The governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu apparently worried by the lopsidedness of power distribution within the ranks of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned against the dangers it poses for the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Gov. Ikpeazu while speaking at the International Conference Center in Umuahia, the state capital, at the event to mark the end of the state’s 31st anniversary celebration, urged the PDP to fast track discussions on national cohesion and inclusiveness which he noted was imperative if the country’s various nationalities must continue to remain as one.
He drew the attention of his party, to three things he noted the leadership of the country needs to focus on if the country must move forward to include Security, Socio-economic Development and National Cohesion
and Inclusiveness, insisting that
the most important thing at this time is National Cohesion and Inclusiveness.
According to the Governor, the South East Zone and the entire ndigbo needs a voice in the PDP, adding that the zone has suffered under the present All Progressive Congress (APC), where no Igbo man is in the hierarchy of Service Chiefs or top positions in decision making, “every part of Nigeria including the southern part of Nigeria needs a voice in the Peoples Democratic Party and if the call for our party to be sensitive to the yearnings of my people makes me look like the cry of a child,so be it. But I will keep saying it; that as we board the train of the PDP, we need to know what is on the table for ndị Abia and ndigbo.
“This is because we have suffered under the present APC government where no Igbo man is in the hierarchy of Service Chiefs, no Igbo man is in the top echelon of decision making.
“The day the decision was made for us to host Operation Python Dance here in the southeast, no Igbo man was there to take decision and come to explain to us that the python dance is a joke.”
The governor also stated that his administration has ensured ease of doing business in the state.
Governor Ikpeazu, who also presented staff of office to 35 Eze’s-elect as Traditional Rulers of their various Autonomous Communities in the State charged traditional rulers to ensure peace and security reign in their communities and warned them not to work against the government.
The Governor congratulated the awardees and said that the awards were given to them on behalf of other hardworking Abians and lauded their commitment and love for the State.
He paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the State who worked tirelessly to ensure the actualization of the creation of Abia State and wished the entire people of Abia State, a happy 31st anniversary.
Earlier, the acting Chairman of Abia State Advisory Council, Sir Chikezie Wachuku called for the collective efforts of all to achieve a secure and safe Abia by being their brother’s keeper.
He used the forum to commend the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his human and infrastructural development in the last 7 years especially, the provision of a Long Term Development Plan which spans from 2020-2050, which he said is the first comprehensive plan towards a systematic development of the state
He urged successive administrations to ensure optimal utilization of the plan for the greater good of the State.
The event which saw the Governor rename the International Conference Centre to Ochendo International Conference Centre in honour of his predecessor, Senator T. A Orji featured the cutting of the anniversary cake and presentation of merit award to 8 deserving Abians for their selfless services to the State.
A lecture presentation on “A Competitive Abia Economy Using The Small And Medium Enterprises As A Pilot For Viral And Strong Abia Of The Future” by Dr. Chukwu Udensi the Head, Department of Management, ABSU was presented as well as the launch of two books – “The Torrents Of Testimonies: Voices From Abia State Nigeria and “Power With A Purpose”
The event attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, members of the State House of Assembly, PDP Governorship candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne, his running mate, Barr. Okey Igwe, Secretary to Government, Barr. Chris Ezem.
