₦airaland Forum

The PDP Governorship candidate for the 2023 general election in Abia State Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, has asked Nigerians to keep hope alive and pray for a better Nigeria, in his independence day message, the governorship hopeful said though we are celebrating our 62nd year as an independent nation, it should be a period of deep thinking and introspection.

He regretted that after a hard-fought battle by our forebears to achieve independence from our colonial masters that this day, ordinarily should have been a day of pride and joy for every citizen of the country but the realities of the day present otherwise.

The renowned Professor of Optometry, encouraged Nigerians to see this period as a time when we should sit back and ask ourselves, how we have fared as a nation? from once a very prosperous nation, richly blessed with abundant natural resources and a rich and productive economy, we are today ranked as one of the poorest nations in the world faced with a lot of self-inflicted challenges.

He advised Nigerians to owe it to themselves as a responsibility to once again realize their pride as a nation and change the narrative by being brave enough to hold leadership to account.

The former Vice Chancellor of Abia State University charged Abians to use this critical period of our lives to take the decision that will decide our collective fate as a people and make it a duty to interrogate those we intend to elect into offices, put their character, competence and preparedness to the test, and elect people with experience, proven honesty, and integrity,

The Frontline governorship hopeful advised the electors to use their PVCs and recruit leaders that can think along the lines of global best practices and apply them locally to achieve strategic development, elect leaders with ideas that will give us the opportunity to participate in the governance processes and accelerate infrastructural development, he advised the youths to shun violence and lawlessness and reject those whose only priority is self-enrichment at the expense of the rest of us.

Prof Ikonne expressed a strong belief that when elected, he will with the support of every Abian build a more prosperous and enduring Abia State where every one of us will prosper, he also used the opportunity to wish Abians a happy independence day celebration.


Uche Aguoru
Director E-Media/Publicity
Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organization

Prof. Ikonne the Courageous Leader Abia Needs

By Uche Aguoru

The general Elections will be coming up by February and INEC had consistently assured us that every single vote will count, candidates are now exploring different strategies to attract you to their sides, those who do not have any clear agenda for leadership see propaganda, lies, and deceit as the only tool to fraudulently achieve their selfish aim, while some want to further their continuous grasp on the state's finances, some have made it a duty to continually stand election even though they haven't been able to come open with a roadmap to the type of government to intend to lead but one candidate stands out.

In our environment, politics is often presented as a conversation between winners and losers, those who are for and those who are against a particular candidate, the masses lose in the long run when we are so divided along political lines that we leave issues behind.

Today more than ever we need a leader willing to cross lines, close the divide and carry everyone along by bringing people with great ideas together to solve the challenges we face as a state, a leader with the ability to collaborate, inspire, and not scared of having some tough conversations that can move us forward.

Democracy is not a spectator sport, it requires citizen participation and engagement on how they are governed, our collective choices have long-term impacts on government policy, budget allocations, and the community that gets created in the future.

We must choose our leaders carefully and decide the quality of leadership we want, we are all in agreement that the system we run is not perfect and we also believe that it can be greatly improved upon, and to achieve that, we need a leader who is willing and open to connect to the views of the citizens, we need a new kind of leader who will be courageous enough to stands for something, a leader who will think globally and strategize locally to achieve positive changes, a visionary leader who will create a framework of core competencies, set targets and achieve results.

We need a leader who will operate from a place of integrity and courage with a clarity of purpose, an honest and cerebral leader with a clear developmental mindset, someone who is brave enough to damn the odds, defeat the challenges, and drive Abia to an enviable destination.

That leader is Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, The PDP governorship candidate let's support him to give us a greater Abia.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

It has been brought to our attention a publication circulating in social media and credited to the former Abia state PDP Chairman, Sen. Emma Nwaka, where he was quoted to have denied having endorsed the governorship ambition of Prof. Uche Ikonne, the Abia PDP governorship candidate.

Prof. Ikonne in his avowed vision of unifying the state for accelerated development has extended similar courtesies to other well-meaning Abians, and party leaders not excluding former aspirants, and on Friday in the company of Amb. E. Philips and Rt Hon Uko Nkole, visited Sen Emma Nwaka in his Abuja residence, and at no time was the issue of endorsement discussed during the visit, these visits are consistent with his principle of providing inclusive leadership to all Abians as potential Governor come May 29th, 2023 by Gods Grace and at no time was the issue of endorsement discussed with Sen. Nwaka, thereby making the endorsement story, a figment of Sen. Nwaka's imagination.

It is most unfortunate that the respected elder statesman, a former senator of the federal republic and a former state party chairman of our great party Sen. Nwaka, will misrepresent the noble intentions of a friendly visit by Prof. Uche Ikonne, in the company of respected Abians like Hon. Uko Nkole and Amb. E. Philips, let us believe that he cannot, but whatever made him go to the extent of standing the truth on its head is very disturbing, because ordinarily, a man of his standing in society would have known better.

Let me also state here that Sen. Nwaka received Prof. Ikonne and his entourage warmly, attested to his character and competence, and also appreciated Prof. Icons benevolence, particularly in the area of human capacity, and empowerment which he (Sen. Nwaka) has benefitted from through his ward who Prof Ikonne gave pensionable employment during his time as Vice Chancellor of Abia State University Uturu. He also volunteered very wise and helpful counsel to Prof. Ikonne on issues to be addressed before the Governorship election next year for which Prof. Ikonne and his entourage remain grateful, but to turn around to make media claims of disclaiming an endorsement that never happened is simply unintelligible because at no time did such a discussion come up and there was never a media report anywhere alluding to that.

Prof. Ikonne, the incoming governor of Abia state is not looking for any endorsement from anyone because endorsements don't win elections, but the only approval that Prof. Icon appreciates is that given by the Abia electors who have already bought into his dictum of PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE and TIGER ECONOMY and have endorsed him to be their governor come May 29th, 2023.

Uche Aguoru

Director E-Media and Publicity
Uche Ndi Campaign Organization

Despite the propaganda and lies against him, Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, the PDP governorship candidate and incoming governor of Abia state has continued to forge ahead in his mission of reaching out to the electorates with his message of Participatory Governance and TIGER Economy which he is proposing to Abians, and without sounding boastful Prof Ikonne looks good to win the 2023 governorship election.


While he would not descend to the level of responding to the shenanigan being sponsored by the already failed opposition against him and his family, it is a well-established fact even to his detractors that Ikonne is the next governor of Abia state.

As part of their vain efforts to whittle down his popularity some spineless and cowardly opposition elements having failed in their efforts to cast a dent in the integrity of the erudite professor of optometry have resorted to sponsoring fugitives and lunatics to accuse the enterprising children of Prof. Ikonne of all imaginable shenanigan and series of rumours, including the most ridiculous one that his son impregnated the governor's daughter and another printing question papers when he was the rector of ABIAPOLY and Vice-chancellor of ABSU respectively.

Reading through their fabrications and lies any rational mind will immediately notice abuse of the sensibilities of the reading public to believe that responsible and hardworking children busy pursuing their professional endeavors in different parts of the world, whose paths have never crossed each other and have never shared the same oxygen under one roof would have ever contrived such amorous relationship.

Another question that we should ask those unintelligent liars is how possible it is, biologically speaking, that someone impregnated before a wedding in January will still be four months pregnant in September, is this not extreme abuse of the social media space, how do they imagine that the public can be that gullible?


