Prof Uche Ikonne, the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, has assured that trade and investment will be a major pillar of his administration if elected as governor of the state in 2023.
Speaking when he played host to traders from all markets in the state on Thursday, Ikonne, described Abia State a trade and investment centre of Nigeria which should be encouraged to grow more rapidly.
The former VC of Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), applauded traders in the state for their industry and zeal to make Abia products first class materials as well as their gesture in pledging to support him for the number one job in Abia State.
According to him, his decision to make trade and investment one of the pillars of his administration is to key into the investment drive of the present administration in the state since “continuity drives development”.
His word, “you cannot abandon the already built infrastructures for new ones. Our administration will improve on already developed infrastructure by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu,
“I’m happy with the work done so far by the governor and also the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu in this sector. My pledge to you all is that I’ll carry you along in this journey for the growth and development of our state”.
The delegation which was led by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment in Abia State, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, assured Prof. Ikonne that traders in the state will give him total support before, during and after the election.
The traders used the opportunity to endorse Prof Ikonne as their candidate for the 2023 governorship poll, saying that their decision to do so was as a result of an extensive review of all the candidates jostling for the Abia governorship position in the 2023 elections.
According to them, having read and studied the development blue prints and policies of Prof Ikonne which is in line with the developmental policy of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration, it is “very imperative to endorse the Abia State PDP governorship candidate” in order to take over from Ikpeazu and continue his (Ikpeazu’s) rapid developmental stride.
Other qualities of the PDP candidate which the traders gave a pass mark included his “past antecedents in the education sector”, where they said, he rose to the position of Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu and performed excellently as well as his exceptional charisma and demonstrated commitment to the further growth and development of Abia State.
The visit was marked by the donation of some campaign materials to Prof Ikonne’s Campaign Council.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
