By Ovat Abeng
A Governorship aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Anambra gubernatorial election, Honourable Chris Emeka Azubogu, has expressed concerns over the growing insecurity in the country.
He lamented that the situation is exacerbating the unemployment crisis, especially among the youths.
Azubogu, who is the member representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Abuja, stated that insecurity drives investment and its attendant jobs away, urging all citizens to unite and embrace the peace that will engender a healthy environment for investments that will generate jobs for the youth.
The lawmaker was reacting on the trending security situation in Nigeria in statement made available to journalists in Awka, on Sunday, by his media team.
According to the statement, Azugbogu stated this after attending the PDP National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday and also collected his PDP clearance certificate to contest the PDP primaries.
“Azubogu noted that with the PDP clearance certificate, he has been given the go-ahead by the party’s Screening Committee to go ahead with his campaign towards the June 26 Governorship election primary.
“The growing insecurity in our country should worry everyone. If there is a better time for the country to put a mechanism that will guarantee peace, that time is now. We should all unite to find the peace that will provide healthy environments for investments that will generate jobs for young people.
“Azubogu also regretted that the growing insecurity will keep investors away from Nigeria especially with the coming of the Africa Continental Trade Area (AfCTA), into the country.
“The danger is that at a time we should be exploring huge African single market with the coming of African Continental Trade Area(AfCTA), we are facing serious insecurity and the consequences is that investors will move into other African countries and manufacture from there and flood our market without import duties in-line with AfCTA protocols.
“The implication is that more people will be out of jobs in Nigeria while our consumption will create more jobs for other African countries. We have to unite and resolve this growing insecurity and activate our manufacturing capacity to create jobs.” Azubogu added.
He also called for restorative justice commission on human right violation in resolving the security challenges in South East, and in creating jobs for young people.
It was gathered that the PDP Governorship aspirant had earlier visited some of the security infrastructure damaged in Anambra State, and appealed to those attacking the security infrastructure in the State to stop forthwith to allow for meaningful development and effective solution to issues facing the state.
While commiserating with victims of insecurity and other violent crimes, Azugbogu, stated that an alternative to violence should be explored for humanity’s sake.
