The candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Hon. Chieme Okechukwu has expressed sadness that sustained misgovernance by the political elite has forced majority of Nigerians to lose hope in the country.
Okechukwu in a statement issued Wednesday as the country prepares to celebrate October 1st Independence Day celebration, however, set agenda for the National Assembly in reversing the situation.
He acknowledged that the country’s independence and democracy have not produced happiness for the greatest number, and expressed worries that the situation has persisted and so much degenerated without appropriate legislative interventions.
Okechukwu lamented government’s lack of solution to poverty, unemployment, inequality, insecurity and total absence of welfare for the underprivileged despite several years of nationhood.
The US-based biotechnology expert observed that the National Assembly has a role in changing the narrative and restoring gains to the country’s independence going forward.
The House of Representatives candidate noted that the forthcoming general election offer an opportunity to change the course of governance if the electorate can choose to vote right.
He said: “66 years after independence, our story is one of immense potential, but also one of unfinished work. Too many Nigerians still struggle with insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, weak institutions, and a system that often fails to translate our resources into better lives for the people.
“But a functioning democracy is not built by the executive alone. Legislation matters.
“The National Assembly has the responsibility to make laws that strengthen institutions, protect citizens, promote economic opportunity, ensure accountability, and make government work for the people.
“I feel pain that majority of Nigerians and our constituents have lost hope in our independence celebration as a result of sustained misgovernance by the political elite.
“I agree that our independence and democracy have not produced happiness for the greatest number.
“It is more worrisome that this situation has persisted and so much degenerated without appropriate legislative interventions
“Parliaments in advanced, industrialised economies serve the people and act as bridges that return public good. I have the privilege of living in such a society and I can attest to what democracy and freedom do for their people.
“Although I am quite comfortable and contribute gainfully to the development of the strongest economy in the world, but I decided to be a part of fixing the Nigerian system through the House of Representatives which I aspire to represent Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency of Imo State.”
Okechukwu said he believed in the legislative instrument and its capacity to bring transformation and turn freedom to gain.
He added: “That is my primary focus if voted into office. Part of my assignments will focus on making legislative input that constitutionally coerces our government to be responsive.
“Government is meaningless without solutions to poverty, unemployment, inequality, insecurity and total absence of welfare for the underprivileged.
“Legislation can change the narrative and restore gains to our independence going forward and that is the opportunity that 2027 general election offer
“A better Nigeria is possible. A stronger constituency is possible. And with purposeful representation, our people can have a stronger voice in the National Assembly.”