ANPP Wants Another State In S’East

Mr Benneth Lemchi, former All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) governorship candidate in Imo, called for the creation of additional state in the South East, to guarantee regional equality.

Lemchi stated this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt.

He said a new state in the zone would also strengthen the nation’s democracy.

He said democracy was a process of achieving justice and equality in governance, adding that its biggest dividend would be the creation of another state in the area. “Equality is a feature of democracy because it is the government of the people, by the people and for the people, ’’ Lemchi said.

The ANPP chieftain added that the agitation for such a geopolitical entity was in line with the principle of federal character commission.

According to him, federalism must be truly upheld in all ramifications for a formidable and united nation, devoid of selective policies. He decried the habit of some politicians who “displayed pockets of irresponsibility and vindictiveness in the service of their fatherland”. Lemchi urged politicians to close their differences and shun all forms of political vices capable of undermining the unity of the country.

The former governorship candidate commended the National Assembly for embarking on the constitution review, saying that it was the hallmark of democracy.

“The amendment of the constitution is extremely necessary so that the input of the regions and the ordinary citizen prevails.’’

Lemchi called on the followership to be patriotic, adding that obedience to the law was necessary for a prosperous and progressive nation. He said that the growth of any country in the world depended not only on the leadership, but on the willingness of the followership to make the nationhood a success.

The ANPP chieftain also urged the leadership to devise ways of restoring confidence in the citizens as an imperative for national greatness.

Lemchi called on the leadership to rise up to the occasion, by ensuring adequate security of lives and property, adding that provision of basic amenities was a non negotiable responsibility.

He, however, expressed optimism about the prospects of Nigeria in 2013, adding that they would not be achieved without the collective responsibility of Nigerians.