The Imo State gubernatorial candidate of the APC, Senator Timipre Sylva, his PDP counterpart, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the LP candidate, Senator Athan Nneji Achonu, were noticeably absent from the political debate held for the 17 governorship candidates.
The event took place at the NUJ press centre in Owerri, intended to serve as a platform for the presentation of candidates’ manifestos for the upcoming November Governorship election in Imo. However, it was only attended by the YPP and ADC candidates.
In her opening remarks, the Director-General of GEDA, Prof. Mrs Mercy Ada Mere (Agu Nwanyi Ndigbo Gburu Gburu), expressed her satisfaction with the integrity displayed by the two gubernatorial candidates present at the debate. She described them as highly competent and qualified individuals genuinely seeking election as Governor in the November 11th Imo gubernatorial polls.
The YPP candidate, High Chief Dr. Kemdi Chino Opara (Omeudo), passionately expressed his commitment to serving the people of Imo as their next Governor. He voiced his concerns about the current state of insecurity in Imo under the present Shared Prosperity Government, emphasizing the need for change.
He also promised to address the issue of poor road infrastructure in Imo, stating that he would make significant improvements. In education, he pledged to reorganise the curriculum to enhance educational standards and provide free education from primary to tertiary levels with a 50% reduction in tuition fees. He also vowed to drive the economy to meet the people’s expectations.
Dr. Opara stressed that he would bring quality healthcare to the people, improve the state’s hospitals, and enhance health services with the help of his foreign connections. He also expressed his commitment to promoting mechanized agriculture and job creation.
Regarding security, he proposed to offer training to the youth in ICT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and improve the state’s tourism sector, particularly the development of waterways.
In conclusion, he urged Imo residents to support him in his bid to oust the incumbent Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for the betterment of the state.
The ADC gubernatorial candidate, Prof. James Okoroma, who described his aspiration as divine, aimed to bring positive change to Imo State. He stressed the importance of peace, security, and conflict resolution, emphasizing that he had the solutions to address these issues.
Prof. Okoroma, an academic scholar, teacher, and journalist, expressed his commitment to good governance and making Imo a better place. He pledged to restore peace, negotiate with relevant parties, and create gainful employment opportunities.
In terms of education, he proposed a new curriculum and policies that incorporate AI, ICT, and science and technology to address unemployment and cognitive development.
