Abia PDP Candidate Faults Okada Ban, Promises Welfarist Govt that Will Humanise Policies

Abia State's 2027 governorship candidate, Dr. Kelechi Anosike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized the state government's recent ban on commercial motorcycle operations. Anosike argued that the ban, implemented without providing alternative livelihoods for the operators, demonstrates a lack of "welfarist" principles. He vowed that a PDP administration would "humanize policies" and prioritize the welfare of citizens.

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If you have a typist using a manual typewriter and you want electronic, you send the person for a refresher course. You don’t sack. Welfarists think of people in making policies.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia, Anosike also took issue with the retirement of civil servants who had served as directors for eight years under the current administration. He questioned the mass retirement of an alleged 10,000 civil servants, stating that a welfarist government would not take such actions against those not yet 60 years old or who had not completed 35 years of service.

Anosike likened the situation to wanting to upgrade a typist from a manual to an electronic typewriter, arguing that retraining is preferable to dismissal. He stressed that true governance is measured by the well-being of the people, not just infrastructure. "We need to be alive to use infrastructure," he stated, advocating for holistic, not selective, development.

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Infrastructure is beautiful. But the true measurement of good governance is the people. We need to be alive to use infrastructure. Development must be holistic, not selective.

Looking ahead, Anosike pledged to reopen dormant cottage industries, citing untapped gypsum and limestone resources. He also promised significant reforms in the civil service, including salary overhauls, a civil service college, and car loans for qualified workers. "Abia workers will get car loans. These are things that make life easy. That’s how a welfarist thinks," he said, positioning his philosophy as a key differentiator in the upcoming gubernatorial race.

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Abia workers will get car loans. These are things that make life easy. That’s how a welfarist thinks.