These set of Yahoo Yahoo Politicians should tell Abians how they intend to improve their lives rather than hire some lunatics and fugitives to insult their sensibilities with unintelligently concocted cheap blackmail aimed at maligning reputable Abians and their innocent families

But like every determined leader, with clear-cut intentions and ideas to lift his people, Prof. Ikonne has remained focused and able to dismantle opposition through subtle and honest political moves devoid of propaganda which regrettably has become common to politicians in Abia state, rather than allowing petty lies and unbelievable propaganda to slow him down, Ikonne has remained focused in managing his political successes and has been working tirelessly towards expanding his support base.


In as much as we are aware of the antics of one chaffy politician who has recruited some fugitive hirelings hiding abroad to concoct and spin lies against Prof. Ikonne and his family, he has remained undistracted and focused on his agenda for the growth and development of our dear state. His achievements, integrity, and laudable works in public service speak for him.


My advice to these set of failed politicians and their hirelings is to appreciate the fact that to everything and everyone under the sun, there are times and seasons and this time is for Prof. Ikonne and no amount of lies and propaganda can stop him, their only option is to accept that power belongs to God and he gives it to whoever He wants irrespective of their lies and propaganda, Abians are smarter and wiser and they know that Ikonne means well, he is prepared, experienced, dogged and competent with a track record of excellence, sincerity, and untainted integrity.

Uche Ndi Abia Mee, Ala Juo Oyi

Aguoru

Writes From Umuahia

It has come to our notice a sponsored piece published on Thisday Newspaper, on the 13th of September 2022, titled ‘Ikpeazu’s Anointed Candidate Unprepared for Governorship" where the writer quoted the acclaimed leader of UkwaLaNgwa elders Council as saying that the Abia state PDP governorship candidate Prof. Uche Ikonne, admitted before a panel of eminent elders of UkwaLaNgwa that he is not prepared to be governor of the state, and we want to state that nothing could be more fallacious than that, while it has become obvious that the statement credited to Dr. Max Nduaguibe is not a true reflection of what transpired on the said meeting as testimonies from other eminent elders of the forum like the former Deputy Governor of Abia state Dr. Eric Acho Nwakanma, Sir GOC Nnaji, Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Don Ubani and the founder of the UkwaLaNgwa elders Council Barr. St Moses Ogbonna, have all contradicted the position of Dr. Nduaguibe, they have also come out to confirm that Dr. Nduaguibe is being economical with the truth and what he is saying is far from what transpired at the said meeting irrespective of the fact that Dr. Nduaguibe due to selfish reasons convened a meeting that was supposed to be a general meeting and selected only a few people to attend the meeting with a predetermined outcome while shutting out other prominent members of the group just to achieve a compromised end.

While we do not intend to go into the UkwaLangwa Elders Council politics we want to state that no other candidate in this race is more prepared to lead Abia at this time as the distinguished academic with an enviable and verifiable record of excellent performance in the public sector.

Prof. Ikonne made it clear from the onset that he is not being sponsored by anybody including the Governor, that he declared to run for the governorship of Abia state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, on his own volition and after due consultation with God and his immediate family and that made us wonder why the writer elected to brand him as "Governors Anointed" if not for reasons of undertaking a hatchet job paid fully by frustrated individuals whose ambition is to dig into the state's resources for personal enrichment

Prof. Ikonne is the most prepared and accomplished based on his cognate experience, and leadership qualities which are evidence-based, he is ready to tackle the challenges facing the state, and he is focused on giving our children quality education, and the citizens' good governance that will engender prosperity for every Abian.

Prof. Ikonne is not an accidental leader, he has a record of impressive accomplishments, he is armed with an excellent record of delivery in public service and will deliver an Abia state that future generations would be proud of.

He has the confidence, capacity, willpower, competence, courage, determination, and perseverance, he has identified the problems of Abia and he has the courage to take them headlong and make a solution out of them for the good of every well-meaning Abian.

With Prof. Ikonne as governor, Abians will experience a guaranteed tomorrow, and in his dictum of PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE, there will be sustainable development in all sectors be it infrastructure or economy and everybody will be engaged in one lucrative venture or the other and there will be jobs for everybody.

Prof. Ikonne is prepared and his government would give birth to a greater and more prosperous Abia.

Signed:

Okechukwu Charles
Convener: Ukwa La Ngwa Council of Elders (Youth Wing)

I, Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, on behalf my myself, my family, and the Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organization congratulate the governor of Abia state Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and Abians, as we celebrate Abia @31, let me commend especially the nation’s founding fathers, for their thoughtfulness and contributions towards the development, peace and unity of our dear state.

For us as stakeholders, we should not allow the dreams of a Greater Abia that our founding fathers envisioned to wither, but rather we should at every given opportunity work together and assist the government in our individual capacities to promote things that will strengthen our love for each other.

As leaders, rather than promote, divisiveness, rancour, and hate we should initiate policies, programs, and projects that will propel the economy to grow rapidly and improve the standard of living of the people, we should also seek to help the youths to explore their creative talents to produce goods and services which can compete with the best in the world.

We have all the potential to achieve a greater Abia given the foundation already laid by the present administration all that is required is to create a political environment where all Abians will be made to participate in and drive the visions of government through a transparent and inclusive process.

I once again congratulate the governor and the good people of Abia state on this important occasion

Long Live our great state, Abia

Sign

Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne
Abia PDP Governorship Candidate

The Executive Chairman, Umunneochi Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Ifeany Madu, will be honoured as one of the best performing Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria as he has emerged the winner of the 21st Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award (LOGMA 2022).
Chief Madu was nominated by members of the public for the category of best performance in local government administration in Nigeria and was massively voted for to emerge as one of the winners of the esteemed award in the area of Infrastructural Development.
Chief Madu had within his period in office as an executive chairman undertaken the construction of (1). Eight (� ultra-modern plazas for manufacturers & importers (2) Construction of Eziama Nneato Modern Secondary school. (3) Development & expansion of Eke Eziama to Ultra-modern market with 300 modern lockup shops
(4) Furnishing and Equipping of Umunneochi Council Legislative Chambers, currently ongoing (5. Registration of over 100 pupils in Umunneochi for 2021/2022 federal Unity Schools Entrance Examinations.
(6). Architectural setup & building of Eke Eziama Modern motor, Keke and okada park with shops, & conveniences.
(7). Ongoing perimeter fencing of FOB military base at Lomara Isuochi. (�. Clearing of a landslide at Leru/Ndawa road Umunneochi LGA. (9). Beautification of Umunneochi LGA council (10). Rural Electrification, reconnection of the council headquarters to the national grid and building of power generation house to the council area (11). Reconstruction of Eziama Town Hall
(12). Construction of a security tower & leveling of a 15ft hill being used by criminals as cover at Lomara/Nneato road around Spiritan university Umunneochi LGA. (13) Employment of over 100 teachers in Umunneochi in replacement of those retired from active service and ghost workers weeded out of the system. (14) Construction of access road from Eziama Nneato market to Obinaihu/Obulo Rd.
(15). Ongoing road construction from the filling station through the civic hall to Umuezihu road in Obinihu community
These are some of the projects that Chief Ifeanyi Madu has undertaken during his time in office, while some have been completed others are still in different stages of completion and will be completed for commissioning by Okezie in the next one month.
In a letter published by the organizers of the award event, they praised Chief Madu for his uncommon achievements in office given the financial and security challenges being experienced by his council, the letter reads “the panel of Judges and Nomination Committee of Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award (LOGMA) has unanimously chosen you as one of the worthy recipients of the esteemed award for 2022.
You have successfully passed through the various performance assessment stages; verification of reports from our field officers, and public opinion poll, in response to our Call for Nomination on radio, television, and national dailies. All these records proved that you have made exceptional and outstanding contributions to grassroots development.
Your commitment to service delivery and high sense of accountability, despite dwindling financial resources and security challenges in your Local Government Area is commendable.
You have demonstrated responsible and accountable political leadership that has made a positive impact on the lives of ordinary people in your local government and Nigeria in general. Particularly, your outstanding achievement in the area of INFRASTRUCTURAL DELIVERY.
This award is therefore packaged to celebrate excellence and enhance your present and future political endeavours.”
Accordingly, the Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Council, Chief Ifeanyi Madu has appreciated Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who had assisted him to achieve all these for Umunneochi people, he also thanked everyone who voted for him to emerge as one of the winners of the National Award and pledged his commitment to continue to do his best at every given time to the benefit of indigenes and residents of Umunneochi.

