It is very difficult to come between me and the Speaker – Governor Ikpeazu

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has said that his relationship with the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is such a closely knitted one that “it will be difficult, very very difficult for anyone to come between us”.

The Governor stated this while addressing the audience at his 56th birthday celebration held at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia on Sunday, October 18, 2020.

Obviously referring to attempts by some individuals and groups in the state to sow seeds of discord between the Governor and the Speaker, and cause division between the Executive and the Legislature, the Governor declared that, “he is a very loyal Speaker because he has no other Governor but me.

“I can take his loyalty for granted. But that is not to stop those who will want to put a knife between us.

“They can go on forever. And when we (Governor and Speaker) go to our quiet place, we both have a good laugh”.

Earlier, Governor Ikpeazu had said, “The Speaker and I can take a position (on an issue) and everyone else will be confused about what we are thinking”.

While thanking the Speaker for leading the House of Assembly in a very peaceful way, Governor Ikpeazu declared that Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has exceeded his expectations. 

“To bring all shades and colours in the House of Assembly together to always speak with one voice all the time is a sign of good leadership qualities not easy to find in our clime. 

“That you lead a House that has APGA, APC and PDP, and people of various political persuasions, yet, you lead as if all of you belong to one political family shows that there is something in you.

“And I want God to continue to give you wisdom to continue to lead that Arm of Government.

“May you also find people that will be loyal to you in your time of need”, the Governor concluded.