From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Akpabuyo/ Bakassi/ Calabar South Federal Constituency in next Saturday’s elections, Andrew Thomas, has promised to represent the constituency well if elected.
Thomas told his people that he would be pushing bills and motions that would help address the socio-economic problems confronting them; and as well, ensure the human capital development of the constituency if given the opportunity.
“I promise to represent you effectively and work diligently to meet all your needs within my capacity as a youthful, energetic, self-driven, visionary and dynamic representative.
“As your representative, I will pay serious attention to economic empowerment, youth and women empowerment, infrastructure and value chain development, education and community development”, he said.
Thomas said that he would be able to achieve these through sponsoring and co-sponsoring relevant bills and motions that would impact positively on the “longsuffering people” of the constituency.
“Specifically, I will be moving a motion for urgent intervention by the Federal Government to address the rampant threat of gully erosion in our state, especially Calabar South Local Government Area.
“A bill for the amendment of Sea Fisheries Act of 1992 to reflect Nigeria’s ratification of the treaty on fishing for the benefit of the aquaculture value chain in the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency and by extension Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole.
“If elected, I’ll make a vigorous lobby of the legislature and the executive for the ratification of the 2006 Green Tree Agreement connecting Bakassi Peninsula.
“I’ll push a bill for the creation of the Bakassi Development and Resettlement Commission to benefit the uprooted/displaced people of Bakassi and Akpabuyo Council Areas”, he pledged.
The ADC candidate said that he would ensure human capital development in the constituency by “vigorously facilitating gainful employment and access to poverty reduction schemes of the federal government” if given the opportunity to serve his people.
“I’ll attract and support the establishments of small scale business concerns to utilize the abundant raw materials and personnel in the constituency.
“There will be a massive enrolment of youth in entry-level IT certification programmes. I’ll be supporting educational advancement at all levels through financial support for indigents but hardworking students, as well as for exceptionally gifted ones.
“I’ll facilitate programmes and push policies that would boost agriculture which is the mainstay of the economy in Akpabuyo and Bakassi. I’ll assist our farmers with high quality seedlings, high capacity implements and equipment for primary processing, and improve access from farms to markets.
“There will be provision of resources to groom a generation of entrepreneurs to harness the rich aquaculture value chain in the constituency.
“I’ll promote and support sustainable community development initiatives, including market development and small credit schemes to benefit our market women and traders.
“I’ll maintain a functional constituency office in the three local government areas to promote constant access to all. And I will ensure prudent utilization of constituency funds for genuine people-focused, transparent and verifiable projects and programmes”, Thomas promised.