A foremost academic and APC senatorial aspirant in Abia state, Dr Philips Nto, has advocated the enactment of laws that directly impact the poor, the unemployed, and the vulnerable in Nigeria to alleviate their plight.
He noted that laws being made by both the National and State Assemblies are more elitist and have no direct bearing on issues affecting the people.
Nto, a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia State, was speaking on Wednesday at Ohafia and Isuikwato LGAs as part of his consultative visits to party faithful ahead of the APC primary.
He noted that lawmakers,especially those at the National Assembly, should evolve their laws based on consultation with the people so as to capture their needs.
The former Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu, who is contesting to represent Abia North Senatorial zone, urged lawmakers to adopt the bottom-up approach in the formulation of laws.
” Senators should make laws that directly impact the people. It should be derived from bottom to the top and not forced on the people from the top. It must be relevant to their needs,’ he said.
Dr Nto disclosed that his mission to the Senate was to breach the gap between the rich and the poor, crusade for redistribution of wealth, and use legislative tools to create employment for the youths.
According to him, prioritising the welfare of the people would be the fulcrum of his legislative duties if given the opportunity to sit at the red Chambers.
On the issue of the benefits of having ranking senators above rookies, Dr Nto said it had nothing to do with performance.
“First of all ,everyone started as a rookie, and many were outstanding in their first tenure.You can’t claim to be a ranking senator when the welfare of your people is not ranked. Ranking should lead to increased productivity. When it fails that basic test, the person should give way to a fresh hand,’ he insisted.
The former commissioner pledged to enthrone an inclusive representation and lawmaking anchored on the welfare of the people, especially to address unemployment, wealth creation and distribution, and productivity.
At Ohafia LGA, Chief Uche Ogboso, Hon Mba Ukoha, and Chief Nnanna Kalu, who spoke on behalf of others, pledged their support for Dr Philips Nto
Also speaking at Isuikwuato LGA, Hon Okorie Uchechi Christopher, the LGA party chairman, Hon Barr Enyinnaya Nwosu, a former Council chairman, Mrs Chidinma Young, the LGA woman leader and Mrs Roseline Ibekwe, a former APC state auditor, eulogized Dr Nto for his outstanding vision for the zone, and blessed his aspiration.
