STATEMENT BY THE PROF. BART NNAJI CAMPAIGN ON THE PDP GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES IN ENUGU STATE

The Prof. Bart Nnaji Campaign (hereinafter referred to as the Campaign) wishes to congratulate the Party on a successful gubernatorial primary election exercise. We equally congratulate the chosen flag bearer Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah
(Anukaenyi 1 of Owo) on his emergence.

The Campaign specially thanks His Excellency Rt. Hon Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State and Leader of the Party for fulfilling his promise to maintain the zoning regime in the State and acceeding to the request of Nkanu East Leaders Forum led by Prof Bart Nnaji by choosing a candidate from Nkanu East Local Government Area.

The Campaign reiterates the commitment of our principal to the various MOUs subscribed to by the aspirants before the primaries which states that they will all support whomsoever the governor chooses.

Finally the campaign wishes the party a successful outing in the 2023 general elections.

Barr Ricky Agu.
Director General
Prof. Bart Nnaji Campaign

Key Takeaways From My Interview Today On Arise News Morning Show

On promises to Enugu State
We can deliver plenty but please see it from the perspective of pedigree and practical achievements instead of promises.

On Power
From the private sector, we've been able to build the Aba Integrated Power Project which today is the only project generating and distributing power at the same time since 2014. It's the first of it's kind and is a model for reliable electricity in Nigeria and serving nearly 2/3rds of Abia. This success, is what we'll be bringing to Enugu because we believe electricity is the foundation of all development and growth.

Security
We'll build on the great strides of our beloved Governor, with regards to security. In spite of all the insecurity in various parts of the country, Enugu State has remained peaceful. However, infrastructural development and foreign investment is a crucial way of maintaining security, and evidence suggests that we can do this.

Investment
The first time the CEO of General Electric came to Nigeria, we brought him. We signed the agreement that established General Electric in Nigeria. We can do same in Enugu, through our network with several international investors who will engage our people in every aspect of their work here and as you know that means JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.

On Politics and Response to why a man of Integrity like Prof would be entering the Murky Waters of Politics
I call my Governor the beloved Governor because of his peace loving disposition and I believe the Governor will support someone that'll come to add value to the State.
The Governor has said he has any special successor, and that is commendable.

My entry into politics is to SERVE and contribute my quota to national development. Recall that I left the University of Massachusetts to return to serve my country. When technocrats stay on the side, they are accused of not effecting positive change from within, so why not be involved. Actually my first involvement, though brief, led to the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and it's viability and sustainability today remains a legacy I'm proud of. I think it is even worse to stay on the sidelines and criticize without making efforts to contribute towards the change you believe in.

On Zoning
Zoning is not in the constitution, so everyone can run. However, there's an agreement that there will be rotation amongst the senatorial zones, and this has been in place since the government of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. The Governor believes that in the spirit of fairness that this remains so.

On Sustainability of Investment
Prof cited the Abia IPP which remains sustainable and vibrant due to the installation of expertise management and operations team. This, without his presence in Aba, the company has continued to perform optimally and this is the mark of a sustainable company.

On Assurances
My candidacy does not depend on any assurances from anyone but it does depend on consultations with stakeholders.

On the Failing National Power Grid
I was sad to hear this morning that power has dropped to below 4,000 megawatts and this is very insufficient for a nation of over 200 million. I believe the solution lies in the devolution of power into regional grids. This is not against the constitution, and our work in Aba confirms that this is a sure path to reliable power. The logic is that with regional grids, States can partner with investors to ensure the delivery of optimum, reliable and sustainable electricity that will empower the industries in the States. America's power sustainability is as a result of a network of over a thousand smaller grids and this can be a model for our dear State and nation.

On Oji River Power Station
The Station has been shut because of the cessation of activities at the coal mines in Enugu. Of course, coal mining can still be used to generate power but it shouldn't be limited to Oji. We'll engage multiple means in the development of reliable power in Enugu and our track record shows we can achieve this

On STEM
We have extremely talented young people and it's out intention to harness this and one way we plan to do so is to establish an institute of research and think-tank. These can project Enugu to the fore of AI and robotics technology to assist manufacturing and creating silicone valley knowledge, jobs and competencies amongst our boys and girls.

