From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the forthcoming general elections, Mrs Helen Mbakwe, has rated herself as the best candidate to represent the zone in the National Assembly come next year.
Mbakwe, a lawyer, said that she was inspired to contest for the coveted post because she had better ideas on what to do and how to represent the zone like never before. She also spoke on the chances of her presidential candidate, Musa Kwankwaso, emerging victorious at the poll.
You are basically a new name in Anambra politics and the zone you’re contesting to represent has contestants that can be described as timbres and calibres of the state’s politics. What makes you think that as a new kid on the block you’ll upset the apple cart and write your own history?
I believe that if we are hoping for a new Nigeria and if 2023 is going to be a new person in the presidency, that it is also time for my district, Anambra Central to have a new person. That’s basically what’s giving me the confidence; and also because I came out in this time when the youths and the mothers are clamouring for a good place for the children and tomorrow’s people to grow under. So, I believe that we can’t go too far with anyone who has worked with the old government because it is going to be difficult to change people and change things. So, it is better to go with new people. And because I have studied, read and have also been around their horizon; and I have seen a lot of other things and other governments, I believe that the new things I will also bring onboard will work well with the new presidency to usher in that hope that we are all looking forward to in 2023.
What do you want to do differently from the current representative of the district that prompted you to contest? What laws do you want to bring to life that can better the lives of the Anambra Central people?
Basically, I don’t like to dwell on yesterday. And it is not for me to say that this and that were not done by this and this person; neither is it for me to point fingers. But everybody, not just me, is in this country. So, everybody knows what is going on. So, it is not for me to call a spade a spade which everybody sees. But I do know that one of the things I would like to do which I know hasn’t been happening in Nigeria is to help in cutting down the cost of governance. That is one of the things that bring tears to my eyes; the kind of money I heard or I know that they receive and run around and roll around their hands in government. So, I would like to help to bring down the cost of governance. I would also like for other people to be included in the government of Nigeria which is specific provision for the youths, womenfolk and mothers; provision for the elderly because the youths who have not much hope are still the ones looking out for the same elderly. So, it makes it difficult for both the elderly and the youths. I am also looking forward to involving and including people with challenges. They’re absolutely not in this present government.
You probably might have been campaigning in the seven Local Government Areas that make up the senatorial district. If that is so, what has been the feedback? How would you rate your chances in this race? What has been the experience?
I am new like I said. So, the experience is ‘what is the new thing that you are going to offer us?’ If things were okay with the old, we will not be talking about hope for Nigeria. They will already be that hope. Because I am part of those wishing for a new Nigeria, part of those seeing what is going on. I also know that I have a lot to offer which is in making the laws that will make sure that hope is brought forth in joining with the new president to make sure that whatever plans the new president has, that we at the senate carry them out; in making sure that whatever our constituency wants, that we relay it at that senate and get them officially done. So, I let them know that when I go around. And we talk about that newness and the importance of changing the old to the new because you can’t keep doing the things that you have always done or used to do and want new things to happen. You will still be getting the same result. So, once I remind them of that, they say yes, that they think I am right.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that if the insecurity, especially the burning of its facilities in some parts of the country persists, that the election might not hold. Part of why you want to go to the senate is to help proffer solutions to Nigeria’s problems and get them solved. What do you think should be done now to stem the tide of insecurity in the country so as to ensure the elections hold as planned?
I am in the country and so I know about the insecurity. And I know that I do not agree with some of the things that were said to have been done to tackle the insecurity. For me, I don’t think tackling this insecurity is a big thing to do. But it is not for me now to start saying that I will do this or that. There are things to be done. There is no rocket science about tackling insecurity. If you put your mind to tackling insecurity, it’s simply done. So, I don’t believe that the present government has actually put its mind to tackling insecurity. The things to be done are there. I will work, like I said, with the new Nigeria and the major thing for the new Nigeria is insecurity. I will work with them and I will do all the things possible and necessary to tackle insecurity. There is no rocket science about that.
Are you saying that the government is paying lip service to that challenge; fighting insecurity?
I am saying that the government is not doing enough.
What is your take on the issue of local government autonomy and women inclusion in governance and politics?
The local government autonomy is basically tackled by the governor of the state. I believe in local government autonomy because it will help each community to handle the issues and challenges that fall within their own community. What obtains in a community may be different from what obtains in another. So, local government autonomy is paramount. But that is a decision that will be taken collectively with the state government, the senate and everybody when I go into government. We’ll handle all that and decide which way to go.
How would you rate the chances of the presidential candidates; especially your own candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, emerging victorious?
Everything is in God’s hands. And just as we are saying that there will be a new Nigeria, I believe in the party, NNPP. Kwankwaso will also be a new face in the presidency. He hasn’t gone for presidency before. I believe that he stands a very good chance. He has a strong hold in his section of the North. It is for us to move and try to get people. February is still a little far out. We’ll be able to cover the country. I believe that he stands a good chance.