From Magnus Eze, Enugu
Chimaobi Samuel Atu is the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Enugu North/South Federal Constituency in next year’s general elections.
He believes that the growing popularity and acceptance of his party by Nigerians would change the political landscape of Enugu State which has since 1999 been controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He also warns against the suspension of the deployment of BVAS and the campaign for the INEC Chairman to be sacked.
Why do you want to become a federal legislator for your constituency?
The reason is simple; I want the voice of my people to be heard in Nigeria. I want to present their needs, expectations and challenges to the government for attention. We don’t have quality representation that would make case for all these social amenities that are lacking in our area. There is federal character policy in Nigeria, yet, federal jobs are given out, employment opportunities are filled, but none of our people benefit from them. Ours is just to vote, yet we have nothing to show for it all these years.
Aware that you are running against an incumbent who has been there for almost 16 years; what will you do differently to secure victory?
Knowing full well that power comes from God, but I will ensure that I reach my people, mobilise them fully for the election. My people are tired of the old order, they have seen one man hold them down all these years without anything tangible to show for it. So, they are desirous for change, they want somebody they can always access; one that is accessible and that can stand for them. And I am that person they can trust and bank on.
So, I will convince them on why they should vote for me and the Labour Party. Our party is where the family, everybody would come together and think of the way forward, not the one-man-show that has become the lot of the PDP all these years. Labour Party knows what people need in this trying period.
Truth is that I have what it takes to win the election with the support of the people and most importantly, the people are tired of Ofor Chukwuegbo; the man occupying the seat now. I know that your eyes can take you to where you can see. He has seen to the point that his eyes can take him. And I know that I can see beyond him; my people know this too. Before now, I was the chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch in my area and I did my best; the records are there for verification in Ugwuaji. I’ve really done much for my people, I’ve always been with them. For instance, I had in the past helped some areas in Ugwuaji without electricity like Ndafafa, that’s Ndagu Ugwuaji, to get connected to national grid. Anybody can go there and verify; I did it singlehandedly. In the same manner, I sponsored the grading of the Atu Ogbodo Road in my area. I have given not less than 10 persons scholarship awards.
Are there any challenges that you are having in your campaign?
Yes, of course, anybody running for election knows that there will be challenges. The challenges now are money and insecurity in the country particularly the Southeast. In electioneering, after talking to people, they expect you to bring money and the economy is not favourable. For us in Labour Party in Enugu State, our major challenge is the attack on our members and supporters. Most of our people are not happy the way they are being attacked for supporting Labour Party. But we are not giving up; we cannot be discouraged because our victory is assured. We are aware that nothing good comes easy in life, for that reason, no amount of intimidation will make us to succumb or back down.
Do you have rotational arrangement for the Enugu North/South Federal Constituency seat?
To the best of my knowledge, there is no signed document anywhere spelling out how the position should rotate but I believe that equity should count in whatever we do. This will give room for everybody to have a sense of belonging. This seat should be occupied section by section. It reduces tension and acrimony and engenders development. For instance, my area, Ugwuaji, has never tasted the House of Representatives for once. But I am not running the election because I am from Ugwuaji, I believe that I am qualified and there should be equity, too.
What areas would be of legislative interest to you if you emerge victorious?
My areas of interest will be education, and how to support small businesses. Anything that could be done to enhance small business owners and what they do, will interest me. Look around, you will see that small and medium enterprises are suffering because of lack of credit facilities; power is not available, those with skills can’t deploy their skills; the business environment is harsh, the infrastructure is not there to support them. And like I earlier mentioned, education is very important. What actually can you do without education? Nothing. Our schools suffer dilapidation but our children deserve good and quality education in conducive environment.
What’s your impression about the preparations and the election management process so far, ahead 2023 general elections?
My take on it is that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has done well so far particularly with the introduction of the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System). What we have seen is that INEC wants to give everybody a level playing ground. So, I totally condemn the mischievous call in some quarters for the removal of BVAS and the sacking of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. Suspending the BVAS means programming the election to be rigged. So, I strongly support the use of the BVAS and nobody should contemplate removing the INEC Chairman unless they have other plans from what they are telling us. In fact, those calling for suspension of BVAS and removal INEC Chairman don’t love this country.