Dr Philips Nto, a senatorial aspirant for Abia North under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that his ambition is driven by a desire to uplift the disillusioned youths of the zone.
Speaking on a radio programme in Umuahia, Nto said he is offering himself for service as a bridge between the old and the young, and between the rich and the poor.
He expressed confidence that he would defeat the incumbent senator, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, in a free and fair primary election.
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“My ambition is to use the position to uplift the hopeless youths of Abia North.
“I will leverage my experience to sponsor bills aimed at wealth creation and wealth distribution,” he said.
The former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia lamented the rising levels of unemployment and poverty, arguing that the Senate needs people with firsthand experience of hardship to reshape national policy.
He said: “Most people in the Senate have not tasted unemployment and poverty, and therefore, are not in a position to understand what Nigerian youths are passing through,” he said.
“When I graduated, I carried files for many years before getting a job in the university. I have tasted poverty, and I am still struggling to cross over.
“But how many of our senators understand what poverty means? You cannot address a problem that you are insulated from.”
Nto revealed that he accepted to run for the Senate after sustained pressure from various groups, noting that his goal is to improve the lot of constituents, especially youths and the poor.
On his chances of unseating Kalu, the former Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, said his strength lies with God and the people.
“David used just a sling and stone to defeat Goliath, who was backed by intimidating armoury.
“Although people normally say we shouldn’t bring God into politics, I believe that God is with me,” Not declared.
He expressed optimism of emerging victorious in both the primary and general elections, citing his background, experience, and connection with the people.
Nto called on youths in Abia North to rally behind him to ensure that a new force takes over as the zone’s representative in the Senate by 2027.
