It was a warm afternoon at the NUJ Press Centre in Umuahia.
Dr. *Kelechi Anosike* stood before journalists, civil servants, and students. He’s the PDP man hoping to become Abia’s governor in 2027.
He started with one line that got everyone’s attention:
*“Abia is not poor. Abia is poorly managed.”*
For years, he said, workers had been suffering. Some earning in Abia what a Level 1 worker earns in Imo. Pensioners unpaid. 15,000 people retired before their time.
So he made a promise.
*“From May 2027, if you work for Abia State, your minimum wage will be N90,000.* Not later. Not promises. First thing we do.”
He didn’t stop there.
He said every civil servant would also get *free health insurance*.
“Because quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege. A healthy worker builds a healthy government.”
Then he turned to the youths and students.
Under his *“No Abia Student Left Behind”* plan, graduates won’t just leave school with certificates. They’ll leave with _skills_. Skills to start businesses. Skills to get remote jobs and earn in dollars without leaving home.
Government will even give startup support to those who qualify.
For traders and small business owners — *microfinance*.
For families — *cheaper transport and better hospitals*.
For pensioners — *justice*. If you were unlawfully retired, he’ll review your case. If you can still serve, come back. If not, your backlog will be paid.
“I am a welfarist by nature,” he said. “I hate to see people suffer.”
His vision is simple: Build infrastructure, yes. But build it *with a human face*.
Don’t choose between roads and people. Do both.
He ended with this:
*“We will create entrepreneurs, not just government workers. Because when Abia people are empowered, Abia will rise.”*
The PDP says its full manifesto is coming soon