Abia PDP Candidate Anosike Pledges to Reopen Ukwa East Oil Wells, Revive Industries

• Abia PDP governorship candidate Kelechi Anosike has promised to pursue the reopening of capped oil wells, revive Abia Palm and improve critical roads in Ukwa East.

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has pledged to pursue the restoration of Ukwa East Local Government Area’s oil-producing status and develop its natural resources to create jobs.

Anosike outlined the proposals during a consultation visit to the area, where he presented a development blueprint titled ‘Ukwa East: Resource-to- Wealth Initiative’.

The plan includes reopening capped oil wells, exploring additional hydrocarbon deposits and assessing silica deposits in Azumini River for commercial glass production.

He said he had prepared similar development documents for every local government area in Abia, describing them as a charter between himself and the people.

Anosike, who described himself as an energy lawyer, promised to engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited within his first 100 days in office to review the closure of oil wells in Ndoki land.

“I am aware you have capped and blocked oil wells, thereby depriving you of some benefits due to oil-producing communities. Within 100 days in office, I will get the NNPCL to come in here to review and reopen it,” Anosike said.

He also proposed working with the Federal Government to explore other hydrocarbon deposits, saying additional discoveries could increase economic opportunities for residents.

On industrial development, Anosike said he would invite Chinese experts to assess silica deposits in Azumini River and determine their suitability for commercial glass production. He also promised to engage the Federal Government over the proposed Azumini Sea Port.

The PDP candidate pledged to rebuild the collapsed section of Obohia Road and award a contract for the rehabilitation of Ohanku Road within his first 100 days, describing both routes as essential to development.

He further promised to revive Abia Palm, which he said once employed more than 6,000 workers, with plans to provide meaningful opportunities for former employees. According to him, his development agenda would prioritise people alongside infrastructure.

His running mate and Abia PDP Chairman, Elder Amah Abraham, acknowledged that political parties had disappointed residents but said Anosike was prepared to deliver a different outcome.

Abia South PDP senatorial candidate, Chinyere Onuoha, also expressed confidence in Anosike’s commitments, saying residents would see results within one year of his administration.

Speaking on behalf of the community, President General of the Ndoki Development Union, Chisom Nwachukwu, lamented the area’s underdevelopment despite its economic potential.

Nwachukwu said residents wanted tangible development rather than campaign money, identifying roads, Abia Palm and the Azumini Sea Port as priorities. He declared support for Anosike after hearing his proposals.

President of the Ndoki Council of Chiefs, Nkem Ogwo, prayed for Anosike’s success and assured him of the area’s support, while House of Assembly candidate Justice Uchenna urged residents to back PDP candidates.

The consultation ended with the Ndoki Development Union endorsing Anosike as its consensus and sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election.