2027: Akwa Ibom Labour Party candidate pledges to overhaul healthcare, education systems

Michael Bush, Akwa Ibom Labour Party governorship candidate

Michael Bush, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, has pledged to overhaul the state’s education and healthcare systems if elected.

Mr Bush who made the pledge while unveiling his eight-point manifesto to the media in Uyo on Thursday, also vowed to reform pension and gratuity payments.

He further said that if elected governor, his administration would create employment opportunities for Akwa Ibom people.

The LP governorship candidate pledged to run a government that would prioritise affordable housing for low-income earners, and community-based security partnerships.

“We shall implement poverty reduction policies, business empowerment, food security and agricultural development schemes,” he said.

Mr Bush listed other priority areas to include industrialisation, investment promotion, and the provision of affordable and reliable electricity.

“Our government shall pursue a people-centred approach to resource management.

“We shall ensure that public wealth produces measurable benefits in education, healthcare, infrastructure and employment for our people,” Mr Bush said.

He also promised to revive the Ibom Power Plant to ensure 24-hour electricity supply in the state, and support business activities.

The candidate pledged to revive the state water company in order to ensure provision of potable water across Akwa Ibom.

Mr Bush further promised to establish strong institutional safeguards to identify, prevent and block avenues through which public resources could be stolen, diverted or wasted.

“Our administration shall guarantee the full implementation of local government, judicial and legislative autonomy in accordance with the constitution and extant laws,” he said.

He said that the eight-point agenda represented Access, Knowledge, Wealth, Advancement, Industrialisation, Business Opportunities and Manpower Development.

Explaining the agenda, Mr Bush said that his administration would ensure access to government, leadership, justice and healthcare services for the people.