"THE ECONOMIC VISION I AM PROPOSING WILL TRANSFORM ABIA INTO GREATNESS, WHERE OUR PEOPLE WILL ENJOY ALL THE BASIC NEEDS, I WILL SECURE THE ENVIRONMENT BY STRENGTHENING OUR INDIGENOUS VIGILANTE AND MAKE FOOD AND HOUSING ABUNDANT, AND THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED AND MADE AFFORDABLE FOR ALL"

Credit: Prof. Uche Ikonne

These were the words of Prof Eleazar Uche Ikonne, the PDP Governorship candidate in the 2023 election.

Flipping through the pages of the book hosting the blueprint of Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne's vision for Abia state, one's heart will be gladdened and hopes reassured of a brighter and prosperous tomorrow with the visions and proposals of the erudite Professor of Optometry, a renowned administrator and academic of great repute on how to improve and re-engineer the economic potentials of our great state.

His economic reforms, if put to work will transform Abia into a great economy, Abia will be the pride of not just the southeast but the whole nation, Abia will champion regional economic rejuvenation and will become a role model for the entire nation, we will be greatly respected and admired in the comity of states.

We will experience a prosperous, vibrant, and thriving economy, and our production capacity will be greatly improved turning Abia into a prosperous state with a fast-growing industrial base, capable of producing the most basic needs of the people and exporting not just to other states but to some West African nations through a deliberate and realistic economic reform policy that is geared towards assisting industry players with soft loans, creating enabling environment and eliminating double taxation using technology.

Abia will experience a robust economy, where prosperity will be broadly shared by all irrespective of class, clan, or zone, and job creation and employment will be made tops in the order of priority.

There will be a significant and huge investment in infrastructure, SMEs, manufacturing, and agriculture, every LGA,s competitive advantage will be exploited and it's potential optimized to enhance industrial growth and job creation.

Prof. Ikonne is ready, he is the most experienced, he is known for matching words with action, and under his watch, Abia and Abians will prosper.

Uche Ndi Abia Mee, Ala Juo Oyi

Uche Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia.

A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in Abia state, Prince Paul Ikonne, has declared support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, Prof. Uche Ikonne.

The APC chieftain who is the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) pledged his support while receiving Ikonne at his residence in Aba and also described the PDP candidate as a perfect example of a true Abian who has always employed brilliant developmental ideas to transform any position entrusted to him.

He lauded Ikonne’s credentials, stressing that Abia under his watch, would witness massive development.

While commending Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu for his achievements in the area of human capital development, Small and Medium Enterprise, infrastructural development, the NALDA boss further pledged to do everything within his powers to support Ikpeazu’s succession plan.

He called on all Abia people to mobilize support for the PDP governorship candidate.

Earlier in his speech, Prof. Ikonne told the NALDA boss that the visit was to formally inform him of his interest to govern Abia come 2023.

The PDP candidate also extolled Ikonne’s sterling qualities as well as his achievements at NALDA, the state and country at large.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director, Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organization, Chief Ibe Nwadioha, thanked Prince Ikonne for his receiving the team.

Unbelievable as this may sound, the supposed Labour party Governorship candidate, who has at different times contested for the governorship of the state under three different political parties namely, PDP, APGA, APC and most recently Labour party, Mr Alex Chioma Otti may not stand as a candidate in the 2023 general election.

Our investigation revealed that Mr Otti, in filling his INEC forms refused to disclose his educational qualifications which are important for candidates vying for elections knowing that it is a constitutional precondition that qualifies one as a candidate of a political party.

In the case of Mr Otti, one is left to wonder if the omission of such vital information is intentional having been a serial contestant, who has lost elections at different times and in all the elections he has contested and at such should know INEC procedures more than any other contestant.

Mr Otti, in filling the forms did not also supply information as to where he has worked or positions he has held before joining active politics in 2014, an INEC official who pleaded that we leave his identity undisclosed said since 2015 Mr Otti, has not supplied INEC details of where he has worked or positions he has held in the past probably for fear of being associated with the running down of DIAMOND BANK which the management of the defunct bank had in the past alleged monumental mismanagement, intrigues, lapses and losses in the bank's resources which led to eventual take over of the bank by another commercial bank

He also went ahead to reveal that in the form submitted to INEC, Otti gave his LGA of Origin as Arochukwu and his voter's card was also registered in AROCHUKWU.

These revelations have reinforced Mr. Alex Otti's desperation and why he also chose a running mate from Ohafia in the same Abia North senatorial zone who also shares the same ARO ancestry with Dr Alex Otti.
Abians are advised to reject a desperate and serial election loser like Otti, who has no regard and respect for people from other clans or zones if he eventually gets cleared to contest the 2023 general election by INEC, though his chances at this time look very slim and unrealistic.

In a message signed by Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, and made available to the press, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abia state, described the victory of Sen. Ademola Adeleke in last Saturday's governorship election in Osun state as an inspiration to other governorship candidates of the party as they approach the 2023 general elections, he expressed confidence that the governor-elect will deliver on the much needed democratic dividends which the people of Osun have been yearning for.
He also advised the leadership of the party to work harder so as to ensure greater victory in the presidential election

Full Message....................

PROF. IKONNE CONGRATULATES OSUN GOVERNOR-ELECT SEN. ADEMOLA ADELEKE ON HIS ELECTION VICTORY.

I Prof. Uche Ikonne, the Abia PDP Governorship candidate on behalf of myself and the Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organization congratulates Sen. Ademola Adeleke on his election victory on Saturdays Governorship election in Osun state.

The Osun victory is a measure of the trust and confidence of the people of Osun State in the PDP and the person of Sen. Ademola Adeleke, your victory is inspiring to us, the PDP gubernatorial candidates, and a strong indication that Nigerians have embraced the true democratic leadership of PDP.

I am convinced that Sen. Adeleke will deliver on the much needed democratic dividends which the people of Osun have been yearning for, given his steadfastness, preparedness, and experience in governance and politics which gave him victory at the polls, I have no doubt that you will provide enduring leadership for the people of OSUN as you undertake the responsibility of governing them, it also reinforces our confidence in the ability of our party to record greater victories in the general elections.

