Excerpts of an Exclusive Interview on an Array of Issues with Labour Party Governorship Aspirant, Mr John Chuma Nwosu
Who is John Nwosu?
I’m a citizen of Nigeria in good standing; a humble business man, a husband, father, an indigene of Oduda Nnewichi, Nnewi; an ex- Seminarian and a devoted Catholic. I’m an Economist and Computer Technologist by training. By the grace of God, I am the CEO of Jetlink Ltd, an ICT company, which has been progressively operational for 30 years and have offices in Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia.
Why are you in the race for Anambra State governorship election 2025?
An adage says that evil thrives when good men do nothing. I feel blessed in my life and business; but I’m conscious that our communities, State and country are suffering. I’m saddened by it all. Anambra State under the present government is not functioning optimally. Our people live in fear, due to insecurity. The problem is not insurmountable with the aid of information and computer technology, which is my field. So rather than complain, I have decided to help solve the problem. If the present Soludo-led APGA government was doing well, I would stay in my lane and mind my business.
What are the areas you think that Gov. Soludo is not doing well?
Security, Security and Security. The insecurity level is simply scary. The maintenance of existing infrastructure is also an issue. Our roads are full of vehicle-damaging potholes. Our people are also being underserved and overtaxed; and the crude method of tax collection is abusive and very pedestrian. I can go on and on. In sum, the government has failed in its primary responsibility to protect Ndi Anambra.
The issue of insecurity is adversely affecting the economy of Anambra State. How do you intend to fight the insecurity if you are given the mandate?
Comparatively, on the scale of 10, if the rate if insecurity under the Peter Obi administration was 3 and under Willie Obiano, was 4, insecurity under Soludo it has gone up to 8. It means that the security architecture in Anambra has collapsed or that his security modalities are dysfunctional. We are getting close to the Mbadinuju era of insecurity. This has resulted in human and capital flight from the State. Governance is about best practices. But as you know, you don’t divulge how you intend to tackle insecurity. Suffice it to say that we will do the needful, which is presently not the case.
Anambra State has been enlisted by the Federal Government of Nigeria as one of the oil states. How do you intend to take advantage of that to develop Anambra State through infrastructural development and creation of employment opportunities?
There is oil and gas in the Aguleri Otu basin and there is oil and gas in Ogbaru areas of Okpolodum and Ogwu Ikpele. The 13 percent derivation is based on exploration, production and revenue. The oil production value chain is quite immense, if properly harnessed. It provides resources as well as employment and development. Oil companies can assist in development through community reinvestment initiatives (CRIs) and social corporate responsibility (CSR). The state government’s role is administrative, policy and process coordination and facilitating local ordinances that tend to impede exploration. Naturally, our host communities and their environments must be adequately protected.
Are you in support of full implementation of Local Government autonomy in Anambra State? If yes, how do you intend to go about it?
I’m totally in support local government autonomy. We have three federating units and that’s how the federal allocations are shared. Let each tier of government function within its allocated resources and internally generated revenues. It is that simple.
Some citizens of Anambra State are saying that Gov. Soludo is not building people. Do you agree with them?
I do. And that’s why I’m contesting for the Governorship. Gov. Soludo will have to run on his first term performance record. Set sentiments and partisanship aside, and you’ll attest that his record is dismal. Even the common people on the streets say so.
How do you intend to build the youths of Anambra State?
Youth unemployment is a national issue and indeed, a disgrace. We are at 54%. It is a waste of human capital. But part of the challenge is that we have long focused on academic rather than vocational training and skills development. Our focus will be to train youths in various incubation SMEs, where after they will start off as employers of labour instead of employees. We will also provide the youths with single digit capital loan facilities that the government and the organised private sector might have to underwrite or guarantee.
In the 2023 general elections, people came out in their large numbers to cast their votes but the outcome of the elections did not go down well with the so many Nigerians. What is your advice to the INEC concerning subsequent elections?
Well, again, we must focus on best practices. Look at the just concluded US elections. There were challenges, but it was seamless and reflected the strength and resilience of their national institutions. INEC and the extant electoral laws are not the problem; it is the malleable people we entrust with such sensitive duties that tend to fail us. The outcome of the 2023 election might disincentivize Nigerians for a long time.
How do you intend to restore the confidence of people in government?
When a government is working, and is adaptive and transformative, the people are the first to acknowledge it. There is confidence building measures that can be deployed. Honesty, transparency, equity, and intangible assets like the rule of law and protection of lives and properties, all promote public confidence. Government must be accessible and its presence must be felt. The Peter Obi optimal governance model of ANIDS developed each community and local government area simultaneously. Our seven SHEEEMS governance pillars will replicate ANIDS, and then add some.
To read John Nwosu’s profile and vision for Anambra, click here.