NWAKAIBIE PLEDGES MARKET RECONSTRUCTION, TAX RELIEF AND FREE HEALTHCARE FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (Nwakabie), has pledged to rebuild demolished markets and provide free shops to affected traders if elected governor in 2027.

He also promised to review the state's tax regime, promote industrialisation, create employment opportunities and provide free healthcare for elderly residents as part of his proposed administration's commitment to citizens' welfare.

Nnaji made these commitments on Saturday while receiving a coalition of interest groups at his campaign office in Enugu. The delegation comprised representatives of the Arewa Northern Forum, traders and artisans displaced from Gariki Market, members of the Inter-Faith Council and non-indigene communities.

During the meeting, the groups expressed support for his candidacy while highlighting concerns over the reported hardship caused by market demolitions, multiple taxation and difficulties in securing suitable trading spaces.

Responding, Nnaji promised to review the circumstances surrounding the demolitions and explore ways to construct replacement markets for affected traders. He said the shops would be allocated to their original owners free of charge, subject to available resources.

“My intention is to use public resources to build the markets and give the shops to their original owners free of charge,” he said, adding that a phased arrangement involving minimal payments could be considered if necessary.

On taxation, the PDP candidate pledged to review existing policies and eliminate what he described as excessive taxes, particularly those affecting small-scale traders and vulnerable residents.

He also outlined plans to pursue industrial development in sectors such as oil, cement, iron ore and steel, noting that investment in these areas would help create jobs and expand economic opportunities for the people of Enugu State.

“I will run a government that is participatory, transparent and accountable,” Nnaji said. “We will make sure that public funds reflect the needs of residents across the state.”

Earlier, the leader of the Arewa Northern Forum, Innocent Iwual, disclosed that the association had operated for 19 years, with members spread across Enugu State. He noted that members of the northern community had participated in previous elections but expressed disappointment over what he described as unfulfilled political promises.

Also speaking, a PDP chieftain, Basil Ani, described Nnaji as a person who keeps his promises and expressed confidence that he would fulfil his commitments if elected governor.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the participating groups to present their concerns and expectations, particularly regarding traders' welfare, fair taxation, healthcare access, economic development and inclusive governance.