By Osita Chidoka
PROTOCOL
It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I address this very important gathering today. I most sincerely thank the leadership of our great party, the United Progressive Party (UPP), all delegates to the governorship primary, members of our party and our teeming supporters for this great day.
Today’s historic event marks the dawn of opportunity for a new beginning for our dear state; the beginning of the journey to self-recovery. Today Ndi Anambra and the UPP have taken the first most important step in bringing forth a new generation of leaders in our dear state. Our great party has accomplished the historic landmark of nominating the first post-civil war child to carry the mantle of leadership as governor of Anambra state.
Indeed, our generation is one faced with the new burden of truly redefining our reality as a people and a state; particularly in the wider debate about the future of our country; the burden of boldly enquiring into the obstacles that represses a glorious future and to dismantle them with every courage we can muster.
Today I step forward as the face of a new generation with the historic mission of interpreting Ndi Igbo to Nigeria and interpreting Nigeria to Ndi Igbo.
Your decision today has triggered the future conversation of Anambra state and indeed, of Nigeria. Today our fate and voice as a people have been resoundingly sent across to every part of our country. You have demonstrated that very important resolve to practically engage with vigour to actuate a nation where no man is oppressed.
By your action, the entire country is given a new opportunity to move quickly and remove the scaffold of the old corrupt system; the old system that excludes based on tribe and religion; the old system that pervert the course of justice; a system that has arrested equity and reduced the contract between the government and the governed to a mere piece of paper.
Today, we have expressed our readiness to harness the energies of that new generation that has been confronted with the fears of a country that does not work for all; a generation that has been given the bad end of the transaction and which has witnessed the worst manifestation of the troubles with Nigeria.
I therefore want the message to go forth to all; that the Anambra state that will emerge after the election of November 18th with the UPP on the saddle is such that will represent the true spirit of ndi Anambra and Ndi Igbo in the struggle for self definition. It is the Anambra that will restore the voice of ndi Igbo in Nigeria; the Anambra that will become the model of what we, as a people, demand from of the country, Nigeria.
For all of those who wonder the propelling spirit for the resurgent agitation for Biafra; I have an answer for you today.
I answer in very clear terms that the idea of Biafra is the inevitable resistance to injustice; a resistance to inequity; a resistance to repression, marginalization and lack of opportunity. It is a definite demand for social justice, equality and respect for us as a people.
Indeed, if we come together as a people to dialogue and instill justice equity and fair play in the configuration of Nigeria, I dare say and unequivocally too, that even the wider Nigerian nation will embrace the philosophy of Biafra; a philosophy of a society which becomes a true home to all; where no man is oppressed and which unlocks the potentials of its citizens without any form of discrimination.
I believe that a redefined Nigeria, freely subscribed to by all, has a historic role to play; the role of being the first black nation in the world to move from Third World to FirstWorld. That opportunity is only possible if we adopt the resilience, innovation and philosophy of Biafra.
Brothers and sisters, our people await. They eagerly look up to our Party and all of us to lead the way in the march for self-recovery. We must therefore march on for this election with a determination for inevitable victory. We march shoulder to shoulder with millions of Ndi Anambra who have been desirous of a new order in our state; a new order that works and where no man is relegated; a new order with new thinking that unlocks the God-given wealth creating ability of our people, and where all citizens have equal access to the resources and opportunities.
Without arguments, the November election is all about the people; the people are the ultimate deciders. Our party, the UPP represents their irresistible movement and resolve to reclaim their state. They are therefore fully prepared to vote the UPP and to protect their votes to the end. Our date with history on November 18, 2017 is therefore sacrosanct and with the people, it is preordained.
On this note, I must salute the courage, resilience and commitment of all our members and supporters, especially thousands of volunteers in all the 326 wards across the state; men and women of courage who have been working hard, making personal sacrifices with their resources, time and energy on this great mission. I have great confidence in you as we work even harder to ensure that no ground is left uncovered in our collective determination to win clean and clear. God will not let us down.
So as we say in Igbo, osita diba mma, odibalu gboo!
I thank you for listening and may God bless you all.
