2023 Presidency: Ngige Declares Interest Today
The more the merrier popular saying is playing out in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, joins the growing list of aspirants jostling for the Party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections.
His media office said on Sunday that the Minister has been involved in a series of consultations with stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as stalwarts of opposition political parties.
According to the media office, the Minister is scheduled to publicly declare his intention today, Monday, April 19, 2022.
It also stated that Senator Ngige, while addressing supporters at Amansea, a border town with Enugu State after visiting Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, explained the reasons for consulting opposition political parties on his presidential aspiration.
Offering further insight, the media office stated that Ngige’s standpoint was informed by his belief that his aspiration is enjoying a cross-party appeal.
The Media office quoted the Minister as saying; “I visited the Enugu State Governor as part of my nation-wide consultation. Even though he is in PDP, he is an Igbo man.
“He is a very realistic, discerning person. Don’t forget also that Enugu is the capital of the former Eastern Region. And you know that respect is reciprocal.
“Over the week, I also consulted some other Nigerians not allied to any political party. Therefore, I had to consult the Enugu State governor over my intention to contest and to seek his views too. He told me to kick the ball into the net.
“So this journey is not for APC members alone. Our brothers in PDP easily agreed that I tower above some of the persons aspiring to the position in their party. I have no fear whatsoever. I am equal to the task. Even our brothers in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will join us in the task ahead.”
Senator Ngige also that his antecedents and stewardship as a civil servant, governor, senator, and Minister stand him apart in the pack of APC presidential aspirants.
“What we did in Anambra in 34 months, those who did eight years have not done them. I did 34 months during which I laid the foundation for the new Anambra. I didn’t just lay the foundation; I also took the house beyond the lintel level.
“I built schools, returned schools to the missions, rescued Odumegwu Ojukwu University from the status of a glorified secondary school – built structures there and secured accreditation for 15 courses including Law and Medicine.
“I rehabilitated and upgraded our general hospitals, including Enugwu-Ukwu, Onitsha, and Amaku in Awka and restructured the state’s civil service, and also introduced examination as a basis for promotion. I built more than 500km of roads across all senatorial zones that are still standing today.
“I also inherited N42 billion debts when I assumed office. I didn’t talk about it. I put my hands on the plough and started working and cleared arrears of pensions and salaries, among others,’’ Ngige was also quoted as saying.
The former Anambra State Governor said being part of the current administration as well as the 7th Senate presents an advantage as the best candidate.
“I’m well equipped for the job. I plan to re-engineer Nigeria the way I re-engineered Anambra. April 19 is the date. Let all roads lead to Alor where the matter will be laid to rest,’’ Ngige said. – NAN
