₦airaland Forum

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)

Essential Piece of Advice To Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu On His Politics Of Deceit, Bitterness, Sectionalism And Propaganda Of Calumny.
By Abia Truth Vanguard.
1st May, 2022.

Abia Truth Vanguard has observed with dismay deceit, bitterness and propaganda of calumny being unpatriotically and irresponsibly orchestrated by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Dr Ude Oko Chukwu, using his gubernatorial campaign outfit, UDEABIA, as a platform.

Dr Ude Oko Chukwu has been a long-term principal beneficiary of the democratic political system in Abia State. He has been consecutively a 3-time Member of Abia State House of Assembly. In his third tenure in the House, Chukwu, who represented Ohafia-North State Constituency, was elected Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

While he was serving as Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, he was drafted into being the running-mate of Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu who was Governorship Candidate of PDP in Abia State. With victory crowning their electoral efforts in 2015, Ude Oko Chukwu became the Deputy Governor of Abia State.

By next year, May 2023, Ude Oko Chukwu would be rounding off his eight years as Deputy Governor of Abia State. He is the first Deputy Governor to have the unusual privilege of serving for more than a tenure without being impeached and, of course, it is just because Governor Okezie Ikpeazu believes in getting along with people. This, therefore, means that Ude Oko Chukwu would have had unbroken twenty years of exceptionally-priviledged position in Abia State, starting from May 2003.

It would be needless to mention that either as Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly or Deputy Governor of the State, Ude was, in every ramification, a beneficiary of what he now calls ‘god-fatherism’.

Is it not, therefore, hypocritical of Ude Oko Chukwu to campaign that he would liberate Abia State from god-fatherism that he has severally benefitted from?

On the day Ude Oko Chukwu visited Ukwa-West PDP Delegates, he allegedly indecently lamented the plight of the People of Ukwa-West. According to reports by some of the Delegates, he accused the State Government of neglecting Ukwa-West, the only Oil-Producing Area of the State, in terms Roads, Electricity, Employment and General Development.

Hypocritically, Ude Oko Chukwu pretended to have forgotten that as a Speaker, he refused to bring about any legislation that could have been beneficial to the People of Ukwa-West as the only Golden Hen that lays the Golden Egg.

As Deputy Governor that benefitted incomparably immensely from his Boss, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, he has more than Sixty Aides; Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants. Ohafia Local Government Area from where Ude Oko Chukwu hails is made up of three distinct geo-sections; Ohafia, Abiriba and his native Mkporo. Of all the Sixty Aides Governor Okezie Ikpeazu approved for Ude Oko Chukwu, he gave none either to Ohafia or Abiriba.

As Deputy Governor, there is hardly any month he goes home with any thing less than Fifty Million Naira ( N50M). It is on record that he has never given even a kobo to any person from either Ohafia or Abiriba. Rather, he is always driven by inferiority complex to think of suppressing the collective interest of both Ohafia and Abiriba Peoples whom he hates for allegedly treating his people with scorn as common labourers in the years gone by.

Even amongst the Communities of Nkporo, his has a clear-cut policy of discrimination against those who are not from his own section of Nkporo. Known for his violent inclinations, not long ago, it was alleged that he armed some hoodlums who are his paid thugs to wreck havoc against a section of Nkporo. He arrogates to himself the title of the only cork that should crow in Nkporo. But he forgets that no condition is perfect. Rt Honourable Arua Arunsi, from another Community in Nkporo, was the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly in 1992 when Ude Oko Chukwu was nowhere to be mentioned. He did not suppress any body in Nkporo or any part of Ohafia Local Government Area.

Governor Ikpeazu’s Media Team has never portrayed Ude Oko Chukwu in a bad light. What appears to be a difference in relationship is the advocacy by the Peoples of Old Aba Senatorial Zone that they should govern Abia State for, at least, Sixteen Years because their neighbours of Umuahia Senatorial Zone had earlier governed for Eighteen Years.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is a human-being and should be sensitive to equity. He is, therefore, expected to align with the justifiable pursuit of Equity which in this instance is in favour of his indigenous Peoples of Aba Senatorial Zone, as evidently documented in Abia Charter of Equity which is the basis upon which Abia founding fathers sought for the creation of Abia State.

Before now, Ude Oko Chukwu had been pretending to be loyal. Ironically, he is the most disloyal Deputy Governor anywhere in the world. His pretence merely camouflaged his disloyalty long before now because of the exceptional accommodating and tolerant nature of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

If Ude Oko Chukwu were really as loyal as he had pretended to be, he would naturally have seen the glaring case of equity in his Boss’ conviction that the Old Aba Senatorial Zone should enjoy reciprocal favour of governing to the extent of time that Old Umuahia Senatorial Zone had governed.

Assuming he had disagreed with the clear definition and interpretation of Equity as captured in Abia Charter of Equity, Ude Oko Chukwu could go about his ambition devoid of being inordinate.

Because of vaulting ambition, Ude Oko Chukwu now wants to disparage the Government of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu that he has been prominently part and parcel of. Governor Ikpeazu out of confidence and trust entrusted the Economic Machinery of his Government to Ude Oko Chukwu by making him the Chairman of the State’s Revenue Council.

There is no record, whatsoever, to show that there had been any time Ude Oko Chukwu had given a piece of advice on how best to run the Government of Abia State that his Boss, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, had rejected. Apart from share greed, mischief and treachery, what on Earth should drive Ude Oko Chukwu to publicly talk ill of a Government he is deeply linked with by virtue of the Principle of Collective Responsibility?

Just out of mischief, he now alleges that someone from Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s Local Government Area, Chief Raymond Aliga, is what he calls ‘Asistant Governor’. Unfortunately, Ude Oko Chukwu failed to realize that in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as variously amended, there is nothing like ‘Assistant Governor’. This is mere mischief arising from uncontrollable personal ambition.

