HOUSTON, TEXAS – Nigerians living in the United States, under the auspices of Nigerian Union Diaspora (NUD), gathered Saturday, April 30, 2018, to host Dr. SKC Ogbonnia in Houston, Texas, USA. A presidential aspirant under All Progressive Congress (APC), Ogbonnia used the event to unveil his manifesto and latest book:The Effective Leadership Formula.
The event lived up to expectations, with Dr. Ogbonnia presenting his manifesto and addressing questions from the audience. He believes that “Nigeria’s problem is not lack of natural or human resources. It is also not lack of good policies or the money to implement the policy. The problem is squarely the lack of the political will to implement the policies. This failure has continued because there appears to be no consequences for bad behavior in Nigeria. But help is on the way: I am coming in to lead, I am coming in to unleash the abundant potential of Nigeria to greatness”, he said.
Prominent on his manifesto are:
a) Efficient healthcare delivery: “My administration will make healthcare efficient and affordable for all. We will start by equipping eight existing hospitals to international standards within six months of being in office. This will also curb current wave of medical tourism. That is not rocket science”, he quipped.
b) Quality Education: According to Mr. Ogbonnia, “Nigeria has the resources for good education. What is needed is to pay teachers well enough so they can focus on teaching and research instead of handouts and petty trading to supplement income.”
c) Power Revolution: Ogbonnia, who is the Chairman of First Texas Energy Corporation, promised to usher in a “power revolution” in the country through “decentralized energy policy that will include the state and federal governments and the private sector…every state of the federation has a source of energy. I know exactly what to do; there will be no excuses”
d) Massive Youth Employment: He will address Youth unemployment through diversification of the economy, and sustained local and foreign investment. “But it is a wishful thinking to expect good results in any of the above without first being able to produce adequate power supply in the country”, he noted.
e) Restructure of government: Ogbonnia’s most radical proposal is his vow to scrap the Nigerian Senate towards a unicameral legislature. He insisted that “besides serving as an added conduit to siphon money for selfish interests; there is nothing, practically nothing, the Nigerian Senate can do that the House of Representatives, a more representative body, cannot do”
f) Herdsmen: He will encourage every state to build colonies and charge the herdsmen similar to the pattern where traders rent market stalls and pay their taxes. Mr. Ogbonnia further noted that, as president, he will “disarm any herdsman or woman, whether they are from Nigeria, Libya, or wherever. These killings are barbaric and must stop.”
When asked his chances of unseating an incumbent president, Ogbonnia rebutted that he is “not running against President Muhammadu Buhari, but in the race to provide better leadership for all Nigerians. A history was made in 2015 when an incumbent president was defeated by the opposition. Another history is in the making as I am set to defeat President Buhari in a free and fair APC primary.”
The Hon. Jonathan Kadiri, a youth leader and Asst. Secretary of APC Houston chapter, downplayed any fear of division within the party because of internal challenge to President Buhari. He reminded that the ruling party encourages internal democracy and will unite behind the party’s nominee at the general elections.
Dr. Ogbonnia touted his latest book, Effective Leadership Formula, as the philosophical foundation of his presidency and the solution to Nigeria’s problems. The book was well received, with many attendees queuing up to obtain signed copies.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Kanayo Ubesie, a prominent US-based physician, who had an advance copy of the book, said he was elated that the Effective Leadership Formula is a remarkable piece of scholarship and thus deserves wide readership. Dr. Festus Okere, the Vice-Chairman of World Igbo Congress (WIC), hinted that he has followed Ogbonnia’s writings for a long time and can assure that the book, as well as his campaign, is for the best interest of Nigeria.
The group is yet to offer official endorsement, but support for Ogbonnia’s candidacy was obvious. Speakers after speakers invoked his leadership attributes and expressed support. On his vote of thanks, the Organizing Chairman and Moderator, Prince Kevin Chime, showed appreciation for the turnout and enthusiasm, noting that Ogbonnia’s candidacy is not only historic, but also courageous and patriotic. He followed by asking the crowd three times: “Are we united in sending one of our own to go to Nigeria and win the presidency? ” He was greeted with thunderous ovations of “Yes, Yes, Yes, We Will”, and “Power to the Masses: The Time is NOW”, being the candidate’s campaign slogan.
Dr. Ogbonnia acknowledged their support and goodwill. He also informed the august gathering that he is winding up with his worldwide consultations and will declare his presidential ambition officially by end of May. “With your support and prayers, I am more emboldened than ever to now take this campaign to Nigeria and “succeed where others have failed.”, he said.
