LIKE MACRON OF FRANCE, I COME TO SERVE WITH YOUTHFUL ENERGY AND NO “CORRUPTION” BAGGAGES – DR UDE, ENUGU PDP GUBER ASPIRANT

Enugu: Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, an Enugu State Governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has stated that he is coming to serve as Governor with the youthful energy of President Emmanuel Macron of France and without any “corruption baggages”.

Dr Udeh, a lawyer, Notary Public, scholar and development expert with International experience spanning close to two decades, made the assertion on Friday, 6th May 2022, in Enugu, when he paid a courtesy visit to the PDP EXCO at the State party secretariat.

“I have come today to appreciate and thank the state executives of our great party.
Without PDP, there would not have been the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi in Enugu State. It is political parties that run for elections in Nigeria.

So, I am here like one of you, because I recognize that you as the party, are the ‘engine’ of our politics.”

He recounted how he had been supporting the party structure at the State, LGA and ward levels since he joined Governor Ugwuanyi’s Government, through Christmas packages and other means, to the extent of his financial capacity.

Dr Udeh, who would be clocking 42 years by November 14, held the audience, comprising members of the state executives of the PDP under the leadership of the state Chairman, Chief Hon Augustine Nnamani and other party stalwarts, spellbound as he gave them a glimpse of his intimidating resume and service records.

“Our Governor appointed me as a Senior Special Assistant on Development Aid in 2017. Then, in 2019, he appointed me as his Special Adviser on Education.
Apart from these, my governance experience as an international development expert is close to twenty years. I have also lectured at the Nigerian Law School and in Baze University, Abuja.
I’m currently a Visiting Senior Lecturer at the Law Faculty of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, my Alma mater, where most of my services are ‘pro bono’.
This is because I believe in service and giving back to the society.

I also studied in the University of Nottingham, UK, for my Master’s degree and in University of Stellenbosch, South Africa for my PhD. I have given something back to all these communities, that is in line with my character and upbringing.
Even till date, I still hold an academic position in the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, as a Research Fellow, where I undertake scholarly work to support the school.

Apart from this academic work, I have been a development consultant for many years. I have consulted for many years. I have consulted for UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, African Development Bank and I still consult for the Nigerian Governors Forum.
This consultancy work, in the area of public procurement, public finance management and public policy has made me to have experience working in all the states of the Federation. I’m still consulting for the Federal Government.”

According to this transformational leader from Ozalla, Nkanu West LGA, who seems to combine Obama’s razor sharp intellect with Macron’s youthful passion for service, his life revolves around service to the people.

“I’m a servant, that is the way I was brought up. I now want to serve the party and the state in another dimension.
I believe that once something is agreed upon as a family, it should be adhered to. I believe there is zoning in Enugu State for the office of Governor and that it is the turn of Enugu East Senatorial District. I’m from Enugu East Senatorial District and I feel that if I present myself to serve as an aspirant and if I become your candidate and eventually get elected, that I shall serve you diligently as Enugu State Governor.

He also explained that he believed in rendering service to the society and doing charitable deeds without publicity and fanfare.

He also payed glowing tribute to Governor Ugwuanyi who he described as a “mentor” and a man who gave him the opportunity to be in Government thereby giving him the impetus to stand before them.
“Our Governor mentored me and I have learnt well. I shall be consolidating on his legacies, especially that of peace, since peace is sacrosanct for good governance”

He went further to elaborate on his Vision for Enugu State.
“Again, I have the youthful energy. If Government is really about service, not for grandstanding, I believe that I can effectively render this service, if you send me.

Today, in France, Macron with his youthful passion for service was returned to office as President, unlike most of his predecessors who served for a single term, owing to the ‘difficult-to-please’ nature of the French electorates. Just like him, I believe that by the time I’m through with my first tenure, you shall be pleased to ask me to go back for another tenure.
I’m God fearing and I come with no “corruption baggage” and encumbrances, because from my childhood I was raised up with strong morals.”

Dr Udeh gave a glimpse of his family background in support of the above assertion. According to him, his mother was a teacher and his father served as Director Public Prosecution in the old Anambra State, Solicitor General, Acting Attorney General and eventually as a judge of Enugu State, before he retired.

Thereafter, he stated that:

“I have the experience and capacity for the job. Zoning is only meant for stability. I will not run an Nkanu Agenda, no, I will run an Enugu Agenda. I don’t believe in discrimination: Nkanu, Nsukka, Awgu, Agbaja… No.
Having lived in different parts of Nigeria and different parts of the world, I believe we are all one”.

He urged the party leaders to rate him and other aspirants from their antecedents and their background.

“Although I am aware that there is someone who will decide who goes at the end of the day, I need your prayers and support.”

Earlier on, the state party Chairman, Chief Hon. Augustine Nnamani welcomed the aspirant on behalf of the August gathering of party faithfuls.