Let me also congratulate our chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, and the National Working Committee of our great party, the PDP, on this significant victory, and urge them to double their effort towards making sure that the party takes over governance at the national level.

Sign.

Prof. Uche Ikonne
PDP Governorship Candidate
Abia State

ABIA PEOPLES CONGRESS CONDEMNS LABOUR PARTY,S ABIA NORTH-ABIA NORTH TICKET SAYS ITS AKIN TO APC,S MUSLIM-MUSLIM TICKET


Within the week Abians woke up to the shock over the news of Dr. Alex Otti, the labour party's governorship candidate from Arochukwu choosing Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu from Ohafia who also shares the same Aro ancestry with him as his running mate in the 2023 Abia governorship race.

This decision is not just an insult to millions of Abians but also confirms the truth we already know about Alex Otti being an agent of divisive politics and exclusionism.

Alex Otti, has never hidden the fact that he is a native of Arochukwu in Abia North senatorial zone and only uses Isiala Ngwa South for political conveniences, he built his country home which he boldly crested "NO PLACE LIKE HOME" and cannot in good conscience deny his Aro nativity This is totally unacceptable and should be rejected by anyone who means well to the state.

The state is made up of people who are highly qualified to be governors and deputies from the three senatorial zones and it has been the standard practice from the days of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu that once a governor comes from Old Bende the deputy should come to Ukwa/Ngwa and vice versa, but for Dr. Otti to chose someone from the same zone as himself as his running mate will rightly be likened to APC,s Muslim-Muslim ticket which has been roundly condemned by Nigerians.

Dr. Alex Otti has not only displayed his dislike for not just the Ukwa/Ngwa people, but he has also insulted other senatorial zones by choosing a deputy governorship candidate from the same zone where he is from.

For us, as a group, Dr. Alex Otti and his LP have lost the opportunity to compete favourably in the forthcoming election.

Abians who mean well for the state should rise and resist this politics of exclusion to the last because we believe there is more to this than meets the eyes.

We are concerned that Dr. Alex Otti, if allowed will institute a divisive political system that will exclude other sections of the state from participating or gaining from such a government if they eventually climb to power.

Every sincere leader should, first of all, seek the unity of the people he intends to rule and no leader will achieve any meaningful progress in an atmosphere of disunity occasioned by exclusion.

This is about all-inclusiveness, this is about equity, this is about justice, this is about peaceful co-existence with each other, with our neighbours. No zone wants to be in an acrimonious relationship with the other but unfortunately, Dr. Otti and his group want to introduce bitterness and acrimony into our political system by adopting such an insensitive ticket.

We urge Abians to reject it by not voting for Dr. Otti and his party as he will further deepen his divisive agenda rather than bring us together

Barr. Ekele Nwagboso
Secretary Abia Peoples Congress

The Abia PDP Governorship flag bearer Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne has described HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, as a role model to his contemporaries and the younger generation, the erudite Prof. of Optometry and former Vice Chancellor Abia state university Uturu said, owing to the contributions to the peace and unity of his kingdom, Abia state, and the nation at large that the monarch deserves to be celebrated.

The Message Reads.......


I, on behalf of my family, and the Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organization wish to convey my best wishes to His Royal Majesty Eze, Nnamdi Everest Ofoegbu, Diawa of Umudiawa Ancient Kingdom, and the chairman, Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, is a role model to his contemporaries and the younger generation owing to his contributions to the peace and unity of his kingdom, Abia state, and the nation at large.

Your majesty, You are known for your vocal contributions to the social, economic, and political development of the state.

you deserve to be celebrated for your passion for the growth and progress of Abia state.

As you mark your birthday anniversary, I wish you a longer and more prosperous reign on the stool.

Have a joyous birthday celebration.

Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne

Can Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, Correct The Injustice Against The Ohuhu People?

By Uche Aguoru

Over time Ikwuano/Umuahia has been a brotherly federal constituency with an unwritten understanding of how we share our representative seat at the federal and state levels with the aim of attracting even infrastructural, social, and economic development evenly across all the LGA,s.

lest we forget, the three LGA,s of Umuahia North/South and Ikwuano were the makeup of the then Odida Anyanwu district council, and so we have always been one from the days of the eastern region under the premiership of Dr. M.I. Okpara of blessed memory.

In Umuahia North Local Government Area, Ohuhu and Ibeku under a commonality of an unwritten understanding have shared political positions both elected or on appointments as brothers, though there are feelers that it has always been lopsided, the truth is that we have always had and kept to that understanding till date.

In Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency seat, Ohuhu had always given their full support to all those who represented us at the green chambers from 1999 till date, but it is shocking that Ohuhu does not have any project attracted by any of the representatives and sited in Ohuhu to the credit of any of these representatives past and present.

I, often come across people coming on social media to praise and thank Rt. Hon. Sloddy Adaelu, Ben Kalu, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Darlington Nwokocha, late Ossy Prestige, Nnenna Ukeje, Uko Nkole, and other Rep members for helping them to secure federal jobs, I have never seen anybody from Ohuhu who can lay claim to having gotten such job opportunities courtesy of our Rep members past and present despite our support.

In july 2017, my village, Amaogwugwu, and other surrounding communities in Ohuhu were flooded, houses, farmlands, schools, and churches were submerged, businesses and people’s livelihoods were lost, and our Representative Hon. Sam Onuigbo never cared to visit, it wasn’t necessary, afterall we have sent him videos, the properties and the lives of the people are not necessary, they are Ohuhu people, and their welfare doesn’t matter.

None of them despite enjoying our broadbased support, during their campaigning and also our votes have ever considered any Ohuhu son or daughter worthy enough to be carried along for a position as common as that of a legislative aide.

Ohuhu usually gets neglected after the victory dance, we are immediately forgotten as soon as they take their seats in Abuja, and all the promises they made during campaigning will get canceled.

These are the main reasons why Ndi Ohuhu insisted on having their turn at the just concluded primaries of all the political parties, Ohuhu is PDP and the party has spoken through a free and fair primary election.

Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, our brother, and friend won the party’s ticket and today he is the candidate of our great party for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency seat, as usual, we will give him our support and vote, and God willing he will emerge victorious at the general elections, but will he have the courage and will power to correct the perceived injustices against Ndi Ohuhu?

I trust Ikuku to do the right thing, I expect him to right those perceived wrongs, I believe he will correct the imbalance, he will do better, and he will surely deliver, there is no doubt about that, but will he carry Ohuhu along?

We will be asking him questions when he comes, we will present our challenges, gully erosion, graduate unemployment, dilapidated school buildings, and nonfunctional primary health centers.

Yes we Will Ask Those hard Questions and make demands.

We will expect him not just to give a response but to correct the injustice.

Aguoru
Writes from Umuahia

Opinion: Navigating Through The Challenges Of The Times, The Captain We Need

By Uche Aguoru

In times like this, states and even nations desire the services of brilliant men with brilliant ideas, men with vision whose mission will be to bring about a prosperous state or nation.

Given the challenging times, we are in, we need a leader who will provide sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development for our dear state.

A leader who has a well-articulated and achievable manifesto, whose pedigree, capacity and competence level will be open to all, one who has the creative ability to remodel our economy, the discipline and willpower to plug the revenue holes, generate revenue and revamp the state’s industrial potentials, create good wealth policies and articulate sustainable medical care for citizens, a leader who will work towards achieving a permanent solution to our security challenges.

