Chief Osita Chidoka, United Progressive Party (UPP) governorship candidate, has accepted defeat even before INEC’s final declaration of the winner. Chidoka, the former Minister of Aviation, accepted the defeat in a statement entitled “Politics Anambra election: Why I lost polls” in Awka on Sunday.
“I have accepted defeat in the Anambra governorship election even as result is still being announced by the INEC,” he said.
Chidoka said that he lost because he would not play the usual money politics.
“Our campaign attracted the finest and brightest of Anambra.
“The bold and the courageous were with us as we exerted our best in running the most robust issue-based and technology-driven campaign in the history of our dear state.
‘We attempted to change the course of events and chart a new beginning for our state.
“We believed and we dared; we engaged with all patriotic vigour as we held strongly that the long awaited time for our people to experience a new opportunity had come and we laboured for it.
“In all, our focus was the people; the forgotten, the poor and the disadvantaged.
“They were the prime impetus for our involvement. We beheld their agony and we strived to redirect and vent that energy through a genuine political process.”
He said the the UPP heard the complaints of the people and worked to redirect them from the streets to the ballot box.
Chidoka said the he rejected god-fatherism and money politics and made personal sacrifices with small donations and goodwill of a few good men and women.
He said his campaign remained issues-based, adding that he did not attack anybody before, during and after the campaigns.
“But from the ballots, we heard the voice of our people. We heard it loud and clear.
“On November 18 our people announced strongly their rejection of politicians.
“They traded their votes because they doubted we would truly represent their interest.
“While our message resonated with the people they doubted that the political class cared about them. They voted for the highest bidder.”
Chidoka said that as at Thursday, a large percentage of his supporters insisted that they would not vote unless he brought money.
According to him, “I insisted we will not pay for votes. The decision not to pay ended our good run.
“We accept the voters’ decision. We also heard our people by their turnout and transactional approach.
“In all, we hold our heads high; high because we did not lose the poll due to paucity of ideas or lack of “structure”.
“We lost to superior financial firepower. As Democrats, we concede to the voters’ choices.
“The true hallmark of democracy is the respect for the voice of the ballot as that of the majority,” Chidoka said.
My goal as governor is to make Anambra state a self sufficient territory, a model of merit, equity and justice – Osita Chidoka
Candidate Of The United Progressive Party (UPP), For The Anambra Governorship Election, Chief Osita Chidoka, OFR At The Launch Of His Governorship Campaign, yesterday, September 30, 2017 At Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area Of Anambra State
Ladies and gentlemen, my brothers and sisters,
Chidoka handed over UPP Flag by the Chairman of the party at the crowded official launch of campaign
We are gathered here today in the historic city of Amorka to launch a governorship campaign. Many people may be wondering why we chose this ground for this launch. This ground is historic by its significant position as the last standing territory at a great time in the history of a great people and their unconquered resilience in the face of all odds.
This is the home of the famous Uli Airport – an airport, which at some historic point, was the only link between Biafra land and the rest of the world. It remains a loud testimony and tribute to the Igbo ingenuity, innovation and the resilience for which we are known all over the world.
Uli airport remains one of our finest hours when in the midst of bombardments and gunfire; of injury, pain and death; we held forth and sustained an airport that was our support and our access to the whole world even in the midst of battle.
This blessed ground was our avenue for relief for our dying children and the very home of that fearless efforts to finish a war for which many of our finest gallantly laid down their lives for us all.
Today, we stand to pay tribute to all those who died in the quest to build a nation out of the regions of Nigeria; we pay tribute to their courage, their valor and audacity of identity and self-expression.
Gathering at this ruin to launch this governorship campaign signals the starts of a new engagement; a new dream nurtured by the essentials of our inner consciousness as a people in Nigeria.
As we launch our campaign, we lift the “isi agu”, the very Igbo symbol of our courage, pride and undying consciousness as well as our composure and resilience as a people even in the face of adversity.
The mammoth crowd at the Rally
It is therefore symbolic that the isi agu is also the emblem of our great party, the United Progressive Party (UPP), which today is the political vehicle for our new consciousness and engagement as a people in Nigeria and which also has in its manifesto, the quest and right to self-determination
Upon this platform and out of the ruin of the Uli airport, we lift a new song; a new banner that galvanizes our collective energy in the renewed quest for a great nation where all are free, where no man is oppressed, subjugated or branded and where there is equality and liberty of self-expression.
In March 2015, our country went to an election that divided us greatly. Today the nation is still greatly divided, and almost back to her primordial lines. Our country is troubled; our people are afraid; our future is uncertain.
We cannot build a great nation without unity at home. We cannot be a nation where people are hated, branded and then hounded and ostracized. We stand here to declare that there are no terrorists in our state; there are no terrorists in our region and we do not feel terrorized as a people. Indeed, without further argument, we do not believe that those who are asking for a restructured Nigeria or even for dismemberment of Nigeria are terrorists. No! They are not.
unpresidented crowd at Chidoka Rally at Amorka
How can Igbos be terrorists? We have always actively participated in the Nigerian project, yet in this country, we have suffered since June 1945 British inspired ethnic violence, nineteen incidents of pogroms, wanton killings, and violence against our people living across the country.
