Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Oseloka Obaze has chosen the daughter of former vice president of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme, Barr Chidi Ekwueme-Onyemelukwe as his running mate.
Obaze, who addressed journalists during the unveiling ceremony at the party’s secretariat in Awka on Wednesday, said Onyemelukwe was selected from a shortlist of qualified PDP faithful.
He stated further that she was chosen to complement his efforts especially with her wealth of knowledge in the area of small and medium enterprises, where she worked as a special assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Obazeb while unveiling her said, “In compliance with provisions of Section 187(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) I, Oseloka Henry Obaze, after about three weeks of painstaking consultations with my family, the PDP hierarchy (both National and State) Stakeholders in Anambra and beyond, and the leadership of the Anglican Communion, wish to present formally to Ndi Anambra in particular and Nigeria in general, Lady Chidi Alexandra Onyemelukwe, my running mate for the November 18th 2017 Anambra State Gubernatorial election.
“In accordance to the Constitution and Electoral Guidelines of our great party, as well as the INEC Guidelines, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe’s candidature along with mine, has been duly submitted to INEC, through the National Caretaker Committee (NCC).
“Lady Chidi comes to this state and national assignment with rich personal accomplishments, impeccable credentials and high pedigree. A learned person, she is a Lady of the Anglican Communion, Enugu Dioceses and the first daughter of former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme.”
“As deputy governor, Chidi will be my partner in turning Anambra state around and returning her to the trajectory, where the state is not just working, but will be an example that other states must seek to emulate.”
Obaze said Onyemelukwe’s selection is a strong public pronouncement of his commitment to gender mainstreaming, women empowerment and a 60-40 targeted ratio in political appointments.
Reacting, Onyemelukwe in company of her husband, Prof Okey Onyemelukwe, an Nnewi born engineer, said she decided to come home to help build the state.
The barrister explained that her acceptance of the offer was about sacrifice, service and giving back to society.
She said, “We have a plethora of professionals from all fields working all over the world, but ask any of them to come home, they remind you that home is not conducive. Tell them to come home and work to make home better, they remember the stone hurling on print and social media”.
Lady Chidi is a graduate of Law from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990.
She bagged her Masters Degree in International Law and Diplomacy and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Lagos and Duquesne University, Pittsburg in the United States, respectively.
In academia, she had a brief stint as an Adjunct Professor of Finance in Florida, USA.
She is currently involved private Real Estate Law Practice and International Business.
She was Chairman, Board of Directors, Federal Housing Authority and served as Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
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