Former governor of Anambra state and Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has advised governorship aspirants in the state 2021 gubernatorial race to leave him out of their mischief.

The minister stated this in reaction to claim that he was mobilising to replace incumbent Governor Willie Obiano in 2021.  

He dismissed the insinuation replete in the social media, and attributed to some faceless top All Progressive Congress (APC) member in Anambra state, which claimed that Ngige had received the blessings of the leadership of the party to vie for the office.

The unnamed APC member had also claimed that the minister was awaiting the nod of  President Muhammadu Buhari before he formally declares his ambition publicly.

In a statement through his media Emmanuel Nzomiwu, Dr Ngige warned governorship aspirants in Anambra State to leave him alone and mind their businesses.

The minister, who described claim as unfounded, baseless and devoid of an iota of truth, said he owed no apology to anybody for pitching tent with loyal and faithful members of APC in Anambra State from inception in 2012, despite being tagged “Boko Haram members” for supporting the APC.
Part of the statement reads: “Although this utterly mischievous and deceitful report was not credited to anybody in particular, the minister wants to make it clear that he has not at any time told anybody that he wants to contest for the Anambra governorship seat, neither has he overtly or covertly shown any interest.

“Senator Ngige wishes to make it known that he is very busy with his duties as the Minister of Labour and Employment and member of federal cabinet in charge of the various  parastatals and other establishments  under the ministry.

“The minister is occupied, involved and engrossed with his duties as a member of Economic Sustainability Committee constituted by President Buhari and headed by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to develop a comprehensive and clear economic plan to tackle the challenges and fallouts of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 era.

“He is also a member of the federal cabinet committee for implementation of economic recovery. All these are besides other demanding engagements of office of the Minister of Labour and Employment.

“The minister advises the unknown party source and others like him to wait a bit more for their turn, especially if they did not contribute to making the President win his last election by at least winning their ward.”