A leader who is not coming with vendetta but armed with cognate experience and knowledge of our environment who can upon assumption of office tackle insecurity, jumpstart the economy and fastrack our infrastructure.

A leader who will make education, healthcare and the general welfare and progress of the citizenry uppermost in all his calculations.
A leader who will champion the development of the youths through sustainable and altruistic youth empowerment programs, and develop a program that will fund their training in ICT and advanced modern technology in specialized fields abroad.

A stabilizer who will develop a human capacity-building program to bridge the gap between the ordinary Abian, the youth, the political class, the market woman, the okada rider and the rich.

A people-oriented leader who is accessible to all and understands the plights of everybody.
A leader “Ga Eme Uche Ndi Abia”

That captain is Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, he has been tested and has proved that he can be trusted let’s give him our support and confidence then watch him navigate us to the Abia of our dreams.

Uche Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

"I have worked with you, you have the capacity to deliver, under your watch Abia will witness tremendous development deriving from your antecedents as Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University,
PDP made the right choice to pick you as its governorship candidate, you are experienced, competent, honest, and hardworking,
Congratulations, I am with you, count on my support and I am hopeful that with you as the governor, you will provide visionary and goal-oriented leadership"

Those were the words of His Excellency, General Ike Nwachukwu, a former military administrator of old Imo state, former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Abia State, former foreign affairs minister, etc. when Prof. Ikonne, the PDP governorship candidate in Abia state, paid a courtesy visit to the elder statesman in his Isuikwuato country home.

Credit: Uche Ndi Abia Media Team

The legislature is an assembly with the authority to make laws for a political entity, it will rightly be described as the most important arm of democratic governance since democracy is hinged on the rule of law.

The Business of legislation is one that has to do with experience, passion, dexterity, and capacity, that’s why in advanced democracies you will see senators who have represented their zones for upwards of 20 years and counting, but because of the age and type of democracy we practice in Nigeria which permits people to personally enrich themselves at the expense of the people they represent, it becomes difficult for a people to allow representatives the opportunity of longevity in service both at the federal and state levels.

The resultant effect is such that most often, constituencies elect freshers who will spend half of their tenure learning the business of legislation which in turn reduces their abilities to attract developmental dividends to the people they represent.

The truth remains that Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency has not been very lucky when it comes to representation at the green chambers, one can’t readily point to any standing project be it in human capital or infrastructural development not even the core mandates of representation, oversight and lawmaking have they performed better compared to their counterparts from other constituencies such as Obingwa /Osisioma/ Ugwunagbor under ( Rt. Hon Sloddy Adaelu, Bende Under Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Arochukwu/Ohafia ( Hon. Uko Nkole) or Hon. Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha in Umunneochi/Isuikwuato federal constituency.

It is no longer news that Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinannya Orji, has indicated interest to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia in the green chambers, given his impressive performance records, knowledge, experience, capacity, and competence as the leader of the house and the speaker of the 7th Abia House of Assembly, will he give us the effective representation we have been denied of for 23 years and counting, will he make a positive difference, and bring home the developments and federal attractions that we have been denied of for the past two decades?

Uche Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Governance is not show business, it is a serious business.
Through governance, lives have been saved and lost too.

At the dawn of the second phase of this nascent democracy, most of us were privy to the government of a certain young business man. Abians accepted him thinking that he was a serious business man but he ended up a neophyte who traded more on Okirika than on fiscal policies .

He could not distinguish between Governance, trading and show biz.
He ended a disaster with baggage of incompetence .
The rest is history only reserved for the hindsight.

Who remembers Festac'77 and the associated gliteratti?
It ended a huge show but with needless waste of Nigerian resources .
That was the definition of governance by a certain Juvenile.
I remember the historic statement credited to the young man then, " that the problem of Nigeria is not money but how to spend it". Today we know how to spend the money but inflation wouldn't let us.

Decades later,we are still on the trenches grasping for breath while licking our self inflicted wounds, because we allowed an exuberant youth to steer the big ship of our destiny. We haven't got it right yet.
We may pay for our negligence longer if we don't learn.

Governance is not tea party.
It is a serious business reserved for MEN.
Such men must not be inexperienced, but schooled in the art of governance, with a traceable antecedent and forceable future,not giving to permutations and emotionality but rich in wisdom, native and urbane.
Governance demands experiential knowledge, cognate leadership exposure and a verifiable result oriented,result driven public service career.

As we reminisce on the history of the lack lustre yester years, another future beckons.

We can't risk it lest we face the dire consequences.

Governance is not like Yahoo Yahoo, neither is it Nairabet.
It is a serious business. I repeat, a serious business.
It involves knowledge, skill ,wisdom and experience .

Another promising future beckons but not for the idealist, not for the show men but for realists, who have tested the waters once or more.

I insist...
That the demands of Governance, in the 21st century, are far from the ludicrous.
It's not for Juveniles.

Some minimal considerations like who he is, where he has previously functioned, public or private sector, will suffice .
Citizens will equally interrogate his cognate industry experience, discipline and maturity.

Because we can't afford to gamble with neophytes again, efforts will be made, intentionally, to recruit the best hands, devoid of primordial sentiments, clannishness and exuberance.

Without sounding immodest, Professor Eleazar Uche Ikonne meets the spec.
An imperfect Ikonne, with comparative advantage of age ,public sector experience coupled with the vigor of an ex US Army, legal practitioner and seasoned politician deputy, is better than the others put together .

Because Prof is familiar with the ropes he is less likely to fall.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Prof. Uche Ikonne, has charged Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly candidates of the PDP in Abia state to be magnanimous in victory.

Professor Ikonne made the call during the presentation of certificates of return to those who emerged victorious at the recently conducted PDP primary elections in the state, he told them to bear in mind that they are like a football team with him as the captain and that nothing short of total victory from the House of Assembly, the Reps, Senate and Governorship is expected, he also advised them to be magnanimous in victory and embrace those that contested election against them while describing the primary election as a family affair.

Addressing the candidates, the state chairman tasked them to embark on reconciliation with others who contested against them and to also ensure that they won't make any mistakes in filling their forms to avoid unnecessary litigations as he cannot afford to lose any seat.
The event which was held Tuesday at the State Party Secretariat in Umuahia saw the party Chairman Rt. Hon. Allwell Asiforo issuing certificates of return to all the candidates of the party including Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the speaker of the Abia State house of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji and his deputy Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu who won the Senatorial and House of Representatives tickets respectively.

Others who received their Return Certificates include, Senator MAO Ohuabunwa, former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. ACB Agbazuere, Chief Lucky Johnson, Mr Ugochukwu Ezeocha, Hon. Barrister Jerry Uzosike, Pastor Ugochukwu Uchegbu, Elder Erondu Uchenna Erondu etc.

Recall that the former Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University and the Abia PDP governorship candidate had earlier on Tuesday received his certificate of return from the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.


Dignitaries who accompanied Prof. Ikonne to the event include The DG Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organisation, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Elechi, Deputy Director Abia South, Chief Ibe Nwadioha, Member Representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Okey Igwe, Chief Randie Ukawoko, among others

#UcheNdiAbia2023

A National Colloquium to mark the 50th birthday of Barr. Kingston Ezeugo Chikwendu, was on Friday the 3rd of June 2022 held in Umuahia, the Abia state capital,

Speaking at the event held at the International Conference Centre, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman, Board of Trustees of A.O Chikwendu Foundation, Rtd. Justice Benjamin Njemanze congratulated the celebrant on his birthday ceremony. He assured that the members of the Foundation would do their best to ensure that the Foundation will stand.

