Our Correspondent|22 March 2018
A stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party and a frontline aspirant for the Cross River State Central Senatorial District, Barrister Wilfred Usani, has thrown his weight at the race with the promise of improving the economic welfare of his constituents if elected.
Usani, a private legal practitioner with 20 years working experience and a former Special Adviser on Tourism Development to ex-governor Liyel Imoke, who spoke with newsmen in Calabar, said that he wants to provide a people’s focus representation at the national level.
Rolling out his blueprint to newsmen, Usani said that his passion to contest for the senate was driven out of his passion for public service in government and private circle.
Following his service and track-record at the Cross River State Tourism Development, Usani said that one of the very things he would do if elected is to pursue a legislation that will ensure that Tourism is developed as a priority economic sector at the national level so that they can be a critical framework that would attract investments into developing the tourism areas in Cross River Central like the Agborkim Waterfalls, the Ikom Monoliths, the Boki Wild Life Sanctuary and other forests resources.
According to him, these attractions would create massive job opportunities for the youths, develop the areas and also improve the economic profile of the state.
“Tourism boost the economy of Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries; we can turn our local communities to attract investment and boost our economic status using the right legal framework.
“For us to develop our tourism sites, we need to attract private sector investment into them and this can only happen when they is a clear legal framework. This is what I am going to pursue having served as a Special Adviser on Tourism”, he said.
According to him, if he is elected, he will ensure that all the tourists’ sites in Cross River Central are effectively utilised and harnessed for the benefit of his constituents.
On agriculture, the legal expert said he would look at the national policy for agriculture in Nigeria and advised on the legal framework on agricultural products in the country with a view to attract the benefits to his constituency.
He said that the framework would give the farmers access to agricultural extension services, fertilisers and grants to improve their farming structures, adding that he would pursue a legislation that would guide agricultural development in the country.
On solid Minerals, Barrister Usani said that he would collaborate with the federal government to ensure that the numerous solid minerals in the Central are properly harnessed and used for the benefits of the country while royalty will be paid to benefiting communities.
On education, the legal luminary said that he would set up a scholarship board for deserving students in secondary and tertiary institutions across the six local government areas in the Central, adding that he would also attract befitting development projects to enhance teaching and learning.
“If i am elected to the national assembly; I will also ensure that I establish six constituency offices in the six LGA’s. These offices will serve as a collection pool of all complaints, suggestion, advice and criticism from all my beloved constituents”, he said.
He promised to construct rural access roads and health centres to ease movements and improve the health status of his constituents.
At the national level, the smart looking lawyer promised to work harmoniously with other people towards producing a constitution that will be suitable for all the tribes in Nigeria where equity, justice and peace would be assured.
“I am a true believer of federalism. Nigeria as a country must adopt a true federal system to ensure that every part can express itself to its fullest potential. The desire to be part of the national government where one can contribute effectively towards achieving this goal is my driving force to want to represent my people.
Usani, who expressed confidence that the PDP would give him the 2019 ticket, said he wants to represent a new generation that will come with a new vision for the future, freshness, vitality and hope for a better Cross River Central.
He urged his supporters to get their Permanent Voter’s Card before the 2019 polls, adding that he can only be elected by those with PVC’s.
He commended Gov. Ben Ayade for giving the younger generation a fresh air through numerous political appointments , saying it has given them a sense of belonging and drawing them closer to governance.
He also lauded the governor for his numerous people oriented projects and for placing premium on the welfare of civil servants in the state through the constant payment of salaries and other benefits.
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