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Uche Ogah, minister of state for mines and steel development, has declared his intention to run for the Abia governorship seat in 2023.
Ogah announced his bid on Friday at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umuahia, Abia state capital.
The minister had launched bids to govern Abia twice in the past — but he was unsuccessful on both attempts.
In his declaration speech, Ogah said his decision to join the race was to enable him to change “the ugly narrative of the state, when elected”.
“I know that I have the capacity to transform our dear state. I will provide visionary and purposeful leadership that would take the state to higher levels,” he said.
“I shall engage captains of industries within and outside the country to bring rapid development to the state.
“I will make Abia work again through a robust synergy with the private sector.
“Nigeria is blessed with many natural resources and if we properly harness them, there will be less emphasis on oil and gas.
“I will bring my experience in the private and public sectors to bring positive change to the lives of Abia people. My administration will be anchored on faith in God and social transformation.
“I plan to transform the economic, agricultural, educational, security and health sectors of the state. I want to reinvent the dreams of our founding fathers, where the rule of law shall thrive.
“We will reintroduce the agricultural revolution, which made the defunct Eastern Region one of the fastest-growing economies in the world then.”
The minister promised to upgrade infrastructure in the state, provide adequate security, promptly pay workers’ salaries, and revamp the education sector — if elected governor.
