By David Agabi
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Cross River State and gubernatorial aspirant of the party,Pastor Usani Uguru Usani on Sunday said his quest to govern the State is not just an ambition but a function of real intention to reposition the State hence attract economic development, growth and technological advancement.
The immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs though expressed concern over the debt profile and other sundry issues bedevilling the State,whereas maintained that the State has potentials that can be cultivated to rejig the economy.
He also stressed that with prudence, accountability, effective policies and experienced managers the State will in no distant time experience exponential growth and development.
Usani who stated this while meeting with a sociopolitical group;Cross River North Youth Vanguard in his Asukoro house,Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja maintained that his intention over time to lead the State is borne out of desire to render quality and selfless service to the State,pointing out that Cross River has all it takes to give its citizens the basic things in life such as jobs,education,affordable health services,favourable business environment,shelter among other opportunities not to mention the least things as food and water.
“According to him “Cross River has all it takes to provide all the essential things in life to its citizens and to also be a leading State in terms of growth,development and technological advancement. All we need is to be prudent,honest,accountable,forthright in all we do”
Believing that the wealth of the State is its people; Pastor Usani said his cardinal policies if he becomes the governor by God’s grace will target younger people rooming the streets everywhere without job,women and children as well as the aged.
“In the word of former United Kingdom Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn,poverty is a waste. And I agree with him when you look at the number of young people parading the streets and doing all kinds of things on daily bases,these are people that would have been put to good use if they’ve been harnessed”
The 2019 flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress while expressing discontentment over political trend in the State,advice Cross Riverians particularly the youths to watch out for politicians without clear direction, stressing that such politicians can’t offer any good service to the people.
“I am very certain Cross Riverians are more politically aware now. Nobody is going to swing them with lies again instead they will follow those with clear vision, mission and with noble cause and workable ideas that will usher positive change in both government and the people”
“The time the electorates use to vote people or political platforms who have nothing to offer is gone for good,now I’m certain they will vote individuals who have the capacity,experience,wisdom and wealth of knowledge and a workable roadmap with a strategic blueprint that will better the live of the people and transform the State”
The Nko-born politician and lecturer while maintaining that the greatest weapon in politics is message, urge the youth to strive for messages that will positively change society instead of delving on irrelevant matters
“As an aspiring leader or a leader you must learn how to respond and proffer solution to societal issues through effective and clear communication”
“You may have everything but if you do not have a message and empathy people won’t take you serious anywhere,but if your message is consistence,and a clear reflection of societal issues and challenges gradually people will begin to like you and gradually you’ll rise to prominence.” He posited.
“Many politicians today will tell you they want to lead but ask them of a possible idea of how to govern the people, they don’t know. That’s why I tell people that if your ideas cannot marry your intentions then you have a problem. We need people whose philosophy, ideology,dream and intention can marry their quest and determination to change society as our leaders and not the other way round”
The former Minister therefore urge youths particularly those from Cross River to discontinue the idea of jumping from one political platform to the other in the name of looking for food,pointing out that any leader that will stand the test of time must suffer and endure hunger at some point in his life.
“Don’t be like the children of Israel that God after seeing their suffering in Egypt wanted to liberate them from the hands of Pharaoh but a few days of hunger in the wilderness they started longing for the cucumber the left behind. As a leader you must bear hunger by denouncing quick gratification to be relevant and respected,many today cannot bear hunger that’s why you see them here today and there tomorrow,just because they can’t bear one day of hunger”
In appreciation, the leader of the group Mr. David Agabi thanked the Governorship Aspirant for granting them the audience and taking time off his busy schedule to mentor them, a gesture he said is very rare of such people of society standing.