On the MOU Agreement amongst Stakeholders concerning next Governor
I participated in the agreement because we all have to come together to ensure a cordial and peaceful primary process. I've never seen politics as do or die, and I'll abide by the tenets of harmony, peace and progress in ensuring that the right and credible candidate emerges. It is not all about me, but my intentions are genuine for the overall progress of the State. So, the MOU was signed in the best of intentions for the State and the party, but of course if some inconsistencies are introduced, though doubtful, then of course we can revisit the issue.

On Security in the South East
On the situation in Anambra, I want to commend the efforts of the Governor, Prof. Soludo and I believe he's doing more to arrest the situation. However, success here relies on the collaboration of all stakeholders. Also, this is why agreements such as the zoning agreement in Enugu should be respected because the leaders are expected to lead by example and toe the line of harmony and peace, so that our people can emulate them. I believe, we'll get it right

#bartnnaji2023 #profbartnnaji2023 #enugu2023 #arisenews

“Nnaji, Soludo Will Catalyze Southeast Development”, say Young Professionals

The election of former Power Minister Bart Nnaji as the next Enugu State governor will accelerate the development of the South East as he will work in tandem with Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State to make the zone one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

This is the view of the Association of Enugu State Young Professionals (ESYP), as it recalls that the defunct Eastern Nigerian Region was one of the fastest developing economies in the world until the military coup of January 15, 1966.

“Professor Nnaji and Professor Soludo are development-oriented leaders”, the young professionals say in a statement in Enugu today signed by Dr Nnamdi Nwoye, a medical doctor, who is the president of the association, and Dan Ani, an architect, the publicity secretary.

“They are development-oriented leaders in the mould of Singaporean, South Korean and Malaysian leaders who operate the developmental ideology.

“Both Nnaji and Soludo remind us of our highly educated and farsighted leaders like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr Michael Okpara who during their days conceived and built the country’s first indigenous university, Nigeria’s first indigenous bank, Nigeria’s first steel company, Nigeria’s first gas company, Nigeria’s first cement company and many others, achievements which enabled Eastern Nigeria to have one of the finest competitive economies in Africa and beyond within a very short period”.

The professionals note that both Nnaji and Soludo have records of history-changing initiatives and possess a pan Eastern Nigerian vision, citing the 141 megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Aba to supply quality and constant power to nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State built by the former power minister at $600m and the Central Bank branches in Anambra and other states in the South East built when Soludo was the Central Bank governor.

They recall that when Nnaji was the chairman of the Ohaneze Industrialization and Technology Committee Soludo was leading the Political Committee.

“So, it is clear that both Nnaji and Soludo have always regarded the whole of Igboland, and not just the South East, as their constituency”, they declare.

The Enugu State Young Professionals also reveal that Nnaji and Soludo have been working together on such bodies as the South East Economic Development Commission (SEDEC), apart from being great personal friends.

“There will be a great improvement, so to say, on the personal chemistry of South East governors, as the current set rarely meets on account of personal differences.”

In consideration of the above, notes the group, “we ask Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to heed the request of the overwhelming majority of Enugu people to endorse Professor Nnaji as his successor.

“Professor Nnaji and Professor Soludo will lead other governors in the South East to work closely with their brother governors from the rest of Eastern Nigeria to promote unity and cooperation among the states and, more importantly, to enable the region to regain its development renaissance of the First Republic.

“This will help stem the tide of many of our people flocking to the other places in search of business and employment opportunities which are often non-existent.

“Needless to say, SAS the development renaissance will enable Enugu to regain its pride of place as the headquarters of Eastern Nigeria in truth and spirit”.

#bartnnaji2023 #profbartnnaji #enugu2023

Anambra Catholic Priest Lauds Prof. Nnaji for Building Geometric Power
 
A priest with the Catholic Diocese of Awka in Anambra State, Reverend Father Ejike Nwankwo, has lauded what he described as the bold vision and unrelenting commitment of the former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, in building the 141 megawatt Geometric Power in Aba, Abia State, to supply constant and quality electricity to nine of the 17 local government areas in the state.
 
In a letter to Professor Nnaji yesterday, Fr Nwankwo, who is of the Archbishop Albert Obiefuna Pilgrimage Centre, Okpuno in Awka South Local Government Area, stated: “What I saw when I visited the Geometric Power Plant and its facilities in the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba and beyond is almost beyond words.

