The governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), in Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri), has pledged to make security and economic revitalisation the cornerstone of his administration if elected in the upcoming November 8 Anambra governorship election.
Speaking during a well-attended visit to the Mega Abbattoir and Suya Spot in Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, owned by entrepreneur Chief Michael Onyeka Obidi (popularly known as Akuenwebe), Chukwuma decried the deteriorating state of security in Anambra, saying it has crippled economic activities, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are the backbone of the state’s economy.
According to him, “In Anambra today, it is sad that businesses, especially MSMEs, are being harassed by multiple government agencies to pay all manner of taxes and levies. These revenues often end up in private pockets through the contractors engaged by the Soludo administration. This makes running a business extremely draining.”
Chukwuma lamented that insecurity has made it nearly impossible for businesses to operate beyond daylight hours, saying that most towns and cities in the state are deserted by 7 p.m. out of fear. “How can economic activities thrive in such an environment?” he asked. “When you factor in the insecurity that forces businesses to close early, one begins to wonder how Anambra intends to become a serious economic giant.”
He criticised the current administration for what he described as misplaced priorities, alleging that it has spent unnamed billions on luxury projects like swimming pools and ‘jangleovers’ in the capital, Awka. “Is it not someone who has fed his family that will have time and money to go swim in Soludo’s pools or swing in his jangleovers?” he asked pointedly.
If elected, Chukwuma promised to overhaul the state’s security architecture to restore law and order, revive the once-vibrant nightlife, and create a friendlier business environment that encourages enterprise and job creation.
He expressed optimism that thriving ventures like Mega Abbattoir could be replicated across other towns and suburbs in the state, significantly boosting productivity and employment.
His running mate, Chief Uzuegbuna Okagbue (Ezennia), echoed these sentiments, saying the YPP administration would prioritize easing the economic burdens on residents.
“Today, the disposable income of Anambra households is shrinking by the day due to declining productivity and rising living costs,” Okagbue said. “But under a YPP-led government, Anambra will rise again.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Obidi, who also owns Choice Kitchens, expressed his gratitude to Sir Paul Chukwuma, describing him as a major pillar of support throughout his business journey.
He praised Chukwuma’s understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the state and commended his vision for a more secure and business-friendly Anambra.
The YPP campaign team was received with a rousing and electric reception at the Mega Abbattoir and Suya Spot, a sign of growing grassroots support for the party ahead of the election.