Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, has entered the presidential contest.
On Sunday, his media office announced that the minister had consulted with members of his All Progressives Congress (APC) party as well as leaders of opposing political organizations.
According to the media office, he will publicly proclaim his intention on April 19.
After meeting Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Ngige addressed his supporters in Amanda, a border town with Enugu State, and explained why he consulted opposition political groups.
Ngige’s position was informed by his notion that his desire had cross-party appeal, according to the media office.
“I visited Enugu State governor as part of my nation-wide consultation. Even though he is in PDP, he is an Igbo man.
“He is a very realistic, discerning person. Don’t forget also that Enugu is the capital of the former Eastern Region. And you know that respect is reciprocal.
“Over the week, I also consulted some other Nigerians not allied to any political party. Therefore, I had to consult the Enugu State governor over my intention to contest and to seek his views too.
“He told me to kick the ball into the net.
“So this journey is not for APC members alone. Our brothers in PDP easily agreed that I tower above some of the persons aspiring to the position in their party.
“I have no fear whatsoever. I am equal to the task. Even our brothers in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) will join us in the task ahead,’’ Ngige was quoted as saying.
His antecedents, stewardship as a civil servant, governor, senator, and minister, according to the minister, set him apart.
“What we did in Anambra in 34 months, those who did eight years have not done them.
“I did 34 months during which I laid the foundation for the new Anambra. I didn’t just lay the foundation; I also took the house beyond the lintel level.
“I built schools, returned schools to the missions, rescued Odumegwu Ojukwu University from the status of a glorified secondary school – built structures there and secured accreditation for 15 courses including Law and Medicine.
“I rehabilitated and upgraded our general hospitals, including Enugwu-Ukwu, Onitsha, and Amaku in Awka and restructured the state’s civil service, and also introduced examination as a basis for promotion.
“I built more than 500km of roads across all senatorial zones that are still standing today.
“I also inherited N42 billion debts when I assumed office. I didn’t talk about it. I put my hands on the plough and started working and cleared arrears of pensions and salaries, among others,’’ Ngige was also quoted as saying.
Ngige went on to say that he had the advantage of being a part of this administration and the 7th Senate.
“I’m well equipped for the job,’’ he stressed.
“I plan to re-engineer Nigeria the way I re-engineered Anambra. April 19 is the date. Let all roads lead to Alor where the matter will be laid to rest,’’ Ngige quipped.
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