I’ll not dump APGA even if l lose ticket –Soludo

From Iheanacho Nwosu, Abuja
Former Governor of Central Bank (CBN) and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof Chukwuma Soludo, yesterday ruled out dumping the party even if he does not clinch the party’s ticket for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.
Speaking shortly after appearing before the screening panel of the party, Soludo said he did not join the party solely to fly its flag but to help strengthen APGA . Soludo is among the 16 aspirants that picked APGA’s Expression of Interest Form and nomination form. The party’s screening, which started yesterday will end today.
Outlining his programmes if elected governor, the former CBN boss promised to create 100,000 private sector jobs few months after assuming office. He assured that agriculture would be given a priority by his government.
He said he was in the race because of his resolve to use his intellect and contacts to better Anambra State. He said: “All I want to do is to show what service is all about, I want to put Anambra on the world map.”Soludo stated he would do everything within his power to free his kinsmen especially the rural dwellers from the clutches of poverty. He lamented that many residents of the state were still living in acute poverty, describing this situation as unacceptable.
Also speaking, an industrialist and aspirant, Dr Chike Obidigbo, said his mission was to create jobs for youths in the state.  The aspirant, who was accompanied to the APGA secretariat by thousands of supporters, submitted that Anambra at this time “needs a good look at the economy. We want to provide sustainable jobs.”
The industrialist, who said he had experience to turn things around for the state stressed that, “ we have to pay attention to productive sector.”
On whether the aspirants are disposed to a consensus candidate, Obidigbo said the aspirants were discussing to see whether such deal could work. “The important thing is that we are discussing, nothing is ruled out.” He expressed confidence on the screening panel, saying the aspirants expect the committee to be transparent and fair to everybody.
Harping on the need for transparency and fairness to all the aspirants, another contestant, Chief Henry Oseloka Obaze said the party would have no reason not to win if all the processes were made to be transparent.
Obaze described himself as someone, who deserved to succeed Governor Peter Obi because of his rich experience and scholarship. He lauded the achievements of Governor  Obi and argued that the state needed somebody, who would sustain the governor’s vision.