‘Engineers for Peter Obi’ is a political pressure group supporting the presidential candidate of the Labour Party. In this interview, the Convener of the group, Engr Clement Ede-Agege, said their aim is to mobilise Nigerian engineers for Peter Obi and ensure that he is elected President of Nigeria next year.
What is the purpose of the group, Engineers for Peter Obi?
The purpose of the group is to ensure the election of Mr Peter Obi as PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA next year 2023.
What do you hope to achieve with this campaign?
We intend to support and mobilize all Nigerian Engineers and other members of the Engineering family – Technologists, Technicians and Artisans to key into the group vision and mission to support Mr Peter Obi political ambition.
What’s the feedback you’re receiving as more members join the group?
Overwhelming support for Mr Peter Obi as he has declared his intention to change Nigeria from a basically Consumption economy to Production economy. That’s a call for Nigerian Engineers.
Beyond just supporting Peter Obi, what advise do you have for him?
We are very hopeful he will win the elections. Thereafter he should hit the ground running with the vision of turning around our economy by ensuring local production of goods and services.
Is Peter Obi aware of this group and your objectives?
He may be aware through the media. Our group is a voluntary professional calling to ensure his success. That way Engineering practice will be more meaningful in Nigeria.
Do you have plans to meet him face to face or will it be by video conferencing?
For now it’s not necessary as our goal is to sensitize , mobilize all members of the engineering family and their contacts to see the need of Mr Peter Obi as first and best choice for the Presidency.
What do you think are Peter Obi’s chances at the presidential poll next year?
His chances are very bright. Mr Peter Obi comes to us as the only candidate that understands the issues and therefore in better position to provide reasonable solutions.
Why do you think Peter Obi is the messiah that Nigeria needs now?
All the problems of the country ranging from economy, security and others are better handled from his view point of turning Nigeria from a consuming nation to a production nation. Nigerian Engineers agree that without local Production the issues undermining our well being will get worse.
From Peter Obi’s viral campaign driven mainly by the youths, do you expect the momentum to be sustained? How?
While the youths are on course many adults especially in the Engineering family are conscious of the facts that Mr Peter Obi stands out as the only solution to our predicament. Many adults are very much on the viral campaign train.
Religion and region are major issues in our politics, making national cohesion difficult. How do yo think a Peter Obi presidency will manage them?
Mr Peter Obi has been very clear about that. He wants to be President of Nigeria. He understands that all parts of Nigeria are facing similar challenges.
Corruption and fraudulent activities will fight back any day. How do you think Peter Obi will tackle them?
From Mr Peter Obi antecedents, we understand that he knows best how to combat the dragon of corruption and fraud.
Brain drain is a major challenge. How would you advise Peter Obi to reverse it?
He has made it clear he intends to invest massively in education to provide enough quality and such numbers to keep and export manpower.
ASUU is always going on strike. What will be your recommendation to Peter Obi to end this menace?
We suggest he keeps his promise on education. We are aware of his trial with Anambra state and the subsequent excellent results. He will make the difference on the larger scene.
What is your group’s recommendation to tackle insecurity?
Turning the economy around to provide jobs for the youths in particular. Production in all areas take a lot of manpower even with the introduction of technology. China today is successful because it is a production economy. The President of China I gathered is an Engineer.
From consumption to production is Peter Obi’s major campaign message. How do you think Peter Obi and his team can truly create wealth and prosperity for the country?
Strictly by turning away from unjustifiable consumption of foreign goods and services to local production using practical and homegrown engineering solutions.
A majority Nigerians don’t believe in Nigeria. Do you agree? If yes, what’s your proposal to make Nigerians believe in Nigeria?
No. Many Nigerians believe in thier country. They all long for Mr Peter Obi to perfect what he is offering.
Engr Clement Ede Agege FNSChE FNSE, Convener of ENGINEERS FOR PETER OBI is a Consulting Engineer.