Delivering a lecture on the theme "Building The Framework For Social Inclusion And Returning Nigeria To The Path Of Prosperity In The Covid-19 Context", the key presenter and Dean, Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Professor Ugoeze Ngozi Nwosu, described social inclusion as a policy designed to ensure inclusive participation of every member of the society regardless of their background or specific characteristics.

She identified those mostly excluded to include; women and girls, people with disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities, migrants and internally displaced persons among others, Professor Nwosu said, Nigeria has missed social inclusion through ethnicism, decayed infrastructural facilities, corruption, etc. and emphasized that all hands must be on deck in order to pursue a positive and workable framework for social inclusion in Nigeria.

She said that Covid-19 escalated the problems of social inclusion and insisted that if Nigeria must return to the path of prosperity there must be an attitudinal change. She recalled a very close and robust relationship between her family and the family of Late Chief Andrew Ogbonna Chikwendu, father of the celebrant, and congratulated the celebrant.

Contributing, some Discussants including Chief Enyinnaya Onokala, Dr. Nuhu Habib, who joined virtually and Chief Chijindu Osuagwu saluted the key presenter for delivering a great lecture and insisted that inclusiveness is the way to go in order to deliver a more sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

They agreed that Covid-19 compounded the problems of Nigeria but stressed the need for all Nigerians to tell themselves the truth and restructure her political system.

The Discussants commended Barr. Kingston Chikwendu for using his 50th birthday ceremony to advance knowledge of social inclusiveness in Nigeria and described him as an enigma while congratulating him on his golden jubilee birthday.

In their goodwill messages, the Abia State Head of Service, Sir. Onyii Wamah, the mother of the celebrant, Mrs. Rose Chikwendu, the elder brother, Mr. Azubuike Chikwendu,, and one of his cousins, High Chief Uche Aguoru congratulated Barr. Kingston Chikwendu on his 50th birthday and prayed to God to bless him. They appreciated his decision to institute a Foundation in memory of his late father and urged him to sustain its ideals.

Responding, the celebrant, Barr. Kingston Ezeugo Chikwendu said he was full of gratitude to God for helping him to attain the golden age. He said he held the colloquium to encourage people, especially having passed through many challenges after losing his father at age 7, adding that the establishment of the Board of Trustees of A.O Chikwendu Foundation in memory of the late father was to sustain the legacies of the father and thanked all those that came from far and near to celebrate him.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of A.O Chikwendu Foundation, a foundation established in honour of his father, late Chief Andrew Ogbonna Chikwendu.

Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of the Board of Trustees of A.O Chikwendu Foundation, rendition of birthday songs, and display of cultural dances led by King Professor Obewe, while the event attracted the presence of former Head of Service, Barr. Ngozi Chikwendu, an array of Traditional Rulers, the President General, Ohuhu Welfare Union, and High Chief Obi Aguocha among other high profile government functionaries and dignitaries from across the country.

The deputy speaker of Abia state House of Assembly and the PDP flag bearer for Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu has been honoured with the Most Outstanding Deputy Speaker of the year 2021 Award at an event organized by Champion Newspapers Ltd.

Receiving the award, Rt. Hon. Uchendu, thanked God, the Governor of Abia State Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu Ikpeazu PhD and the good people of Arochukwu\ Ohafia, for making it possible for him to receive such a prestigious award.

He dedicated the award to Governor Ikpeazu and thanked his boss the Speaker of Abia state Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji who he said gave him the platform to excel.

He called on the good people of Arochukwu\Ohafia federal constituency to rally around him and vote for the PDP in the coming election so as to see greater democratic dividends.

Speaking to newsmen after the award, Rt. Hon. Uchendu, said if elected he will attract federal presence and infrastructure to the constituency and ensure effective representation for the people of Arochukwu\Ohafia federal constituency, he promised not to let them down but to ensure that Arochukwu\Ohafia is effectively represented.

Fellow Abians and the PDP Family,

I, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, deeply appreciate the trust that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party through our democratically elected delegates gave to me to bear the flag of the party as its governorship candidate in the 2023 general election.

To me, this is not just a victory but a generous expression of support and confidence on the part of the PDP and Abians in general.

I sincerely express my immense gratitude to the leader of the party in the State and the Governor of Abia State. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Let me salute the chairman of our great party the PDP Rt. Hon. Allwell Asiforo Okere, and all members of the state working committee of the party for ensuring a free and fair primary election.

To all the members of the Uche Ndi Abia Campaign Organization, led by our indefatigable Director-General, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Elechi, I must say I am very proud of you all, I want to also use this opportunity to acknowledge your sincere efforts and commitments towards the realization of this project even though the major battle is still in-front.

It is an enormous privilege and honour to be entrusted with the governorship ticket of this party and I am deeply conscious of that privilege and honour at this time.

To my fellow aspirants, we have all fought gallantly according to our respective characteristics and dispositions for the party's ticket, I believe it is the beauty of democracy and we are all conscious of the fact that at the end of the contest only one candidate will emerge, having realized that, let's take it all in the spirit of brotherliness and sportsmanship as I call on all of us to please in the interest of our beloved party and the state show patriotism and selfless loyalty to the party by joining hands to deliver the party in the general elections.

With the primary elections over, there is an even greater obligation before us and with the collective and sincere effort of all of us, we will defeat our opponents and maintain the lead as the ruling political party in the state. “Yes, we can.”

I, Professor Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, the governorship candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general elections, on behalf of my family and the Uche Ndi Abia Campaign organization, wish to thank everyone that contributed in one way or the other towards making this day a reality and I so commit that with utmost trust in God, cognate experience, full hearts and steady hands, with faith in Abia, the PDP our great party and in each other, with selfless love for our dear state and standing on the foundation already laid by the present administration we will build a state that we will all be proud of.

Thank you

May God bless all of us.

Sign

Prof. Uche Eleazar Ikonne
PDP Governorship Candidate

The Inaugural National Colloquium to mark the 50th birthday ceremony of Barrister Kingston Ezeugo Chikwendu will be holding at the International Conference Center Umuahia on Friday, June 3rd, 2022 by 8.30 am with its theme: "CONVERSATION TOWARDS SOCIAL REBIRTH"

The colloquium will feature as its Keynote Speaker Prof. Ngozi Nwosu, Dean faculty of education, Nasarawa State University with the topic "Building the framework for social inclusion and returning Nigeria to the path of prosperity.

Other discussants include Barrister Kenneth Ikonne, Legal Practitioner/Public Affairs Analyst, Dr. Nuhu Habib, Special Assistant to the President on Petroleum & Natural Resources Development and Production (NUPRC), Dr. Mrs. Eleanor Nwadinobi, Consultant Specialist/Medical Doctor, Mr. Obinna Nwosu, Financial Expert/Public Affairs Analyst, Chief Enyinnaya E. Onokala Consultant/Businessman.

The chairman of the event will be Justice Benjamin A, Njemanze, Rtd. Chief Justice of Imo State while traditional rulers, federal and state lawmakers, Speakers of State houses of Assembly, ministers of the federal republic, political leaders, captains of industries, and the general public are expected to grace the occasion.

