By Chiamaka Egwu
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, Chief Kingsley Nweke, has described the zone as “bleeding”, saying urgent intervention is needed to address the challenges confronting its people.
Nweke also charged journalists to remain courageous, professional and uncompromising in reporting issues affecting the people, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
The PDP candidate spoke at the weekend while addressing journalists after a novelty football match between the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Enugu State Council and Nollywood actors at Ngwo Park, Achara Layout, Enugu.
Nweke said Enugu East deserved effective representation by a politician with the vision, capacity and commitment to deliver meaningful services to the people.
He urged journalists to hold political leaders and public institutions accountable, warning that the media should not compromise its responsibility because of political or financial considerations.
According to him, the challenges confronting the senatorial district require urgent attention, while journalists have a responsibility to investigate and expose issues affecting the welfare and development of residents.
“Enugu East is bleeding. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well when our people are facing serious challenges,” Nweke said.
“The zone needs people with vision, capacity and integrity. I have been delivering good services to the people and wish to be there to accomplish what I have been doing.
“This is why journalists must not compromise. The media remains one of the strongest institutions for defending democracy and giving voice to the voiceless.”
Nweke urged media practitioners to uphold the ethics of journalism and provide fair and balanced coverage to all political actors ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the media had a critical role in ensuring that voters were properly informed about the records, programmes and capacity of candidates seeking elective positions.
The PDP candidate also called on political leaders and other stakeholders in Enugu East to place the interests of constituents above personal and partisan considerations.
He said the 2027 elections should give voters an opportunity to scrutinise candidates based on their character, competence, track record and ability to effectively represent the people.
Nweke maintained that effective representation should be measured by the impact of elected officials on the lives and welfare of their constituents, rather than political rhetoric alone.
