The Standard Bearer of the People’s Democratic Party,(PDP) in 2023 Abia State Governorship election,Prof .Uche Ikonne says he’ll prioritize the welfare of workers if elected Abia governor .
Prof Ikonne made the disclosure during a chat with Abia Online Media Practitioners at his Campaign office on Wednesday as he promised to make specific arrangements which would enable him clear the arrears of workers and pensioners if he inherits any within Six Months into office.
The former Abia State University Vice Chancellor who believes that salary and pension are the rights of workers, added that he’ll ensure payment of salaries in order to maximize output.
According to the Professor of Optometry, labourers who add value to the society deserves a better treatment .
“We’re are going to prioritize staff welfare,he said.”
“Salaries and pension are the rights of workers and I’ll always say that nobody goes to government and plan to owe people.”
“It is when you get there and see circumstances that may make the accumulation of those things.”
He said that he will solve the problems of pensions by implementing strategies for domesticating Federal Government’s policy on pension known as contributory pension which allows government to pay it’s own counterpart contribution while workers in turn pay their counterpart pension fund,these according to him will reduce the burden on government .
Uche Ikonne added that he will revive the moribund industries in Abia within one year in office, giving specific emphasis on Enyimba Hotel,Aba.
The Academia who spoke extensively in various critical areas that he will venture into if he becomes the governor of Abia State, assures citizens engagement through participatory government .
He said that Abia citizen’s will be involved in the development of the State as their ideas will be incorporated in whatever government is doing in every segment for , as his administration will not run a few people’s government .
“That is why i introduced the lexicon of participatory governance,I preach it because I believe in it,I preach it because I think that citizens should be engaged in what government is doing .”I preach it because the ideas of citizens not trusting government is because they seem not to be close to what government is doing.i preach it because that is the practical aspect of democracy.”
In order to address the agitations amongst the youths, Ikonne said he will take advantage of their teaming population by providing skilled training for them, adding that 40% of his exco will be made up of the youths .
He maintained that there’s no government who will not have a lofty plan for the youths as his intention is to send a youth from different local governments in Abia for overseas leadership training so as to impact on others if elected.
Prof Ikonne promised to have a functional youths development centers where there will be robust engagement for them through sports and other creative ventures that will provide employment opportunities for them.
He further stressed the need for Abia to have an elderly village where the old people will feel the recreation and village atmosphere under his leadership .
Ikonne says his government will encourage hospitality industry and promote entertainment in the State by bringing the Nollywood Stars and organize Film Festival as that will have a huge impact on the State’s revenue and boost Tourism .
On the parts of Small and Medium Enterprise Ikonne assures of sustainable human capacity development programme of governor Okezie Ikpeazu to take Abia to a global level by building stronger partner ship with entrepreneurs and investors outside the State .
He noted that that partnering communities to maintain the government infrastructure will give the people sense of belonging as such projects will change their perception about government and as well discourage apathy .
He said that his administration would give every parts of the State rooms to contribute their quota for the progress of Abia .
The former Rector,Abia State Polytechnic promised to build a new capital city as agreed in Abia charter of equity by the founding fathers while expressing hope that his leadership will foster unity amongst Abians.
He said that he will change the health practices of the people and ensure a well equiped primary health care centers in the rural areas, adding that providing health education and enlightenment purposes will go a long way in fulfilling the purposes of it’s establishment.
Speaking on 2023 general election ,Ikonne said the Abia Guber race is certainly going to be all about competence by people with pedigree, while he expressed confidence in his capacity to govern Abia State come 2023.
The Professor maintained that his Five Years experience from the Abia State University has prepared him for the leadership of the State.
