Senator Athan Achonu, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo State, has flagged off his campaign for the upcoming Imo state governorship election.
Speaking at the Chioma Ajunwa Sports Complex in Nguru, Mbaise Local Government Area, Achonu expressed his deep concern about the prevailing insecurity in the state and declared his commitment to end it if elected.
Achonu said, “Ending the daily massacre of defenceless Imo people and restoring peace, security, and tranquillity in the state will be my priority agenda upon my inauguration in January 2024.”
He highlighted his past efforts, including providing scholarships to thousands of Imo students, employing hundreds, and investing in agro-industries, which he touted as one of the largest in the Southeast.
Recalling the challenges he has faced, Achonu said, “The whole blackmail and gangsterism against me were motivated by morbid fear of my towering antecedents. Nothing will deter me from my determined march to take back the state from the abyss of misgovernance, back to the path of glory.”
News About Nigeria reports that Achonu also pledged to industrialize the state by establishing two industrial parks in each zone, including a pharmaceutical park in Orlu.
He promised to grant full financial and administrative autonomy to local government councils, emphasizing the importance of a functional local government system for sustainable development in rural areas.
The Chairman of the Campaign Council and House of Representatives member for Owerri Federal Constituency, Tochukwu Okere, expressed strong solidarity and support for Achonu’s candidacy. He assured voters that the LP team would employ every legitimate means to secure victory in the upcoming elections.
LP deputy governorship candidate, Tony Nwulu, who hails from Mbaise, confirmed the area’s overwhelming support for the Labour Party, promising the party and its candidate 100% of the votes.
Prominent Imo LP chieftain and former AIG, Charles Ugomuo, refuted claims that the LP’s primary election was not properly conducted, asserting that it was the freest, fairest, and most credible primary in the state.
The LP campaign also sought the blessing of Eze R.A. Amadi, the Obo I of Obetiti, Nguru Autonomous Community, at his palace in Aboh Mbaise.
