…..dismantle checkpoints, end hunger

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA – Retired Major General Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma , has formally entered the 2027 Abia governorship race, promising to build a secure, prosperous and people-oriented state anchored on the rule of law, transparency and economic empowerment.

The retired General who led military operations against Boko Haram in the North East in 2015, vowed to crush every form of insecurity and herdsmen attacks in the state if elected Governor.

He also vowed to dismantle all security checkpoints in the state, describing them as extortion points, and wondered why Governors in the South East have allowed the menace which, he noted, is not common in other regions, to persist.

“I drove myself from Abuja and I counted 38 roadblocks here manned by all manner of uniformed people with arms. And they are not doing anything other than stealing money from our people. I pass through these checkpoints and I see our people being dehumanized.

“Sometimes they stop the bus, the people will raise their hands and walk through. It doesn’t happen in other places. But it’s happening in our land. Where is the protection that Governors promised the people? Part of the major duties of a Governor is the protection of the people.

“As your Governor, there will not be a single checkpoint anywhere. Yet, we will have security guarantee because nobody will come in here and get intimidated.”

Speaking shortly after emerging by consensus as the governorship candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Gen. Ijioma unveiled an ambitious blueprint for Abia, declaring that he represents “a better alternative” for the state.

The APP standard-bearer said his vision is to transform Abia into a modern state driven by justice, equity and responsible leadership.

“My vision for Abia is to transform the state into a modern society where rule of law, justice and equity form the pillars of governance,” he declared.

Security tops agenda

The retired General identified insecurity as one of the greatest threats confronting Abia, citing reports of kidnappings and attacks on farmers in parts of the state.

Promising a technology-driven security architecture, he said his administration would deploy what he termed an “invisible security fence” capable of monitoring criminal activities across the state in real time.

“No crime will last 48 hours without the perpetrators being brought to justice. No incident in Abia will escape my attention,” he said.

According to him, security, justice and accountability would constitute the foundation of his administration.

War against hunger

Beyond security, Ijioma said tackling hunger and poverty would receive urgent attention under his government.

He lamented what he described as the level of hardship facing many residents and promised direct government intervention in food production and distribution.

“As I came into Abia, I saw hunger. I saw anger on the faces of the people. It is that hunger I have come to fight,” he said.

To guarantee food security, the APP candidate proposed the establishment of three state-owned commercial farms, three zonal farms and 17 local government farms dedicated to food production.

He also pledged to establish government-supported food outlets where residents could purchase essential commodities at subsidised rates.

“There will be Abia milk shops, Abia grain shops and Abia meat shops where citizens can buy food at affordable prices. Government must intervene to cushion hardship.”

Promises fiscal discipline

Gen. Ijioma who commanded the United Nations troops in Darfu, Sudan, vowed to run what he described as a prudent government, promising to reduce the cost of governance and channel more resources towards development projects.

“I am not going to be a propaganda governor. I will be an action governor,” he said.

The retired General pledged to drastically reduce the size of the governor’s convoy and eliminate what he described as wasteful spending.

“My convoy will not be more than six vehicles. Government resources must be used for the people, not for luxury.”

The APP candidate promised to embark on massive infrastructure development across the state, particularly in Umuahia and other urban centres, saying that Abians would witness unprecedented transformation if elected.

“Six months into my administration, people coming into Umuahia will struggle to recognise the city because of the level of transformation that would have taken place,” he declared.

He, however, questioned what he described as the cost-effectiveness of some projects executed by the current administration, arguing that government spending should always be subjected to public scrutiny and accountability.

Alleging that a kilometer of road was built at N4.4 billion in Aba, and the Omenuko bridge at N28 billion, Gen. Ijioma called for more openness in government contracts.

“The resources belong to the people. Citizens have every right to ask questions and demand accountability.”

He alleged that developments by the current administration are not commensurate with increased funding coming from the federal government, claiming that Abia has received about N1.5 trillion federal allocation under the current administration.

According to him, despite huge federal allocations accruing to the state, many residents continue to struggle with economic hardship.

He argued that governance should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people rather than public relations campaigns.

While acknowledging that projects have been executed by the current state government, he maintained that more attention should be paid to transparency, accountability and direct interventions that improve citizens’ welfare.

Position on Tinubu’s policies

Ijioma also spoke on national issues, offering a mixed assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

While commending the President for increasing revenue flows to states, he criticised some economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy without what he called adequate plans.

“I give President Tinubu credit for making more funds available to states, but some of his policies have inflicted hardship on ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

‘I have signed my death warrant since 1983’

Responding to concerns about the risks associated with challenging an incumbent governor, the retired General said he was not intimidated.

Referring to his military career, which included service in Liberia, Sudan and Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, he said he had long accepted the sacrifices that come with public service.

“I signed my death warrant in 1983 when I entered the Nigerian Defence Academy. I have served this country on battlefields and I am prepared to serve Abia with the same courage.”

Confident of victory in the 2027 election, Ijioma likened the coming governorship contest to the biblical battle between David and Goliath.

Promising not to disappoint the people if elected, the APP candidate urged Abians to support what he described as a movement for security, prosperity and accountable governance.

“I am presenting myself as a tested and trusted alternative. Help is on the way. Together, we shall build a secure Abia, a strong economy and a better future for our people.”

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of APP, Chief Larry Chiedozie, said the party would spring surprises at the 2027 polls, saying it has people -centred manifesto that would transform the state.