You are truly a globally recognised engineering professor in theory and practice.

“I still find it difficult to believe that a black man from Nigeria can conceive and deliver such a he project which has cost $600m without even a kobo from any government”.
 
The priest said that the facilities he saw like “the gigantic tubular poles which go up to 10 metres deep are far more advanced than I have seen in many American cities.
 
“I was informed that the facilities are meant to ensure that power remains available to the nine LGAs in Geometric’s service area even if there are natural disasters like earthquake.
 
“This is in sharp contrast to the current situation all over the country anytime it threatens to rain and electricity distribution companies switch off light for fear of poles falling on people and electrocuting them”.
 
Though he didn’t meet Prof Nnaji when he visited the integrated utility firm, according to the priest, he was taken round the “vast place by the technical and professionals I met who didn’t know I was coming.
 
“They are very efficient, enthusiastic and proactive.
 
“You, too, didn’t know I was coming.
 
“I go to Aba frequently for spiritual reasons, and having heard so much about Geometric Power and the Aba Power Project from fellow priests and religious and their followers, I decided to go there and see things for myself.
 
“I am glad and proud that I did”.

Fr Nwankwo concluded: I now have a deeper and broader knowledge of why as early as 2011, even before you became the Minister of Power, the traditional ruler of Nri in Anambra State, the cradle of Igbo civilization, conferred on you, on behalf of the Igbo everywhere, the title of Aka Ji Oku, that is, the Hand which holds the Key to Light.

#bartnnaji2023 #profbartnnaji #enugu2023

Prof. Bart Nnaji Preaches Peace, Wants Enugu to Develop Rapidly Like Singapore

1. The Professor Bart Nnaji Campaign has called on all individuals and political parties preparing to contest in the 2023 general elections to borrow a leaf from Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and eschew politics of bitterness and hatred, saying the atmosphere of peace in the last seven years in the state accounts for the remarkable progress which the state is witnessing.
“Enugu State can imitate fast developing nations and territories like Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong and Malaysia as well as Dubai only when there is sustained peace”, the Campaign said today in a statement in Enugu quoting its principal, Professor Nnaji, a former Minister of Power and a globally recognized engineering authority, as stating.

2. The call on political parties and their members to continue with the tradition of peace, explained the Campaign, has become imperative in view of an incipient wave of bitter politics which some people in Enugu State have been displaying in recent days.
For instance, it said, a tiny group of politicians has been sponsoring violent articles on the social media against leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members participating in the gubernatorial primary election of May 21.
Worse, the same elements have been sponsoring thugs to destroy Professor Nnaji’s billboards which adorn the streets of Enugu State. The billboards attacked in the last 24 hours include the ones at the famous Okpara Square in Independence Layout, Enugu.

3. The statement advised PDP governorship aspirants to see themselves as members of one family, all the more so since almost all of them come from the same senatorial zone.
It continued: They should provide leadership by personal example and demonstrate to all Nigerians that politics do not have to be a matter of do or die.

4. The Campaign warned politicians who may wish to bring back memories of the violent politics of the past which led to many killings and destructions, resulting in massive investment flight from Enugu State.
Investment everywhere in the world is a coward, and goes to only places where it does not feel threatened. Our state is in dire need of investments, so that our people, especially the youth, will be given employment and business opportunities.
It ascribed the ongoing agitation in the South East and other parts of the country to a profound lack of opportunities for the young ones.

5. The Professor Bart Nnaji Campaign requested all PDP gubernatorial aspirants and, indeed, all those seeking public office in the forthcoming general elections to lay out their visions of development to the people. Our people seek a new direction which will dramatically raise their living standards, it stated, adding:

6. On a personal level, Prof. Nnaji is both inspired and challenged by the Singapore example.
Singapore, which is so small that it looks like a dot on the world map, has no mineral deposits, and yet it became within less than 30 years a global development miracle. Professor Nnaji is convinced that Enugu State can make it, too.
If Dubai, a Muslim and Arab territory, can arrest global attention with its dizzy development, nothing prevents Enugu State, capital of not just the South East but also Eastern Nigeria, from rising rapidly.

God bless Enugu State.

Signed

Richy Agu,

Director General,
Prof. Bart Nnaji Campaign.