I stepped down for Ikpeazu in 2015, should be reciprocated now – Greg Ibe
*Insists on power shift to Abia North
*Promises to decentralise Abia for even dev if given opportunity
* Wants Ohuabunwa return to senate in 2023
By Steve Oko
A frontline governorship aspirant of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Abia State, Professor Greg Ibe, has vowed to decentralise the state for even development if voted into power in 2023.
The industrialist who made the promise when he visited Senator Mao Ohuabunwa to formally inform him of his governorship ambition, said he would not discriminate against any part of the state but treat all zones as his constituency if elected into power.
Professor Ibe said he had the economic blueprint, and fully prepared to transform the state if given opportunity.
He promised to use his global network to attract foreign investors that would help develop the state, which he said had not met the aspirations of the founding fathers.
The Chancellor, Gregory University strongly advocated power shift to Abia North come 2023 in tandem with the spirit of Abia Charter of Equity, arguing that he had to step down for the incumbent Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2015 in support of power shift to Abia South.
He, therefore, said that it was the turn of Abia North particularly Isuikwuato Division which represents the letter “I” in Abia acronym to produce the governor in 2023.
” In 2014, the former Governor asked me to withdraw from the governorship race and support power shift to Abia South, assuring me that in 2023, it will be the turn of Abia North to produce the governor.
” I obliged him and withdrew for Ikpeazu. Now it’s our turn in Abia North and I want the elders who asked us to support power shift to Abia South, to respect Abia Charter of Equity and support our agitation now”.
Professor Ibe who said the voice of Abia North had been missing at the Senate, urged Senator Ohuabunwa to heed the clamour by the people to return to the red chamber in 2023 to give the zone quality representation.
” Our leader, we regret what happened in 2019 when they stole your mandate but you must get ready to return to the Senate now.
” I’m very sad with the charade of 2019, and that won’t happen again. We need you at the Senate! There is so much we need to do for Abia”.
Responding, Senator Ohuabunwa thanked Ibe for the visit, describing him as ” a pride to Abia North and indeed Nigeria”.
The former Leader, ECOWAS Parliament, noted that the recent visit by the United States of America Secretary of State to Professor Ibe spoke volume of his global worth and network.
Avering that Professor Ibe is heavily endowed, by God, Ohuabunwa said that Abia needed men like him for her redemption.
” We need to redeem Nigeria and put our state on the fast lane this time around”, Ohuabunwa declared.
He said although he had enough reason to be angry following his betrayal by some internal forces, he had decided to let go in the interest of Abia North.
” A lot of people have come to me and asked me to speak up for Abia North. Regrettably, I was sabotaged and back-stabbed in 2019 but I have let go.
” When people don’t appreciate what they have, that’s what they get. They were used to kill their own champion, and now the need for a champion has risen.
” Who is speaking for Abia North again? Abia North that parades a galaxy of personalities and accomplished individuals is suddenly taking the back seat in Abia politics and nobody is talking.
” At the Senate now, we have become a comic relief. When I was at the Senate I commanded the respect of my colleagues. I sponsorsed many bills that were signed into law, moved motions and attracted many projects. The records are there!
” But some people felt Mao Ohuabunwa was becoming so powerful and might come out for governorship in 2023, and he must be stopped. I was betrayed but I have forgiven them”.
The former Leader House of Representatives, who said Professor Ibe had all the qualities needed to move Abia forward, encouraged him to remain focused in his aspiration.
He also urged him to consult other stakeholders, while wishing him success in his ambition.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Ibe’s campaign team, Prince Emeka Okafor, described Senator Ohuabunwa as an indispensable arsenal in the political armoury of Abia North.
He said that not just Abia North but Ndigbo and indeed Nigeria needed him back at the Senate, urging him to return to the red chamber for a rescue mission come 2023.
The former Commissioner for Commerce noted that “Abia is number one alphabetically but lags behind” in so many fronts.
Some dignitaries present during the visit were the member representing Umuahia East at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo; former Commissioner for Joint Projects, Chief JK Okoro; former Arochukwu Council boss, Princely Kingsley Ngunu, Tom Ezeikpe, among others.
Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria. 
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