"I will push for complete local government autonomy when elected" - Dr John Abraham Godson

The Abia senatorial candidate Congress under (ADC) Hon Dr John Abraham Godson has vowed to attract Federal Government presence to both the urban and agrarian semi-urban areas in his Senatorial District.

Godson, a former Polish legislator who stated this in Umuahia, on Friday promised to support local government autonomy when elected.

He asserted that local government administration, under the PDP government in the state, was not functional as it existed only on paper and could not execute projects on its own.

He affirmed that development could only happen if there was a viable, efficient and functional local government administration.

Godson, argued that the local government administration in the state will function better if liberated from the shackles of directionless leaders.

He said presently, the local governments are dead and just existing by number.

“The primary healthcare centres are not functioning well in the state, despite the fact that certain amount of money is budgeted for primary healthcare.

“People are now taking malaria, something that should be treated at the Primary Healthcare Centres, to the Federal Medical Center FMC because local governments are not functioning,” Godson lamented.

Speaking on his programmes, the ADC Senatorial Candidate suggested more entrepreneurship trainings as the Federal Government cannot absorb all the graduates on the streets.

He encouraged youths to engage in additional skills apart from their formal education.

He stated: “This starts immediately they enter higher institution. I’m happy some universities are now trying to introduce entrepreneurship training into their curriculum. We are going to get support from the Federal Government to ensure that we assist such people either by way of grant or loan.”

John Abraham Godson called on youths to be involved in sports and entertainment to grow the economy of the Abia Central senatorial district.

Super stars

He also encouraged scouts to take young talented Abia central footballers for trials so they can become super stars.

He said successful youths could seek the support of government to go into music and other forms of entertainment.

On empowerment, he vowed that he would feel the pulse of people and ensure they are empowered with what they need.

Godson pledged to support and represent the people well when he gets to the National Assembly, saying he would do better, as he lives among the people and knows their needs.