By Emeka Attah
Leading aspirant for the Anambra governorship election 2025 under Labour Party, Mr John Chuma Nwosu on Saturday declared that Anambra people under the stewardship of Governor Charles Soludo are underserved and overtaxed.
He made a promise that his own administration, if elected into office would not only offer quality leadership but also provide safety nets and fair taxation that would be compassionate, progressive and productive.
Speaking during the Good Governance Symposium, South East Chapter organized by the Obidient Movement Global held at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, Nwosu, a technocrat and IT Expert said a “New Nigeria is Imperative and Possible”
Nwosu said he is 100 percent Obidient too even as he noted that the story of the Obidient Movement is still being written.
“It is a positive story, of a Movement that politically redefined Nigeria. There is more to be done. As our Principal Mr. Peter Obi says; We are in a marathon race to produce a New Nigeria. I believe firmly, that a New Nigeria is Imperative and Possible!
“The structuring of the Obidient Movement has been long overdue. We, who were there from the very beginning, are glad that it is finally happening. We pray that it succeeds. As a body, the Obidient Movement is huge ad inclusive. It transcends politics, ethnicity and religion. The Obidient Movement should easily accommodate everyone who wants to see a better, secure, peaceful and productive Nigeria.
“We are all called to serve and join forces under the Obidient Movement to bring about the desired changes that we all yearn for a new and better Nigeria, ”he said
Nwosu recalled that from the onset, the Obidient Movement was organic while there is need to recognize that it has a titular leader and its founding members – the Six Support Groups that were the initial conveners. They all remain relevant to the Vision and Mission.
“Now that it is fashionable to be Obidient, we are witnessing those who were not there at the beginning, who hardly made ay contributions, trying to hijack The Obidient Movement. This must not be allowed to happen, “he added.
He cautioned that the mistakes of Imo and Edo States, where selfish and political allegiances were used to split the Obidient Movement should not be allowed to happen again.
“Madam Chair, the Obidient Movement is Peter Obi and Peter Obi is the Obidient Movement. He is the leader and we are his disciples. We must never forget that. And as he admonished us, the Obidient Movement is not aligned with any political party. Where our leader goes, we go with him!
“Nwosu also pointed out that Anambra State is the next battleground and test case of the Obidient Movement.
“As were approach the 2025 governorship elections, some may want to assert the claim of being the leaders of the Obidient Movement. We are all members; there is only one leader; Peter Obi.
He also talked the more on Anambra state and the coming election.
“Before I leave the stage, let me say a few words about Anambra State, because I’m involved. As an Obidient, I am Labour Party aspirant for the Governorship of Anambra State in 2025. We are not here to campaign, but since this is a symposium on good governance, I feel duty bound to say a few word on leadership issues.
“As a friend of mine “wrote; Democracies work, because of its institutions and because there are people dedicated to making it work.” Dividends of democracy are not working for our people in Nigeria and also for us here in Anambra. So, we need leadership changes that will bring about a New Nigeria that is Possible. Charity begins at home; so we will start here. I Obidiently offered myself to serve.
“My Seven Pillars of good governance prioritizes seven key sectors, namely; Security, Health, Education, Economy, Enterprise, Market, and Social Welfare (SHEEEMS), which will provide a holistic approach to addressing Anambra’s unmet needs and development challenges.
“This holistic approach underpins our focus on human capital development (HCD), which will be pivotal to creating an enabling environment and sustainable development. In this context, we replicate ANIDS and improve on it.
“However, Security will be our top priority and a bottom up approach amplified by human intelligence, as well as ICT and AI-enhanced close circuit cameras and tracking devices, ”he further said.
Nwosu insisted that government’s responsibility to protecting lives and properties would be taken seriously under his watch.
“That will be followed by a Healthcare delivery system that is accessible, and affordable, with emphasis on available diagnostics and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), complimented by a robust Emergency Medical Transportation System (EMT).
“We will lay great emphasis on the Onitsha-Nnewi-Awka Axis (ONA Axis), which will form the Tripod of our intrusive and holistic governance scheme; namely robust commerce, high-scope industries and administrative service delivery. Each zone will focus on its comparative advantage niche.
“In the Education sphere, STEM Education will be routinely deployed with the view to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and ICT into our parochial and non-parochial common school system, to make our students globally marketable, employable and enhance their capacity to embark startups, incubation SMEs and general aspects of our Economy, Enterprise, and Market, which included Agricultural production, processing and export.
” We will create labour hubs that will attract outsourced jobs, “he disclosed.
“At present, Anambra people are undeserved and overtaxed. On revenue, we will definitely look beyond FAAC and whatever comes from Abuja. Our IGR regime will be predicated on Fair Taxation that is compassionate, progressive and productive.
“I am committed to fair tax policies that consider small businesses and low-income individuals as commensurate contributors towards promoting economic growth and social justice. I intend to put in place social welfare programmes; Social Safety Nets that cater for the populace. These include, housing assistance, nutrition programs, and financial aid, demonstrates a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.
In summation he said : “Our intention to change Nigeria must start with Anambra, Peter Obi’s home state. I invite all the Obidients present to join forces with us. Let us apply wisdom and lessons learned, to use Anambra as the foundation for the 2027 presidential elections.
Great Obidients; A New Nigeria is Possible! “he concluded
