A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Labour Party in Imo State, Sir Basil Maduka, has revealed why he is the best among those vying to replace the state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
The 58-year-old Sir Maduka said at an interactive session with newsmen that the major problem facing Imo State is underdevelopment due to absence of industries.
According to the Chairman of Virgin Group, owners of Virgin Oil and Gas Limited, the expertise that led to the success of his business empire in the last 30 years will be employed in rapid industrialization of Imo State if he is elected governor.
The aspirant said his experience in the petroleum industry which has led to the establishment of branches of his company in different regions of Nigeria would be brought to bear in administering the state.
Sir Maduka, a notable philanthropist, assured that the vast deposits of crude oil and gas in Imo State which have been under-exploited over the decades, will be tapped into for industrial revolution that will place Imo and the South East at par with other advanced oil-producing nations like United Arab Emirates that are now the envy of the world.
The indigene of Akpodim in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA of the state regretted that lack of political will coupled with systemic collapse due to unmitigated corruption, have been the major impediments to the socio-economic development of the state.
Recall that the principal of Basil Maduka Mandate Movement (BAMM) has empowered many youth and women through skills acquisition and offered scholarships to many students.
Owerri Senatorial District where Maduka hails from and Okigwe Senatorial District, are most favoured to produce the next governor of the state as Orlu Senatorial District where incumbent governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma hails from, will record 20 years in Douglas House by January, 2024.
Okigwe Zone had the governorship seat for four years under former governor Ikedi Ohakim while Owerri Zone had it for only seven months under immediate past governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha since the inception of Nigeria’s democracy in 1999.
Another factor in Maduka’s favour is his age which is closer to age bracket preferred by youths who form majority of the voters with Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).