Sign............

The National Coordinating Committee of Kingston@50

Arrangements for the inaugural colloquium of Barrister Ezeugo Kingston Chikwendu, scheduled to hold on Friday, June 3rd, 2022 is in top gear, the high-powered policy roundtable, with its theme: "CONVERSATION TOWARDS SOCIAL REBIRTH" will be held at the International Conference Center Umuahia.

The colloquium will feature as its Keynote Speaker Prof. Ngozi Nwosu, Dean faculty of education, Nasarawa State University with the topic "Building the framework for social inclusion and returning Nigeria to the path of prosperity".

The Colloquium is part of events marking the 50th birthday of Barrister Chikwendu, other discussants include Barrister Kenneth Ikonne, Legal Practitioner/Public Affairs Analyst, Dr. Nuhu Habib, SSA to the President on Natural Resources and Petroleum and Executive Commissioner, Development and Production Dr. Mrs. Eleanor Nwadinobi, Consultant Specialist/Medical Doctor, Mr. Obinna Nwosu, Financial Expert/Public Affairs Analyst, Chief Enyinnaya E. Onokala Consultant/Businessman.

Justice Benjamin A Njemanze, Rtd. Chief Justice of Imo State is expected to chair the inaugural high-powered policy roundtable, while traditional rulers from across the state and beyond are expected to grace the occasion. the event is scheduled to start at 8.30 am with adequate security in place.

The colloquium will mark the 50th birthday of this highly successful lawyer and public servant who started his law practice in 1999 and currently serves as a Manager, Petroleum Industry Act Implementation and Quality Control in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Prior to his current position, he had served as Manager and Deputy Legal Adviser of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Before Joining the DPR in 2003, he was the acting Company Secretary and Legal Adviser to Linkserve Limited, a foremost indigenous telecommunication company that pioneered the provision of internet services in Nigeria.

In his 18 years of active career with the DPR, he participated in multiple national and international assignments, membership in various national Committees and ad-hoc task forces, he participated in various international discourses such as Bilateral and multilateral Meetings between Nigeria and numerous other countries.

The Amaogwugwu, Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA, born lawyer, holds a master's degree in Petroleum Law and Policy from the prestigious Centre for Energy Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) of the University of Dundee, Scotland as well as various certificates and Diplomas obtained from national and international training programs, seminars, and courses, he is a proud Alumni of Harvard University Executive Education.

Barr. Chikwendu had also served on the Legal Committee of the International Seabed Authority (ISA)

The event is expected to host eminent personalities including federal and state lawmakers, Speakers of State houses of Assembly, ministers of the federal republic, political leaders, and captains of industries, among others.

It is so laughable that a bunch of losers will gather together to go and launch complaints at the PDP headquarters about a yet to be held election, most laughable is the fact that all of them after boasting of their influence, national might, money, connection, and power will now turn out to be ones crying having seen a clear defeat by the man whom God has anointed.

That proves the biblical quote "that he who is with God is with the majority" this is a clear sign that they have lost and all their gang up against a man whom God has anointed as the biblical David will amount to nothing.

Prof. Ikonne, is God's anointed and Abians have chosen him as the man to lead them to the promised land so no amount of gang-up will alter Gods plan for Abians.

Brace up for the defeat, come Wednesday 25th of may, Prof. Uche Eleazar Ikonne will be elected in a landslide victory as the PDP candidate and will also go ahead to win the general election, he will be sworn in on the 29th of May 2023 as the duly elected governor of Abia State.

The Bible said it all in Psalm 27:3 " Though an army encamps against me, my heart will not fear; Though war arises against me, Even in this I am confident."

It is God's wish and Uche Ndi Abia for the year 2023.

Uche Ndi Abia Mee, Ala Juo Oyi

Across the nation, we are burdened with biting economic, insecurity, and several other challenges that are drawing back our growth as a people, especially in the southeast. as the 2023 general election is fast approaching, we are faced with the herculean task of voting in leaders that will provide solutions to these numerous challenges that have become an everyday nightmare for our people and government.

While other sister states are still searching for a leader with strength of character and a sound mind that they can trust to lead them at this time, Abia is blessed with an astute leader with the acumen and Midas touch to create wealth, transform the economy and redeem its infrastructure at this critical time, It is against this background that we won't go wrong if we drop our periscope on a technocrat, a teacher, an astute administrator, a man well-read and connected, yet very humble, a character molder, firm in principles and character, amiable but very intolerant to Indiscipline, corruption, and lousiness to duty.

This accounts for why other aspirants are floundering, communicating poorly, indulging in lies and cheap propaganda, and not providing, trustworthy information about themselves to Abians, Prof. Uchenna Eleazar Ikonne is following through with verifiable evidence of his excellent performance records and unblemished stewardship in public service for over 3 decades.

In the words of this erudite Professor of Optometry, “Leaders must endeavour to make good governance their watchword. They can do this by placing a premium on participatory, accountable, responsive, transparent, and efficient leadership. Good governance inspires a people, keeps both the leader and the led in high spirit and imbues in them a deep sense of patriotism and commitment to hard work and service delivery”

Prof. Ikonne has understudied the economic potentials that abound in every part of the state, with Aba, Enyimba city housing the largest number of cottage industries, local manufacturing firms, and SMEs across the west coast of Africa, coupled with the foundation already laid by the present administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, he will transform Enyimba city to the commercial and industrial destination of choice for all west and central African states.

He recognizes that a manufacturing economy enables job creation, attracts investors in all sectors of the economy, and will provide more employment opportunities to our teeming population he is therefore in touch with Abians in diaspora and other foreign firms who are willing to invest and champion an industrial revolution in Aba.

Given his background he will not neglect our elder citizens (Pensioners), the civil servants, and the Abia populace, but will rather treat them with dignity, he will leverage on the already established infrastructural foundation to fastrack the construction of basic infrastructure such as roads, water, good schools, basic health care, etc.

Inclusive development of the state is his highest priority, If given a chance to govern Abia, he will unlock all constraints to ensure that economic growth is enhanced, inclusive, and sustainable.

Prof. Ikonne is loaded with cognate experience and stands taller than any other aspirant, lets support him to place Abia on a faster lane of development.

Uche Ndi Abia Mee, Ka Ala Juo Oyi

Aguoru

Writes From Umuahia

Chief Ndidi Okereke, former PDP chairman has indicated his support for Prof. Uche Ikonne's governorship ambition.
He disclosed this while receiving a high-powered delegation of the Uche Ndi Abia 2023 governorship campaign team led by Prof. Uche Ikonne that paid him a courtesy visit in his country home, Umunneochi on Tuesday.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, the frontline PDP governorship hopeful, said, he came to pay Chief Okereke, an old-time friend a private visit, and that he is pleased that he convened all the PDP delegates and stakeholders in Umunneochi to come and receive him in his country home and assured them that he won't disappoint Umunneochi if elected governor.

In his response, Chief Okereke said, Prof. Ikonne is a competent and experienced person and that he is very certain that he will deliver dividends of democracy to all Abians.

“Prof. Ikonne is a material without an iota of clannishness but with a rich history of positive achievements, possesses the capacity to Fastrack economic, infrastructural and human capital development across the state, I am hundred percent in support of him,” he said.
Chief Okereke called on Abians to support him considering his wealth of experience in administration.