Even at that, we have continued to endure. We have continued, like no other group, to vote with our feet in support of a United Nigeria. We live, invest and raise families across the length and breadth of our country. We are only asking for a fairer union; a union founded on justice, equity and fairness. A union where Emeka living and schooling in Kebbi, will not be judged as an Anambra indigenes at the point of admission. The standard for Ahmed, who grew and schooled in Onitsha, should not be lowered because he is from Kebbi. We will advocate the abolishing of State of origin as a category of identification and replace with state of residence.
On May 29 2015 the President swore to the oath of office of President of Nigeria, where he swore that He “will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will;”. Mr. President now is the time to embrace history, heal the land. Become the father of the new Nigeria. History beckons. The alternative to peaceful engagement is too costly
We cannot live in a country where people are repressed and citizens constantly misunderstand and mistrust one another. No! That is not the way to go. We need new understanding and peace and I, Osita Chidoka, today steps forth to appeal to ndị Anambra to work with me to not only rebuild our state but also re-engage the Nigerian state.
While we salute all those who through one legitimate way or the other had pursued the struggle, we state today that we are stepping into a new frontier. The Igbo voice against marginalization and injustice will not be achieved on the streets. It will rather be won with a determined engagement of our institutions of government and with other Nigerians who feel aggrieved to redefine the meaning of Nigeria and remove the inequalities that have fanned the embers of discord, and restructure our nation along the lines of justice, equality and fairness.
To this end, my election as governor of Anambra State, will start off with a single agenda; an agenda to secure a new state for the southeast region to bridge the disparity we face. We will immediately, upon inauguration, in line with S. 8 (1) of the 1999 constitution get our National Assembly members from Anambra state, our elected House of Assembly members, and local government chairmen to sign a request to the National Assembly asking for a referendum for the sixth Southeast state.
We will vigorously engage our friends from other states in the National Assembly and other states House of Assembly for a new state. Nigeria must take a decision on the issue of additional state for the southeast before the end of life of the 8th Assembly and the 2019 election.
I will pursue this agenda with all dedication and drive; once it is accomplished, I will be ready for another election. I will not allow the love of office to obstruct our greater good. This is my cardinal covenant with Ndi Anambra.
I also believe that our dear state, Anambra is not achieving its destiny as a state. This state has some of the most educated minds across Nigeria and some of the most natural capabilities that would have turned it into a knowledge, manufacturing and logistics hub of West Africa, if we have the right type of leadership.
My goal as governor is to marshal and spur the God-given ingenuity of our people to create wealth and make Anambra state a self sufficient territory, a model of merit, equity and justice, while connecting our commerce and industry to the whole world.
We have worked out a strategic blueprint with timelines with a four step pyramid of Knowledge, Vision, Execution and Sustainability (KNVES) to make Anambra State work for everybody. Our plan will be underpinned by the Igbo values of Uche, Uchu na Egwu Chukwu. Our plan will be anchored on a program philosophy of Monitor, Measure and Improve.
We will run a transparent and community based and all-inclusive system where institutions of government in all critical sectors run efficiently for the desired quality of life for all citizens and residents. Anambra state under my watch will be a model state, a home for all where the forgotten, the poor and the disadvantaged are reintroduced into our society by providing them the basic amenities. This is my promise and I will stand by it.
I stand on the platform of the UPP, a party that has given itself the clear mission to stand by the people and serve only their interest. UPP is the hope of the masses and we will ensure that its mandate of ensuring that all citizens have equal access to opportunity and resources in the state is fully achieved.
Finally, my dear brothers and sister; Ndi Anambra and Igbos, today, I step forward confident in the fact that in all, I have God and the good people of Anambra state beside and behind me. My aspiration to lead our dear state is a product of enduring prayers, abiding faith in God, painstaking planning, extensive mobilization, consultations and bonding among our people without barriers.
On that note I call on all ndiAnambra to rise up today and lift with me the banner of our pride- the banner of ‘isi agu’, and march shoulder to shoulder with this heroic step from the ruins of Uli airport to a glorious future for our state.
A state where we will not alleviate poverty but overthrow poverty; a state where we will not reduce injustice but imprison injustice; a state where we will not reduce inequality but abolish all privileges that obstruct equal opportunities. So help me God.
I thank you for listening
1. Interesting to see much concern over the #AnambraAirport project
2. But pathetic to see men that ought to be better informed deliberately or ignorantly misinforming the people
3. @osita_chidoka compared the cost of building the #AnambraAirport City with the cost for a runaway upgrade in Ethiopia... Imagine that!
