PDP governorship candidate okays observers for Anambra poll

Oseloka H. Obaze

The Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, has expressed satisfaction that international observers would participate in monitoring the Anambra guber polls on November 18, this year.

Obaze who stated this yesterday in Awka during a breakfast meeting with the US Consul General, Hon. F. John Bray and his delegation, reinstated his commitment to a civil and issues-based campaigning throughout the electioneering period.

He said, “I am gratified that the US government along with other foreign agencies and domestic civic organizations will be involved in monitoring the Anambra elections to ensure that it is free, fair and sufficiently credible”.

The former United Nations official and also former Secretary to the Anambra of State government added that there’s a general belief that the outcome of the Anambra election will influence the 2019 general elections, which makes Anambra “ground zero”.

While exchanged views with his interlocutor, Obaze, explained his policy approach as contained in his manifesto, covering security in the South-East as well as other political, social and economic issues. Obaze expressed deep concern about the use of the military for purely civilian police duties.

A former Secretary to the Anambra State government and policy and good governance expert, also exchanged views with his interlocutor on his policy approach as contained in his manifesto, about security in the South East and other political, social and economic issues. Obaze expressed deep concern about the use of the military for purely civilian police duties.

On education, Obaze affirmed his commitment to meeting 26 percent budget target for education with 10 percent of that going to faith-based schools, while equally offering free education from Kindergarten to JS3 as a means of reducing the number of out of school children in Nigeria, and ensuring of providing qualitative and affordable education across board.

“If you offer free education from Kindergarten to JS3, there’s no reason for children to be on the streets. It is then that you can also sanction offenders including parents and guardians.” he added.

In his remarks, Hon E John Bray, said he was in Anambra to exchange views with the candidates and key stakeholders and get their feel ahead of the elections, stressing that the routine visit was also part of the training for their team on electoral monitoring process and not an endorsement of any candidate or political party. The US Consul-General assured that the US team will be fully on ground for the election.