Also speaking, Chief Ifeanyi Madu, the LGA Chairman of Umunneochi, said he is happy that Prof. Ikonne, presented himself to serve at this time and assured him of his full support and that of all Umunneochi delegates and stakeholders, he prayed to God to make Prof. Ikonne's ambition smooth and successful.

Also Present to receive Prof. Ikonne and his team is the former member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia House Of Assembly, Hon. Chief Ikedi Ezekwesiri

Prof. Ikonne plans quietly, operates covertly, displays caution, patience, and wisdom, builds bridges, seeks unity, establishes alliances, identifies new friends, pursues a common and collective interest, and is strategic in all his ways always, these are some of the factors that have contributed to Prof. Ikonne's successes in his life and career.

While his foray into politics comes with a mighty credential hardly matched by any of his contemporaries, he has concentrated his message on his vision and mission as to why an accomplished technocrat of such high repute and credential will venture into politics in a state like Abia where politics has been left for the career politicians.

His adversaries having been dwarfed by his capacity, courage and elephantine pedigree have resorted to the peddling of falsehood and propaganda, doctoring of pictures, and telling barefaced lies about his public service status and age even when such is public information that can be gotten by the punch of his name in any nearby computer.

But what is most comforting is that I haven't seen any of them including their hired propagandists and social media hatchet men question Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne's COMPETENCE.

Quality and productive leadership is a mindset that has never been achieved through accidental or mundane ambition, check history every successful leader has a history of preparedness.

Out of all the people vying to become the governor of Abia state after governor Ikpeazu's exit in 2023, I can state without ambiguity that none of them possesses the experience, excellent leadership attributes, and hunger for sustainable human capital, infrastructural and economic development found in Prof. Ikonne.

The erudite Professor of optometry, Ugo Mmuta, Ndi Abia, is a pregnant genius and a methodical mind with a deeper passion for finesse and excellence, his template for Abia development when unveiled will turn Abia into a mecca of industrial activities, E-Commerce, and a center for educational tourism in West Africa.

Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, came Prepared and his political towering frame accounts for why his opponents are AFRAID of him knowing that, PROF. UCHE ELEAZAR IKONNE, IS THE MAN TO BEAT.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Prof. Ikonne plans quietly, operates covertly, displays caution, patience, and wisdom, builds bridges, seeks unity, establishes alliances, identifies new friends, pursues a common and collective interest, and is strategic in all his ways always, these are some of the factors that have contributed to Prof. Ikonne's successes in his life and career.

While his foray into politics comes with a mighty credential hardly matched by any of his contemporaries, he has concentrated his message on his vision and mission as to why an accomplished technocrat of such high repute and credential will venture into politics in a state like Abia where politics has been left for the career politicians.

His adversaries having been dwarfed by his capacity, courage and elephantine pedigree have resorted to the peddling of falsehood and propaganda, doctoring of pictures, and telling barefaced lies about his public service status and age even when such is public information that can be gotten by the punch of his name in any nearby computer.

But what is most comforting is that I haven't seen any of them including their hired propagandists and social media hatchet men question Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne's COMPETENCE.

Quality and productive leadership is a mindset that has never been achieved through accidental or mundane ambition, check history every successful leader has a history of preparedness.

Out of all the people vying to become the governor of Abia state after governor Ikpeazu's exit in 2023, I can state without ambiguity that none of them possesses the experience, excellent leadership attributes, and hunger for sustainable human capital, infrastructural and economic development found in Prof. Ikonne.

The erudite Professor of optometry, Ugo Mmuta, Ndi Abia, is a pregnant genius and a methodical mind with a deeper passion for finesse and excellence, his template for Abia development when unveiled will turn Abia into a mecca of industrial activities, E-Commerce, and a center for educational tourism in West Africa.

Prof. Eleazar Uche Ikonne, came Prepared and his political towering frame accounts for why his opponents are AFRAID of him knowing that, PROF. UCHE ELEAZAR IKONNE, IS THE MAN TO BEAT.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Re-Reject Ikonne And Replicate What Happened In Ebonyi State In 2015 – Chief Charles Ogbonna Charges Abia Delegates

By Chris Nwachukwu


Lately, Chief Charles Ogbonna, who goes by the street name Evuleogu has been running from one media house to the other like a mad man who escaped from a psychiatric hospital without his drugs, ranting, wailing, and telling anybody who cares to listen how he made Dr. Ikpeazu, governor, and how he (Ikpeazu) has refused to hand over governance to his chosen puppet Chima Anyaso whom he had initiated into his infamous Okija shrine politics.

let me remind Charles Ogbonna, that it is only God that makes leaders, and if he had such powers as he goes about claiming, he would have made himself governor and not look for Chima Anyaso who he is scamming with a failed hope of making him governor from Okija shrine.

Charly Ogbonna appears to be enjoying the controversy having gone politically rusty since Dr. Ikpeazu's political ideology does not accommodate his fetish and the unproductive idea of politics where libations pouring and devilish oaths taking are used to cage leaders and make them subservient only to their selfish interests rather than the interest of Abians who deserve good governance, that also accounts for why he singled out Prof. Uche Ikonne amongst all those aspiring to be governor of Abia state come 2023 and was asking delegates to reject Prof Ikonne because he knows Prof. Ikonne‘s character and he is fully aware that he will not be deceived or pushed around by fetish ordinances.

Charly Ogbonna is in severe pain because he is headed for political retirement come May 2023 and may go back as a meat vendor and local butcher since he has no known trade or profession outside politics, the only reason why he is telling delegates not to vote for any aspirant who enjoys the support of Governor Ikpeazu is that the successive government after Dr. Ikpeazu's administration by the grace of God will be headed by Prof. Uche Ikonne who is a practicing Christian, an erudite professor and technocrat of unblemished reputation and will have no place for Okija shrine politicians like Charles Ogbonna and other agents of underdevelopment.

It has become very imperative that I remind Abians that Charles Ogbonna was dropped as the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs over monumental corruption and self-enrichment wherein he gave multi-million naira contracts to his son, or do I even need to tell Abians about his inglorious tenure as Umuahia North LGA chairman.

And I dare ask, on which moral pulpit is such a man of ignoble character, an apostle of fetish political practices, an agent of corruption and underdevelopment be standing to advise delegates on who to vote and not to vote.

Let me remind Charly Ogbonna that the era of Okija Shrine politics is over and Abia has moved on and headed towards a faster lane of infrastructural, social, economic, and human capital development, Evuleogu let me address your fears, you have become a political destitute and your rantings will be regarded as coming from the last enclave of Okija Shrine politician, but I promise to plead with Prof. Ikonne, if I have the opportunity of meeting with him, having known him as a kind man, to look after politicians like you irrespective of your sins.

Your Excellency, your compassionate supportive contributions to the development of the State and your relentless effort at helping the less privileged cannot go unrewarded. You have been a worthy partner to the Governor, your husband, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu(Ph.D)

Your pet project, the VICAR HOPE FOUNDATION have facilitated execution of many projects to assist the poor; the less privileged; and humanity in general.
We are proud of you.

On behalf of Uche Ndi Abia 2023 Campaign Organization, we felicitate with you on this well deserved honour as the winner of The Sun Most supportive First Lady award. Congratulations.

Signed:
Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Chinedum Elechi
(Director- General, Uche Ndi Abia 2023 Campaign Organization)