The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State, Kelechi Anosike, has pledged to restore Ukwa East’s oil-producing status and revive industries in the area through the reopening of capped oil wells, development of mineral resources and rehabilitation of infrastructure.
Anosike made the promises during a consultation visit to the local government area, where he outlined his development blueprint, tagged “Ukwa East: Resource-to-Wealth Initiative.”
He said he had prepared similar plans for every local government area in Abia, which would serve as a charter between his administration and the people if elected.
The PDP candidate, who described himself as an energy lawyer, promised to engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) within his first 100 days in office to review the circumstances surrounding the capping of oil wells in Ndoki land and pursue their reopening.
“I am aware you have capped and blocked oil wells, thereby depriving you of some benefits due to oil producing communities. Within 100 days in office, I will get the NNPCL to come in here to review and reopen it,” Anosike said.
He also pledged to seek Federal Government support for further hydrocarbon exploration in the area, saying additional discoveries could expand economic opportunities for the people.
On industrial development, Anosike said he would invite Chinese experts to assess silica deposits in the Azumini River for commercial glass production and engage the Federal Government on the proposed Azumini seaport.
He promised to rebuild the collapsed section of Obohia Road and award a contract for the rehabilitation of Ohanku Road within his first 100 days, describing both roads as critical to development.
Anosike also pledged to revive Abia Palm, which he said once employed more than 6,000 workers, with a view to creating jobs and re-engaging former employees. His welfare agenda, he added, would give equal attention to people and infrastructure.
His running mate and Abia PDP chairman, Amah Abraham, said political parties had disappointed the people, but maintained that Anosike was prepared to address their concerns.
The PDP senatorial candidate for Abia South, Chinyere Onuoha, described Anosike as a new entrant committed to fulfilling his promises, expressing confidence that his administration would deliver visible results within a year.
Earlier, the president-general of the Ndoki Development Union, Chisom Henry Nwachukwu, lamented that politicians had repeatedly made promises to Ndoki people and abandoned them, leaving the area underdeveloped despite its resources.
He said the people wanted tangible development rather than campaign money, identifying roads, Abia Palm and the proposed Azumini seaport as priorities. Nwachukwu declared support for Anosike after listening to his proposals.
The president of the Ndoki Council of Chiefs, Nkem Ogwo, prayed for Anosike’s success and pledged Ukwa East’s support, while the party’s House of Assembly candidate, Justice Uchenna, urged residents to support all PDP candidates.
The meeting ended with the Ndoki Development Union endorsing Anosike as its sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
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