From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, in next year’s general election has dismissed the insinuation in some quarters that he has backed out of the contest.
He said he was seriously in the race to win the election and wipe out hunger and poverty in the state and will not step down for anyone.
He stated this on Saturday night in his Isu hometown, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, in an interview with journalists after he was received by a mammoth crowd who welcomed him to the community.
He declared that his party gave him the ticket and that he was contesting to offer a lot to the people of the state who he said are yearning for good governance.
Odii described the statement by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who said he will approach him to step down for Governor Francis Nwifuru as political manoeuvring.
“My party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), gave me its mandate through consensus. That means they found me suitable, but there was a need for intervention. As such, I am contesting to be the governor of Ebonyi State because I have a lot to offer in government.
“On the issue of whether I would accept a request to step down, I am sure that is just political manoeuvring. I don’t think we have to undermine democracy. I believe every man knows what the Constitution says, whether he is on the APC platform or the PDP platform, or whether he is my uncle.
“Like I said, I respect him, but I have not been asked by him to step down and I don’t think he should ask me to step down. I am contesting, and I want to say that I am still in the race. I am not giving up.
“I think you should be able to know me. You know my trajectory and how things have been. I am not even worried about the election because of myself.
“I have already got people who believe in me. I am very compassionate about how I want things to get better. When I look at how things are happening in Ebonyi, I am saddened.
“We should be talking about certain things and the general interests of the people, the betterment of Ebonyi, not only for today but for tomorrow.
“Good governance is what we need. Everybody should be concerned about it. A hungry man does not know whether he is coming from the South or the North.
“When you are hungry, nobody needs to tell you that you are hungry. We are trying to bring a government that will say goodbye to hunger in Ebonyi State.
“The government we want to bring will create employment, whether in the media space or in any other profession. That is what I stand for.
“We are doing door-to-door campaigns and reaching out to people. Remember, I have a platform. I talk about family life, and you know that the world is revolving around social media.
“I have a following of almost three million people across my social media platforms, with followers all over the world. I am there every day, engaging people.
“Anytime our campaign flag-off is announced, you will see what happens. I want to be with my family and the people who believe in me. Every person who is voting in Ebonyi State matters. I just jumped out of my vehicle one afternoon.
“I have a lot of admirers, and people love me in the South-East. The people on the tricycles and motorcycles were branded with my name and images, so they knew I was the one. They were trooping out to greet me,” he said.
Odii, while addressing members of the Ebonyi State University Medical Students Association (EBSUMSA) during their homecoming/reunion colloquium, declared that he will transform the state university, EBSU, to a centre of excellence if elected governor.
He also said he will expand access to medical education, improve professional competence, and develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled personnel for the state health system.
He said building a strong, accessible, and efficient healthcare system must be a foundational priority for any government that genuinely desires progress, describing that a healthy society is a productive society.
According to him, no state can achieve sustainable economic growth, educational advancement, or social development without a healthcare system that protects the lives and well-being of its people.
He called for deliberate and sustainable investment in the healthcare system, beginning with medical education and professional training and extending to clinical practice, research, infrastructure, and the welfare of healthcare workers.
He described the figures often cited about Nigeria’s healthcare workforce as deeply concerning.
“Records attributed to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria indicate that, of approximately 80,000 medical practitioners on its register, only about 55,000 are practising within Nigeria, with many others reportedly working in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere.
“This continuing loss of skilled professionals places an enormous burden on our healthcare system.
“Nigeria’s doctor-to-population ratio also illustrates the scale of the challenge. The figures presented in many reports suggest a substantial gap between the number of available doctors and the needs of our growing population.
“In some states, the shortage is particularly acute.
“Behind these figures are real human beings: mothers who need safe deliveries, children who require timely medical attention, families struggling to access specialist care, and communities whose well-being depends on the availability of qualified health professionals.
“The consequences are devastating. Preventable illnesses continue to claim lives, while maternal and infant mortality remain serious public health concerns,” Odii stated.
He explained that he was contesting the governorship position to set the state on a renewed path of progress, prosperity, and sustainable development.
“Yes, I am seeking the votes of my brothers and sisters, our parents, and every registered voter in Ebonyi State. I am doing so because I believe our state can achieve much more, and I am prepared to work with our people to set Ebonyi on a renewed path of progress, prosperity, and sustainable development.
“Having had the privilege of travelling to different parts of the world and experiencing functional systems firsthand, I have come to appreciate that meaningful progress is possible when leadership is purposeful and institutions are properly managed.
“Consider our medical professionals who receive their education in Nigeria and subsequently practise abroad. Many encounter a striking difference between the working environments they leave behind and the systems into which they enter.
“They often discover better-equipped facilities, more reliable infrastructure, stronger institutional support, and more conducive conditions for professional growth.
“Yet, there is no magic behind the success of these systems. Progress begins when those entrusted with authority, at every level, commit themselves to doing things properly, making responsible decisions, and putting the public interest first.
“Our vision is to transform Ebonyi State University into a true centre of excellence, recognised for quality education, research, innovation, and professional development.
“As a member of the Governing Board of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, I have had the privilege of contributing to the work of a team committed to strengthening and repositioning that institution.
“That experience has given me valuable insight into the governance, planning, and institutional reforms required to build a university that serves its students and society effectively.
“We will also pursue bursaries and scholarship opportunities for eligible medical students of Ebonyi origin, while supporting continuous professional development for healthcare personnel.
“Our objective is to expand access to medical education, improve professional competence, and develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled personnel for our health system,” he stated.
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