Ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 11 in Imo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has made a series of promises, including the creation of over 23,000 jobs within his first 100 days in office if elected, News About Nigeria reports.
During an address to Imo indigenes and Spare Parts Dealers in Port Harcourt on Friday, Anyanwu also pledged to grant amnesty to agitating youths in Imo to address the security challenges in the state, drawing parallels with the late former President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s approach in the Niger Delta in 2009, which restored peace in the region and increased crude oil production.
Anyanwu, who serves as the National Secretary of the PDP, emphasised the need for infrastructure development in Imo State, stating that despite receiving over N5 billion in monthly allocations, the state lacks visible infrastructure projects funded by oil revenues.
He expressed concern over the high number of youths killed in Imo State and promised to work on re-establishing security and peace.
Anyanwu stated that he would conduct local government elections within six months of taking office, which would lead to job creation.
Addressing the issue of amnesty, he stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving issues rather than using force, emphasising that the late Yar’Adua had successfully employed this approach in the Niger Delta.
Anyanwu further lamented that medical doctors have not been employed in Imo State since 2009. He pledged to re-employ civil servants who were previously terminated and improve the state’s education system, especially by training public school teachers.
He also revealed plans to address insecurity by establishing Information and Communication Technology hubs to promote business development, leading to increased economic activities and security.
Anyanwu stressed his commitment to holding free and fair elections and investing in agriculture, given the state’s fertile land suitable for both food and cash crops.
The National President of Ikoku Spare Parts Dealers and the Igbo Youth Leader in Rivers State expressed their support for Anyanwu and vowed to mobilise their members to vote for the PDP candidate, citing the urgent need to address insecurity and killings in Imo State.
