Imo State Labour Party Governorship candidate for the November 11, 2023 Gubernatorial election in the state, Senator Athan Nneji Achonu has assured the Nigeria Society of Engineers, NSE, of his commitment to engage and collaborate with the very proficient, highly efficient and innovate Indigenous professional Engineers, in the collective effort to rebuild Imo state, when he becomes Governor.
Senator Achonu made the pledge during a special interactive meeting with the NSE, which took place at the the NSE Building, Owerri, on Wednesday,12th July, 2023.
The Imo LP Guber candidate, who shared his vision to develop Imo State into a leading sub-national government in Nigeria, noted that to achieve this, he needed the support and partnership of Engineers to take back Imo.
Achonu recalled that in 2014, the Nigeria Society of Engineers had honoured him with an award because of his contributions to the engineering profession and pledged “to do more quality engineering work as governor”
In his words, “I am taking over Government House. And the governor is aware that I am taking over”
He also re-emphasized his commitment to Local Government Autonomy and made a declaration that within six months of assuming office as Governor, his government will conduct LGA Elections.
“I will conduct the freest and fairest local government election in the history of Africa. The local government systems is very key towards sustainable peace and security in our state, hence one of my priority agenda is LGA Autonomy”, he said emphatically.
Senator Achonu, who shared his plans for upgrading and transforming the Owerri Airport into a Cargo Airport, also revealed his plan to ensure that constant power supply is restored in Imo State to enable homes and SME businesses have constant power, especially now that states have been given the constitutional authority to start generating power.
He said: “I will declare a state of emergency in the power sector. This will be in line with the new power act of the federal government that empowers states to generate power”.
Responding, the Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Imo State Chapter, Engr. Iwumadi Obioma, thanked Senator Athan Achonu for coming to Interact with NSE.
In his words, “In the history of the state, Senator Athan is the first Governorship Candidate to come to interact with NSE to share his plans for the state and the engineering profession.
This shows respect and acceptance of the engineering professions,” he said in a clear tone of appreciation and acceptance.
He welcomed his message and assured him that the NSE will continue to sustain and nurture the very warm and cordial relationship which has existed between Senator Achonu and the Umbrella body of Engineers in Imo state.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by a member of NSE, Engr Chinenye Nnawuihe.
According to her, “We thank you for coming to identify with us. We have seen your doggedness and passion to develop the economy of the State. Your passion is incomparable.
“We haven’t been lucky to have other Governorship candidates come to see us, but we believe that since you have come here, we have heard you, we appreciate your message and we wish you well,’ he said.
Senator Athan Achonu was accompanied by Hon. Chime Nzeribe, the DG, Senator Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation and other top members of the Campaign Council.
