by values of democratization the primacy of the people in deciding who rules them.
“This process has thrown up men and leaders like Dr Sam Egwu the first elected civilian governor of Ebonyi state who was succeeded by Chief Martin Elechi, and currently Engr. David Umahi who is concluding his second term in the office.
“Each of these leaders has contributed their quota in various aspects of growth and development of Ebonyi state. But despite all their efforts, youths and human capital development is still suffering in Ebonyi, while poverty is still massively prevalent in our homes which among other things is the reason am declaring my intentions to run for the position of Governor in Ebonyi state with the intention to do things differently by the grace of God if given the opportunity to serve the people.
“When I look back at my experience , I realized that God has prepared me for this moment. I served Ebonyi state for the first time as the council chairman of Ishielu LGA.
Ogba who is concluding his second term bid in the Senate recounted his achievements especially in the boards and committees he belongs adding that his experience so far would help him when he becomes the governor.
“Our government if elected will be basically welfarist and building the capacity of our economy so that we can provide job for the youths and make Ebonyi attractive, suitable and secure for business. It is on this premise, that I named my campaign slogan ” Ebonyi will be happy again”. I will be human and welfarist driven while maintaining the existing structure and focusing on rural development.
“If elected , I shall immediately embark on full restoration of glory of Ebonyi, and make you people the cornerstone of government to revamp the environment that has become a den of hunger, anger, politically induced hate and communal clashes.
“Our government focal point shall be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people in Ebonyi state.
“I have invited you here today to join me in the journey to take Ebonyi state to a new dimension by transforming our programs into action. I am sending a clarion call to our party members, men and women,youths and the elderly, that there is a lot of work to be done to achieve the Ebonyi state of our dream.
“I present myself as a capable, competent and tested hand to make Ebonyi people happy again.
“I declare that, I, Distinguished Senator Joseph Obinna Ogba shall Bea true party man in the real definition of the word by running an all inclusive government for the long term benefit of the respected citizens of Ebonyi state
“There is nothing like charted of Equity in Ebonyi state, I challenge anybody to produce the document”, he stated.