Emma Elekwa
Labour Party (LP) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Ven Tochukwu Ikezue has pledged to publish his assets, declare his income source and make his office’s financial dealings open for scrutiny if voted into power.
He also promised to reject all forms of corruption, just as he pledged no diversion of constituency funds, kickbacks on projects and to unravel padded budgets for personal gain.
Ikezue in a press release on his Seven Point Mission Statement, also promised prioritize Christian interest, sponsor laws to break walls of denominationalism as well as entrench integrity and fear of God in every decision.
He said, “When I faced my people at the community, ward level and local government level, I saw a disappointed, discouraged, battered and shattered hopes in government and it’s functionaries.
“They came out to fulfill all righteousness and find it difficult to believe me because of long years of unfulfilled promises by past political leaders.
“However as God would have it they gave me a listening ear, according to them “because you wore a Priestly regalia Cassock.”
Ikezue’s watchword
“Consequently, as a servant of God aspiring to the Senate seat for Anambra Central Senatorial District under divine direction, I told them my watchwords would be Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn”
“This simply means, when God grants me victory in 2027 and I take my seat in the 11th Senate of the Nigerian Senate my role must reflect this scriptural principle stated above.
“I cannot operate like everyday politicians who prioritize self-interest, party loyalty above the people, or carry out transactional politics.
“Instead, I must do things differently to embody righteousness in authority.
Righteous leadership brings joy, peace, justice, and prosperity, to the people, while unrighteous rule causes groaning, oppression, corruption, and suffering.
On other things he planned to do differently as a Senator in view of his limited legislative powers, the lawmaker hopeful said, “I will be a well-meaning senator who shall actively sponsor, co-sponsor, and supports bills that address real needs of our people.
“We will work towards improved education funding as most of the higher institutions are like glorified secondary schools, healthcare access, youth empowerment programs, infrastructure (roads, electricity, water), security enhancements, women’s rights, and economic policies that reduce poverty and create jobs.
“I have on my own conceptualized and drafted ten people-centered bills aimed for equitable distribution of wealth. To be protective of the vulnerable in the society, rather than self-serving.
Effective representation
“By the grace of God I shall effectively represent Anambra Central constituents and be the voice of the voiceless.
“As the elected voice of the senatorial district, who listens attentively to the yearnings, aspirations, and challenges of the people through town halls, consultations, constituency visits, and direct engagement.
“I shall champion oversight and accountability checks on the executive arm of government. Every good senator rigorously performs oversight functions: scrutinizing how budgets are implemented, investigating MDAs, probing corruption or inefficiency, and holding public hearings when necessary.
“I shall be an Advocate for equity, justice, and national unity. I shall speak against injustice, marginalization, or policies that harm Anambra Central members, and ordinary Nigerians.
“I shall promote inclusion; youth, women, persons with disabilities; and work with professionals across party lines when it benefits the people. In times of crisis, I shall intervene decisively, whether through motions, resolutions, or direct advocacy.”
