By Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Saint)

History of politics and humanity would attest to the impact of Martin Luther King Jnr who fought with all diligence for the liberation of the black race in America. You would also agree with me that the famous speech, "I have a dream" set a new dimension in the society of that dispensation that has linger till today.

Abia is named Gods Own State due to the prevailing circumstances surrounding its birth. The, then, military administration had planned to expand the horizons of the South Eastern region.

More than 30 years down the lane, we have suffered evil-oriented leadership. Virtually, no leader has demonstrated full capacity and integrity in piloting the affairs of the state. It will unfair to treat our sickness with mere imposition of a consensus candidate from either the ruling party, PDP or the opposition.

Fellow Abian people, shall we fold our hands and waste another 4years of governance? Shall we place our destinies in half-baked, blurred visioned political representatives? Or shall we continually wish that goodies would flow from the bosom of Aladdin lamp? Not at all. Shall we continue to cry for development and technology driven economy when those heralding our affairs are solely for their selfish gains?

Gone are the days of mediocrity. Gone are the days of money politics. Gone are the says of ethnic, religious, or tribal politics. Today's decision will determine our future and the future of our children.

That period recorded unprecedented achievements ranging from sports awareness, civil service restructuring, youth empowerment and security conducive environment. Take note, I am no fan of either political leader or aspirants but a passionate Abian with a quest for progressive change in the state.

Needless to dwell on the insensitive government of Theodore Orji or the brutish and self-centered government of Ikpeazu.

Fellow statesmen and good people of Abia, we have suffered enough. When other indigenes of Anambra, Imo, Enugu and especially Ebonyi proud themselves of capital projects viz airports, world class medical facility, range of accredited higher institutions, prompt payment of pensioners and working staff, women and youth empowerment including support in agricultural produce. Our governor smells of what my Professor in school called, " sluggish slumber( excessive sleeping on duty). "

Fellow Abians, this is high time we say to no the antics of selfish politicians? Its high time we said no to party and embrace competence and capacity? If we fail to standup to this responsibility of ensuring our dear state gets good representation in all political quarters. Then we have failed our generation.

Brethren, i implore you, fellow youths and statemen, mothers and fathers. I appeal to you to make hay while the sun shines. Abia must be greater again. We are Gods own state. We remain loyal to the cause of positive change. A new Abia state is very possible if we choose and vote wisely a candidate of capacity and blueprint to feature in this new dispensation.

*Ifeanyi Ndukwe, is an Abia state born author and newspaper columnist. He writes from Awka*

*Convener, Arise, New Abia Movement (ANAM)*