Paul Chukwuma, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election, has pledged to prioritize security and economic revitalization as cornerstones of his administration. He emphasized his commitment to restoring law and order across the state, recognizing this as a crucial step towards fostering a thriving business environment, particularly for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that form the backbone of Anambra’s economy. Chukwuma’s pledge comes in response to growing concerns over insecurity and its stifling impact on commercial activities. His vision is to create an environment where businesses can operate without fear, enabling the return of Anambra’s vibrant nightlife and fostering economic growth that benefits all citizens.
During a recent visit to the Mega Abbattoir and Suya Spot in Enugwu-Ukwu, Chukwuma lauded the entrepreneurial resilience of Chief Michael Obidi, the founder of the establishment. He highlighted the remarkable success of the business despite the prevailing challenging economic climate, citing it as an example of the potential that exists within Anambra. Chukwuma vowed to replicate such entrepreneurial success stories across the state by creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses to flourish. This, he believes, will not only boost productivity but also generate much-needed employment opportunities for the people of Anambra. He further criticized the current administration’s tax policies, arguing that the excessive burden placed on MSMEs hinders their growth and discourages investment.
Chukwuma’s campaign focuses heavily on addressing the insecurity that has gripped the state, forcing businesses to close early and restricting movement between communities. He argues that this climate of fear creates an unsustainable environment for economic progress. He contrasted this with the current administration’s focus on projects like swimming pools and “jangleovers” in Awka, questioning their relevance to the immediate needs of the majority of Anambra’s citizens. He stressed that basic needs, such as security and economic stability, must be addressed before embarking on such ventures.
Chief Obidi, a staunch YPP supporter and host of the event, echoed Chukwuma’s concerns about the current business climate. He pointed out that Chukwuma understands the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Anambra due to the state government’s failure to create a supportive environment. This endorsement from a prominent local businessman underscores the growing dissatisfaction with the existing administration’s economic policies and reinforces Chukwuma’s message of change and revitalization.
Chief Uzu Okagbue, the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate, further highlighted the plight of Anambra’s citizens, citing the shrinking disposable income and declining productivity as evidence of widespread hardship. He joined Chukwuma in promising a brighter future for Anambra under a YPP government, emphasizing their commitment to revitalizing the state’s economy and improving the lives of its people. This joint commitment underlines the party’s focus on addressing the pressing economic and social challenges facing the state.
The enthusiastic reception received by Chukwuma, Okagbue, and the YPP campaign team at the Mega Abbattoir and Suya Spot suggests growing support for their message of change. Their focus on security, economic revitalization, and addressing the needs of MSMEs resonates with many citizens who feel neglected by the current administration. This positive reception could signal a shift in public opinion and a growing desire for a new direction in Anambra’s governance. Chukwuma’s promise to create a secure and conducive environment for businesses, coupled with his criticism of the current administration’s priorities, appears to be gaining traction with the electorate. The upcoming election will ultimately determine whether these promises translate into tangible improvements for the people of Anambra State.
