By Praise Chinecherem
The senatorial candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Princess Helen Mbakwe (Esq), has decried Nigeria’s high cost of governance despite its over N44 trillion debt.
She canvassed slashing of cost of governance, as well as salaries and entitlements of political office holders to ensure funds were made available for other infrastructural developments.
Mbakwe spoke at a parley with members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State council led by its state Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Center, NUJ Secretariat, building, Awka.
She said, “Part of what we want to do in the Senate is to ensure that Nigeria cuts the cost of governance, by ensuring that what elected politicians take home as salaries and other entitlements are reduced drastically.
“With the country owing over N44 trillion in debt, there is no reason it should be extravagant in spending and consumption, without corresponding efforts to save for other infrastructural interventions.”
Mbakwe alleged that politicians seeking multiple tenures at the national assembly were covetous, and should not be encouraged, insisting that 4-year single tenure was enough for a good politician to achieve her goals and hand over baton to another person with fresh ideas.
She promised to ensure the three arms of government to hold hands together to promote good governance.
She said, “I come out to contest because I believe that beyond 2023, there will be a new Nigeria and a new Anambra Central, where things will work well for the best interest of all Nigerians. Nigeria needs special intervention. The country need something new and beautiful.
“Come February 25, Anambra Central will take bold step in electing a senator that will help salvage the zone and the country; and that is what I’m out to do. I have fresh ideas and new plans for us. While we make frantic efforts to elect the best president for Nigeria; senators like us will be at the national assembly supporting the president with good laws that will move the country forward.”
Describing herself as the best candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District in view of her background in law profession, and international contacts, the senatorial hopeful summarized her 5 – point agenda in the acronym, SAFER, which include Security, Aspiration, Food (agriculture), Employment and Resolute representation.
“As a lawmaker, I will not only pursue legislation that will bring my agenda to life; but also attract necessary agencies, government bodies and organizations that will help bring them to fruition for the betterment of my senatorial zone in particular, and Nigeria in general,” she added.
Earlier, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD encouraged electorates to go for their PVCs and ensure tthey were part of making a new Nigeria possible.
He commended Princess Mbakwe for her civility in the conduct of her campaigns, and wished her well in her ambition.
“NUJ is an unbiased umpire in the electoral processes, and will not hesitate to shout should anything go untoward because a free and fair election is what everyone is praying for,” he stressed.
