Ahead of the November 16 governorship election in Anambra state, candidate of the Young Progressives Paerty (YPP), and senator representing Anambra South at the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Ubah has challenged the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chukwuma Soludo to a ;public debate within seven days for them to showcase their manifestoes and achievements towards moving the state forward
Senator Ubah’s came on the heels of a recent comment attributed that Professor Solude, where he said that West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate holders cannot govern Anambra state
Ubah noted that the quest for the Anambra state top job should be anchored to deepen democracy which thrives on issue based and constructive deliberations, rather than mudsliding and needless disruptive comments
“I have watched with keen interest, the mudslinging and needlessly disruptive comment made by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the effect that WAEC Certificate holders cannot govern Anambra State.
“To the glory of God, having recently graduated with a 2.2 LL.B Hons from the Prestigious Baze University, Abuja by dint of hard-work ,I do not consider it necessary or feel the obsessive compulsion to flaunt my University Degree as it is not a prerequisite to contest for governorship.” The Anambra South senator stated
Senator Ubah went further to note that the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, etc all rose to the apex of success without degrees. Adding that it is also worthy to let Soludo know that those money bags he is anticipating to bankroll his campaign in Anambra are also not degree holders.
“In the same vein, those that gave him employment both in the past and present are also not degree holders. I am speaking the mind of other candidates because I believe that anybody that wants to govern Anambra has the right to contest and should not be tongue-lashed because of a basic requirement by INEC.
“Having taken my time to carefully observe, study and analyze this statement, I have come to the conclusion that there is no justification in his statement as I personally believe that my formidable track record of achievements and wealth of experience as a private investor have earned me tremendous knowledge, skills and capacity to understand the multiple expectations of Anambrarians.”
He described Prof. Soludo’s statement as a misdirection which seeks to distract the people from focusing on robust policy arguments and constructive debates that will resolve the palpable crises of governance in Anambra State.
“I sincerely retain the belief that the era of “textbook grammatical grandstanding” and theoretical politics is over in Anambra. Our people now want a leader with practicable ideas and dynamism to move the state forward. Ideas that will proffer sustainable solutions to the socio-economic problems beclouding the state due to bad governance brought to the fore by the present government.
“In this regard, I am challenging Prof. Soludo to an open public manifesto debate with me. Let us put our manifestos out before the court of public opinion and adjudication so as to let the people decide their preferred candidate whose agenda resonates with the layman and electorate.
My manifesto which is tagged “Arise, a New Anambra is Possible” is a comprehensive road-map for the actualization of a New and Better Anambra that will open access to equal opportunities to all Anambrarians, guarantee quality infrastructural development, qualitative education, improved security and rapid industrialization in Anambra State
“Conclusively, elections and the debates that follow should be solely focused on issues that will be beneficial to the electorate, not about throwing everything, including the kitchen sink at each other. Our conduct during this pre-election period reflects our ability to perform our duties dutifully if/when elected into public office. I wish to implore every one of us to do the right thing with respect to ensuring that our campaigns are bereft of calumny and conducted in a proper and sane manner. I am rest assured that such a move will further solidify our democracy and entrench purposeful narratives that will change the tide of our polity positively,” the YPP governorship candidate stated
1 comment
Mr Uba rightly aver that it’s not (just) about “textbook grammatical grandstanding” and “theoretical politics …”
However, the fact is that you should never underestimate the power of the spoken words! The greatest Man and leader in history, Jesus of Nazareth, turned the narrative and history of the human race upside down by His spoken words, although He did lend further credence to such by His healing — that is, “practical” — power. Nobody in the modern era understood the power of oratory more than Nazi Germany’s Adolf Hitler — say what you want about his policies and paranoia. Admittedly such skill can be acquired in ways other than formal schooling, but its importance — whether written or spoken — can never be discountenanced. That is why a professor of engineering can still call a roadside mechanic to repair his car which the latter might not be able to afford to own.
Mr Uba implicitly recognises the value of the spoken words (“grammar”) by challenging Prof Soludo to a debate! Mr Uba also ought not forget that Prof Soludo has been familiar with the “practical” as the CBN Governor, and he wasn’t there to perform manual labour in order to demonstrate the stuff of which he was made! ’nuff said.