An All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant in Abia, Dr Philips Nto, has called for the enactment of laws that directly address the plight of the poor, unemployed, and vulnerable in Nigeria.
He made this call on Wednesday during consultative visits to party faithful in Ohafia and Isuikwuato Local Government Areas(LGAs) ahead of the APC primary.
The foremost academic said most laws passed by both the National and State Assemblies were elitist and had little bearing on the everyday challenges of ordinary Nigerians.
“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,” said Nto, a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning in Abia.
Nto, who is seeking to represent Abia North Senatorial District, urged lawmakers to adopt a bottom-up approach in lawmaking through wider consultation with constituents.
He said that his mission to the Senate would be to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, push for wealth redistribution, and use legislative tools to create employment for youths.
“Prioritising the welfare of the people will be the fulcrum of my legislative duties if given the opportunity to sit in the Red Chamber,” the former Provost of Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu said.
Addressing the debate on the advantage of ranking senators over first-term lawmakers, Nto said experience alone did not guarantee performance.
“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 said.
He pledged to enthrone inclusive representation and lawmaking focused on tackling unemployment, wealth creation, distribution, and productivity.
At Ohafia LGA, party leaders Chief Uche Ogboso, Mba Ukoha, and Chief Nnanna Kalu pledged their support for Nto’s aspiration.
In Isuikwuato LGA, LGA party chairman, Christopher Okorie; former Council chairman, Enyinnaya Nwosu, LGA Woman Leader Mrs Chidinma Young, and others commended Nto for his vision for the zone and blessed his aspiration.