4. @osita_chidoka's comment is most unfortunate, either he's not properly informed about the #AnambraAirport project or he has joined the mischief team
5. The truth remains that the State Government is not spending dime for the #AnambraAirport project
6. A governorship aspirant should get informed before public comments to avoid such misleading tweet from @osita_chidoka on #AnambraAirport
7. Anambra had leaders in the past including @osita_chidoka, a former Aviation Minister but no idea of anything like the new #AnambraAirport
8. Some past leaders complained of funds while few others argued on the benefits of an #AnambraAirport
9. Today, @WillieMObiano being visionary has given us #AnambraAiprort project with huge benefits at no cost
10. The State Government only contributed land without a kobo while the investing partners are building the $2bn #AnambraAirport city in Umueri
11. State Government provided land for Orient Petroleum; building access roads to the airport & enabling environment #AnambraAirport
12. Only visionary leadership of leaders like @WillieMObiano can attract such volume of investment. #AnambraAiprot is on PPP arrangement
13. As the State provided enabling environment, the investors will build $2bn #AnambraAirport, Manage and Handover... That's the idea! Unique!
14. It takes a lot of work... Integrity and sincere drives to attract such investment like #AnambraAirport
15. #AnambraAirport is one of the merits of being the Safest State in Nigeria. Investors troop in... Invest in Nigeria, Think Anambra
16. It is historic to attract such Investment, where investors put in $2bn without a dime from the State Government like the #AnambraAirport
17. Orient and its international partners are building #AnambraAirport City, not just an airport.... First of its kind!
18. #AnambraAirport is an Aerotropolis... And not just a control tower with runways
19. #AnambraAirport city project comprises an International Airport with 2 Runways, Malls, Industrial and Business Parks and Airport Hotels.
20. #AnambraAirport will create 1200 direct jobs and over 6,000 indirect jobs, yet government won't spend a kobo on it
21. #AnambraAirport city project has 75 % of the jobs reserved for Ndi Anambra.
22. Host community (Umueri) of #AnambraAirport will receive in perpetuity 3% of the profit via Corporate Social Responsibility.
23. #AnambraAirport city project will be executed under BOMT (Build, Operate, Manage and Transfer). It's a win, win for the government & ndi Anambra
24. The Partners for #AnambraAirport city project are Anambra State Government, Orient Petroleum Resources Plc.... ½
25. Elite International Investment Holding Limited, China Aviation Planning & Development Company Limited 2/2 #AnambraAirport
26. Osike Synergy Nigeria Limited and Emsworth Oil & Gas Limited are the Facilitators #AnambraAirport
27. The partners for #AnambraAirport are interested in building rail lines across the State and possibly inter-connecting the South East region.
28. The #AnambraAirport city project will be ready in three years.... The timeline is clear
29. #AnambraAirport city project involves skills transfer... All with no cost from the State Government
30. #AnambraAirport city project has capacity to land any known aircraft and cargo planes.
31. #AnambraAirport city project involves an aviation fuel dump (First in Nigeria) where aircrafts will fly in to refuel direct from the refinery
32. #AnambraAirport city project contains an aircraft maintenance facility.
33. #AnambraAirport city project also comprise aviation training and services buildings, airport multilevel car parks...
34. The #AnambraAirport city project also involves airport recreational areas, China wholesale depots, emergency service centers, etc.
35. #AnambraAirport city project will facilitate the export of agricultural produce such Anambra Rice, Vegetables and Tubers of Yam.
36. #AnambraAirport city project will facilitate trade & business relation btw ndi Anambra & China as well as other international business destinations
37. #AnambraAirport city project will unleash the untapped potential of increased trade and commercials, ½
38. ... manufacturing, innovation, technology transfer, SME growth in Anambra State. #AnambraAirport
39. #AnambraAirport project will create a whole new world of economic opportunities for the South-East.
40. #AnambraAirport is $2bn without a kobo from the government. That's a great deal!
41. All Anambra State provided for #AnambraAirport was land and an enabling environment.
42. #AnambraAirport is a cargo airport for the good of us all. It would boost trade and ultimately lead to infrastructural development.
43. You sure would not expect a 1500 hectares airport with room for expansion to serve a State alone. #AnambraAirport
44. Anambra State is not spending $2bn on airport... The funds will spent by the investing consortium to build a world class #AnambraAirport
45. Don't be fooled by mischief makers, Anambra is not borrowing a kobo for #AnambraAirport
46. Using #AnambraAirport as a point for generating controversy is vile
47. All the State provided for the #AnambraAirport project is the land given to Orient Petroleum... Imagine best airport at least cost
48. #AnambraAirport is at zero cost to the State. First of it's kind in our country
49. The #AnambraAirport city is Build, Operate, Manage and Transfer basis... The investors bear all the cost.
50. Airports can actually cost more than that. #AnambraAirport city project is an aerotropolis comprising the airport & a city project
...
Beware of those spreading lies against the governor, government and the good people of Anambra State just to clinch power... They are only afraid of the laudable achievements of #ObianoEffect!
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