Posted by By Vincent Ujumadu on
Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Umuahia, Mr. Madukwe Ukaegbu has said the early declaration of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu for the 2007 presidential race was to avoid the past mistakes made by Igbo aspirants who showed interest at the eleventh hour.
UMUAHIA - Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Umuahia, Mr. Madukwe Ukaegbu has said the early declaration of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu for the 2007 presidential race was to avoid the past mistakes made by Igbo aspirants who showed interest at the eleventh hour.
Speaking with journalists at Igbere in Bende local government area of the state, Ukaegbu observed that for the first time, an Igbo man has made a deliberate effort to carry the entire country along in his campaign for the exalted office, adding that favourable reports are being received from all the campaign and coordinating offices of the presidential project throughout the country.
His words: 'Before now, Igbos would wait until very close to the election before declaring interest hereby giving the impression that they were pressurized to join the race. But this time around, the situation is different. Governor Kalu declared on time and has been consulting widely."
According to him, what the Igbos are asking for is a level-playing field, arguing that if Nigerians are ready for fairness, they should give the Igbo man the opportunity to rule the country in 2007.
He said that Kalu has been properly tested for the office, having performed brilliantly as a governor, a member of the National Assembly and an acclaimed international businessman.
Ukaegbu also spoke on the deplorable condition of federal roads in the state, calling on the Federal Government to carry out its statutory obligations to the people by rehabilitating these roads. 'For years, we have been drawing the attention of the Federal Government on the condition of these roads, but it would appear that the powers that be in Abuja have deliberately decided to ignore our call," he said.
He however stated that the state government has decided to rehabilitate most of the roads to ensure free flow of traffic during the Christmas period. Among the roads where work is in progress are the controversial Aba- Owerri road, the old Aba -- Umuahia road which traverses four local government areas, the Umuahia -- Abiriba -- Ohafia road and the Umuahia -- Bende --Ohafia road.