Gov Elechi Launches Re-Election Campaign

Business activities temporarily came to a halt last Saturday in Abakaliki as Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi formally launched his 2011 re-election campaign.

Thousands of people thronged the Abakaliki Township Stadium, venue of the event, as major adjoining streets were barricaded for hours to allow party supporters easy access.

Speaking on the occasion, Elechi prayed God to give the state the best candidate that would lead it to greater heights.

He urged politicians to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid acts that could jeorpadise the 2011 elections.

The governor said he deserved to be re-elected in view of the successes he had recorded in his first term.

He listed the successes to include the rehabilitation of the Ezillo Regional Water Scheme, the establishment of two new water schemes and the construction of 33 bridges, 24 of which had been completed, while nine were ongoing.

Others are the acquisition of nearly 1,000 hectares of land formerly occupied by the army, now renamed Ochudo City, as well as the re-introduction of boarding schools.

Elechi said his administration had given a grant of N800 million to six missionary hospitals in the state to boost health care delivery.

He said the state government also sent two batches of youths to the Songhai Farms in Benin Republic to update their knowledge and skills in agricultural production.

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Sen. Emma Agboti; Health Minister Onyebuchi Chukwu, Second Republic Sen. Offia Nwali, Sen. Anthony Agbo and Deputy Governor Chigozie Ogbu, among others, had recommended the governor for a second term in office.