A security expert and senatorial hopeful, Chief Sam Onwuteaka Jnr, says his aspiration to represent Anambra North Senatorial District in the Senate in 2027 is driven by a desire to enact laws that address pressing social and environmental challenges.
Onwuteaka, who is seeking the seat on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made this known during a media briefing in Awka on Friday.
According to him, his legislative focus would centre on issues affecting the people of Anambra North, Anambra State and the country at large, particularly the worsening erosion crisis in the South-East.
The former Senior Special Assistant on Security to ex-Governor Willie Obiano said he would pursue legislation compelling the Federal Government to take stronger action on erosion control across the region.
He noted that the South-East has more than 5,000 erosion sites, with over 2,000 located in Anambra State alone.
Onwuteaka described the situation as a serious environmental threat that has destroyed homes, farmlands and public infrastructure in several communities.
He listed affected areas to include Nanka, Ekwulobia, Oko, Ogidi, Ifite, Nnewi and Nnobi, among others.
“It is not something we should continue to overlook. The scale of erosion in Anambra is alarming.
“Homes, farms and public facilities have been lost in many communities,” he said.
According to him, state governments in the region lack the financial capacity to handle the challenge alone.
He stressed that the Federal Government must play a leading role in tackling the crisis.
Technological-driven programmes
He also said he would promote legislation aimed at youth empowerment through technology-driven programmes and skills development initiatives.
Onwuteaka criticised what he described as short-term empowerment schemes that involve distributing motorcycles, tricycles or food items to constituents.
“Those are temporary measures that do not address the long-term needs of young people.
“We need programmes that equip them with skills and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The senatorial aspirant added that empowering youths through innovation and vocational training would help reduce unemployment and youth restiveness in the district.
He also outlined plans to sponsor legislation to improve the welfare of security personnel across the country.
Onwuteaka said better welfare packages for soldiers and police officers would strengthen morale and improve national security.
Drawing comparisons with the United States, he said security personnel in that country remain committed partly because of strong welfare and insurance benefits for them and their families.
“When security personnel know their families will be well taken care of, they perform their duties with greater confidence,” he said.
He added that improving welfare and insurance benefits for security personnel would encourage more young Nigerians to join the armed forces and the police.
Onwuteaka said his aspiration is anchored on using legislative action to address environmental challenges, expand opportunities for youths and strengthen the country’s security system.Top of Form
