Ifeanyi Odii, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi, says he will deploy technology to replace the Ebubeagu security outfit in the state if elected in the 2023 polls.

The governorship candidate made the assertion during the 25th anniversary of the Emmanuel Anglican Church of Abakaliki Diocese on Tuesday.

“As a governor, the civil servants will go home smiling when the month ends. As a governor, I will deploy technology to replace Ebubeagu to tackle insecurity,” he said.

Mr Odii, who received the “award of excellence leadership and humanitarian services” from the church, said he was ready to put smiles on the faces of citizens in the state come 2023.

He pledged peaceful co-existence among the people, saying that under his watch as governor, there would be free basic education and robust treatment for civil servants in the state.

“As a governor, there will be peace in the land, there will be love among us, and our children will have access to free education.

“I have made these promises, and I would like you to check my pedigree, check my life, and that will tell you what I will do for Ebonyi people,” Mr Odii said.

He also pledged to strengthen his scholarship scheme in the 13 local government areas of the state.

The governorship candidate commended the bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Monday Nkwoagu, and his members for the award.

Mr Odii said he was ready to use his resources to give hope to the people, especially the downtrodden.

“I have built eight churches, including an Anglican church in the state, and my indiscriminate life has made me freely give out to individuals and different organisations without tracing their backgrounds,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr Nkwoagu said Mr Odii was nominated for the award because of his contributions to the development of society and churches.

The national vice chairman of the PDP, South-East region, Ali Odefa, while reciting Mr Odii’s citation, said the governorship candidate is a businessman and philanthropist with vast experience spanning over 22 years.

(NAN)