‘We did not endorse Bwacha or any candidate’ -PRP Guber Candidate
By Sesugh Abaya
The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, (PRP) in Taraba State, Engr Josiah Wukari Wasa has debunked rumours making the rounds that he has collapsed his political structure, or declared his support for another political party for the purpose of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections that are scheduled to take place on Saturday, 18th March, 2023.
Engr. Wukari Wasa stated this in a press conference in Jalingo late Wednesday. He also promised to restore the lost glory of the state if elected, even he issued out a blow-by-blow analysis on how his planned transformation agenda of the state will be executed.
Engr. Wasa debunked the publication circulating in the media circle, credited to the Chairman of the party, that PRP has endorsed Senator Emmanuel Bwacha for Governor. He described the position taken by some members of the party to that effect as mischievous, unpatriotic and self-serving, insisting that the elements were guided by the spirit of stomach infrastructure, which is contrary to the aims and objectives of the party.
‘At no time in any of our meeting sessions that the PRP, which I’m the leader in Taraba State resolved that it will endorse Senator Emmanuel Bwacha of the APC, or any candidate for the governorship position in Taraba.
In other words, I was asked several times, whether I have stepped down my ambition to contest for the governor of my state for a candidate of another political party. This is becoming one question too many.
‘Therefore, it has become necessary for me to open up on this issue for the purpose of putting it to rest, especially that election is just few hours ahead of us. For this purpose, I wish to state categorically and unequivocally that, PRP, on whose platform I’m contesting for the Governorship position of the state did not collapse its structure in favour of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha or any candidate of any political party.’ He stated.
While fielding questions from newsmen, the Marine Engineer, however revealed that he was under pressure to merge with one political party, but he did not disclose the party that was pressuring him for the political alliance.
‘Some of these things actually does not make meaning to me. I offered myself to serve my people, the good people of Taraba State. I have my agenda and a master plan of how the agenda can be implemented for the good of the people. Then suddenly, someone lurks around, trying to convince you that you should drop your agenda and que behind him. I don’t think that is a way of politics.
‘On another day, one journalist confronted me, saying that I was offered N2b by TY Danjuma to drop my ambition and support Kefas of the PDP. I told him it was news to me. Little did some of these people know that some of us are not coming into the political environment for the sake of making money. With all sense of modesty and humility, I wish to state that God has blessed me at a level that left alone, I will be contended. I’m here to serve my people. That is my priority.
“Our party, PRP is for the masses and the downtrodden. We are for justice, fair play and equity. We have never and will never back up for anybody in this race. We are in the race and have no intention of withdrawing for anyone.” he said
He explained that the party was guided by its stringent rules and Electoral Act both at the National and State levels and so Taraba State Chapter of the party would in no way, take such a critical decision of collapsing its structure into another party in isolation with its National Secretariat. Besides the Electoral Act 2022 has no provisions for such alliance.
While expressing optimism for victory at the polls, Engineer Josiah Wukari Wasa, told Journalists that his idea to restore the lost glory of the state has been planned and prepared overtime, adding that his Blue Print document which he has unveiled in the state encapsulates, albeit briefly, his development plan of the State, if elected.
‘Our government will ensure that markets are redesigned and relocated to most suitable areas to boost commercial activities, we shall dwell much on entrepreneurship to enable youth create jobs and be self-reliant, we shall revitalize and refocus the Cabinet and Civil Service for productivity and Innovation.
‘The judiciary would be fully independent and devoid of Executive and Parliamentary interference and we shall draw up a grand strategy and roadmap for the development of Taraba State for future generations”. He said these among other numerous development plans that he has for the state.
He appealed to the entire people of the State to give him their mandate come Saturday, even as he promised that he will not disappoint them.
‘I will not disappoint you. I promise. I will restore the lost glory of the state and put smiles on your faces again. Be lest assured that I have the capacity to this. Give me your votes and you will be happy you did. He stated.
