EZIOKWUATUEGWU 2027: ADC CANDIDATE CHINONSO UBA UNVEILS AGENDA FOR MBAITOLI
News Location: Mbaitoli, Imo State, Nigeria
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Mordi Azubuike Faustino
Mazi Chinonso Uba Nonsonkwa, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Mbaitoli State Constituency in the 2027 Imo State House of Assembly election, has unveiled an agenda focused on rural road rehabilitation, security, youth employment, education, agriculture and human rights.
Uba, while formally addressing the people of Mbaitoli as political campaigns commenced, said his decision to contest was motivated by what he described as the numerous challenges confronting the constituency.
He introduced himself as the fourth son and fifth child of the late Mr Christopher Uba and Mrs Margaret Uba of Umuokwaranyanwu, Umuokparafor, in Umunoha Okechi Autonomous Community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
“By the Grace of God, I am the Candidate of African Democratic Congress ADC for Mbaitoli State Constituency come 2027,” he declared.
The ADC candidate said the political arrangement in Mbaitoli favoured the emergence of a candidate from the southern part of the constituency in 2027.
According to him, Mbaitoli South comprises Ubommiri, Umunoha, Ifakala, Ogbaku and Azara, adding that Umunoha/Azara Ward was yet to produce a member of the State House of Assembly.
“The current member of the House is from Mbaitoli North whose tenure elapses in 2027 to give way for Mbaitoli South,” he said.
Uba identified the poor condition of rural roads as one of the major challenges facing Mbaitoli, citing routes linking Ogwa, Orodo, Mbieri, Ubommiri, Ifakala, Umunoha, Afara, Eziama, Azara and Ogbaku.
“As a Candidate, I have already made moves to secure partnership with some of our People In Diaspora to assist the little efforts we would muster, in making Mbaitoli Rural Roads Motorable,” he said.
He also promised to use the constituency's voting strength to negotiate with governorship candidates for improved infrastructure and employment opportunities.
“Our over one hundred and fifty thousand valid votes would be our Negotiating power, for better Rural roads in Mbaitoli,” he stated.
On security, Uba proposed the use of government-backed amnesty and disarmament programmes to address insecurity, saying young people should not be collectively profiled because of the activities of a few individuals.
“Our Youngmen would no longer be profiled as Terrorists because of the sins of the very few,” he said.
He further promised to work towards restoring security in the constituency and facilitating the return of residents displaced from Ezioha and Afara.
Uba also placed youth employment at the centre of his agenda. He said he had begun identifying Mbaitoli indigenes occupying influential positions who could assist in creating employment opportunities for young people.
“This is a great concen and worry,” he said, referring to the large number of graduates and NYSC members produced by the local government annually.
On the exploitation of oil and gas resources in Mbieri, the ADC candidate said operators should comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and ensure that host communities receive their legitimate benefits.
He also promised to address kidnapping around Ogbaku and Azara, particularly areas he described as “No Man's Land,” while proposing the strengthening of local vigilantes.
Uba further proposed the establishment of farm settlements following the clearing of thick forests, with ventures including poultry, piggery, crop production and palm oil processing.
Another major proposal is the establishment of a Mbaitoli Micro-finance Bank in partnership with business leaders from the area. He said the initiative would target artisans, small-scale business owners and farmers, with a proposed revolving-loan fund of ₦5 billion to be managed by a committee.
In education, he pledged to seek improvements in dilapidated primary and secondary schools and establish a fundraising mechanism for school rehabilitation and scholarships for academically gifted children from poor families.
Uba also promised to make the protection of fundamental human rights a priority.
“Under my Watch as a House Member, No INNOCENT Mbaitoli Man or Woman will be illegally arrested, detained or Imprisoned,” he said.
He added: “Both the poor & the rich would be protected under my watch as a House of Assembly Member.”
On accountability, the ADC candidate proposed a 12-member committee representing the wards of Mbaitoli to oversee constituency allowance.
“Mbaitoli sent me to the House & the Constituency Allowance belongs To Them Not Me !!” he said.
Uba urged residents to scrutinise his proposals and contribute ideas, suggestions and criticisms to the agenda ahead of the 2027 election.
