Engr. Erasmus Anike, Enugu governorship hopeful from Ibegwa-Nike in Enugu East local government of Enugu State believes his Nike people deserves the governorship position going by their “sacrifice” to the development of the state.
Anike, a Mechanical Engineer stated that: “No Nike person has held the position of Governor or deputy governor and I think it is time they give us that chance.”
The real estate mogul that’s based in South Africa expressed optimism “that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will do the right thing.
Speaking about their sacrifice, Engr. Anike opined that “Nike as a community in Enugu senatorial district East has sacrificed a lot to the government of Enugu state, to the government of old Anambra state, to the government of East Central state and Eastern Region.
“One thing that we have is our land and if you check vividly, you will find out that it was the land of Nike people that were given out to the governments to build various facilities such as the government house, the stadium, Ogbete main market, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Nike lake Resort Hotel, the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, all these things are in our land and we gave them out because of our love for the state and I believe that the state should also consider that and reciprocate our love.”
Speaking after purchasing the expression of Interest and nomination forms, he said he wants to uplift their people stressing that “I want our people to be uplifted in many areas; including improvement of their lives in terms of electricity supply, security, good water supply, sanitation and refuse disposal and every other aspect of life such as good roads that people need to have in the society; Enugu people deserve them. Enugu people need a health system that is workable, we need employment and these are the things I’m coming up with.
“I want to be the governor of Enugu state by taking the state to different steps in various aspects of their lives. The present government has done a good job, but these things need to be improved upon, they need to be continued on. We praise them for what they have done but more needs to be done.
Speaking about zoning, Engr. Anike further state that “I am aware of zoning in Enugu state which is for Equity, justice and fairness. The PDP has adopted rotational power sharing in Enugu state and it has gone through the East to the West and the North and it’s coming back to the East now. In Enugu East senatorial zone, it is our chance to produce somebody that will represent PDP in the 2023 election and we have been agitating for that but we put everything in the hands of the leadership of the Party, believing that they will do the right thing. For some time, zoning has brought peace and unity among party members. Zoning to me is very good because instead of antagonism, it will bring peace and unity among us in PDP and if peace exists, then the government will be smooth and progress instead of fighting.
Do you think that you have the needed experience to become Governor?
Leadership is bestowed by God. Even if I don’t have vast experience in politics, it starts one day but what is more important is that I am coming with an open heart, with honesty and integrity. I have vast experience in my line of endeavor. I deal with people and the way I handle people in other areas of my endeavor is the same way I will do in governance because I cherish my people, the people of Enugu state, the most.”
He also expressed confidence he would pick the ticket because of his integrity and honesty, which he said, gives him an edge over other aspirants and promised to fight corruption to a standstill if elected Governor.
