In a surprise move, the immediate past Abia State Commissioner, Rt Hon Eziuche Chinwe Ubani may have declined his nomination to serve a second term. Ubani is one of the three commissioner-nominees from Obingwa Local government Area.
A two-time member of the House of Representatives, Ubani is widely known to have and still maintain a close personal relationship with the governor which began years before 2015. Both are known to work closely together, politically. As at press time, the reason for his decision remains unclear but according to sources, he may have respectfully communicated to the governor. Ubani is widely known as one of the most passionate supporters of the Ikpeazu administration. He voluntarily declined to seek a third term in the House of Representatives, electing instead to work to support the governor's election in 2015.
He paid a heavy price in 2016 as the security agencies from Abuja on account of a phoney petition invaded his house in search of arms. As commissioner, he passionately pushed the governor's agenda to upgrade Abia infrastructure. Some of the flagship projects he worked on are the Faulks Road to Ariaria, the deflooding of the Ifeobara basin, reconstruction of Aba Road, Umuahia, the interchange (flyover) at Osisioma, the six-lane new Port Harcourt Road etc. These projects are yet to be completed but the outlines of his effectiveness in trying to translate the governor's vision was beyond question.
Regardless of the funding gaps arising from a paucity of funds, he is said to have aggressively pushed contractors to the limits. Based on his passionate support for the Administration and his relationship with the governor, he is not likely to be far-away from the sidelines supporting the governor and his administration. According to a statement from the Ministry of Information,the screening of the commissioner-nominees by House of Assembly,is expected to commence on Monday