To show how desperately mischievous Ude Oko Chukwu is, he went further to allege that ‘in order to destabilize Abia-North, a Judas among us has negotiated with Raymond Aliga ( the Assistant Governor) and paid N400m ( Four Hundred Million) to make his brother a Deputy Governor as against our agitation to take our turn as Governor’.

Shamelessly swimming in an avoidable pool of total ignorance, he went ahead to mention Chief Chris Nak as having paid N400m for his brother, Barr Okey Igwe, to be made Deputy Governor.

Even while making that grievous erroneous libelous allegation against both Chiefs Chris Nak and Raymond Aliga, he quickly but unfortunately contradicted himself. He urged Delegates to ‘collect the money Government will give you because it is your money….’

What Ude Oko Chukwu ended up saying is that the Government of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is not going to spend any State fund on the election of his successor because the ‘Assistant Governor’, Chief Raymond Aliga, has seemlessly brilliantly secured money for such a project.

For the twelve consecutive years Ude Oko Chukwu stayed in the House of Assembly, even as Speaker, he could not even grade the road leading to his village in Nkporo. The only achievements he recorded were to dispossess his kinsmen of their land. But out of his magnanimity, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has tarred his road from Abiriba Junction to Nkporo and, among other things, built, equipped and commissioned a Cottage Hospital for the good people of Nkporo. Ude Oko Chukwu should think twice and retrace his steps from this inglorious path of ingratitude and self-destruction. He should not fail to realize that he is one man the people of Abia-North will never support to be Governor. His stinginess is one demarcation that can never be bridged.

The increased complexities and requirements arising from the constant change in our society, coupled with constant push for higher levels of productivity, require effective and ethical leadership. In its most basic form, the anatomy of leadership is a matter of character and competence. Prof. Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne has shown himself approved a workman who has no reproach. He understands the challenges and has the right solution that Abia State needs. He, therefore has got himself prepared for the task.

Pro. Uche Ikonne, through his giant strides in our state's institutions of higher learning, understands the complex interplay between socio-economic development and local economic development aimed at addressing backlogs in service delivery, infrastructure and poverty alleviation. He is indeed willing to stimulate growth across all sectors of the economy of the state through infrastructural development which functions as a key driver of the sustainability of social and economic structures that can be beneficial to all citizens.

Abia State has a landmass of 5.835sqkm. The State is blessed with natural resources, fertile land and can produce what can sustain it. Under Prof. Uche Ikonne, there will be solid policies that will actively engage and support the drive for agriculture, especially in mechanised farming of cassava, rice, palm oil, in line with the federal government programmes and our state's areas of natural advantage.

Prof. Ikonne, who mapped out education, agriculture and human capital development as the cardinal pillars of his administration when elected governor of Abia State, has promised an improved and working health care system across the state, a conducive environment for public-private sector partnership to thrive, and an improved macro-economic environment that will boost the confidence of private investors in order to improve the overall economic vibrancy of the state.

Under Prof. Ikonne, Abia is going to witness another high level of infrastructural and developmental progress. Another level of empowerment programmes for traders, youths and women. The less privileged members of the society will be featured in the various empowerment programmes, to curtail poverty via human capital development programmes of Prof. Uche Ikonne.

This Scholar is committed to work on the already established developmental foundation laid down by the present administration under Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu. This has translated to the overall acceptance and endorsement of the candidature of Prof. Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, by all well-meaning Abians: civil society organizations, religious groups and members of the ecclesiastical orders, the elders, the political class both within and outside the state, professionals, members of the academia, the self-employed, the working class, traders, artisans, women and youths. It is therefore our collective responsibility to make Uche Ndi Abia a reality.

Kingsley Maduforo, a Political Analyst, writes from Umuahia.

The core role of a legislator is to make laws. However, Hon. Solomon Adaelu understands that there are other basic requirements that needed to be taken care of in the Osisioma/Obingwa/Ugwunagbor federal constituency where he represents in the green chambers.

It is also a fact that no one person can solve the entire needs of a people, but Hon Adaelu, understands that he is a link between Government and the people through, his infrastructural and human capital development projects, he has prioritized the welfare of his constituents and has ensured that whatever infrastructural challenge in Osisioma/Obingwa/Ugwunagbor federal constituency is tackled using the platform of the legislature and most times personal resources.

The messenger has also made significant contributions to law-making and representation having sponsored bills and motions:
Some of the bills sponsored by the messenger include:

1) 'Bill for an Act to establish Constituencies Development Funds for the Purposes of even Development of all Constituencies in the Federation and for Other Connected Purposes.

2) A bill for an act to stipulate a time frame for the executive President and State Governors to avail the names of their cabinet members along with their portfolios within 30 days of inauguration to the National and State Houses of Assemblies for examination and ratification

MOTIONS

1) Motion to checkmate the excessive use of force on civilians by security operatives outside the rules of Engagement on, this motion is necessitated by the Increasing Incidents of Brutality and killings by Security Personnel on Hapless Nigerians”.

2) A motion seeking to mandate the Nigeria University Commission to upgrade the National Institute of Nigerian Languages, Aba, to a degree-awarding institution.

3) A motion which sort to fix the failed portions of the Aba- Ikot Ekpene Road and the Osisioma/ NNPC Old Aba- Owerri Road. This culminated in these roads being penciled down for inclusion in the 2017 Budget of the Federal Ministry of Works for total rehabilitation and reconstruction.

4) A motion seeking to check the imbalance in federal recruitments.

These legislative inputs on the floor of the house are a testimony to the effectiveness and dexterity of the messenger in the green chambers.

Apart from lawmaking Sloddy, has also ensured that his constituents have enjoyed tangible infrastructural projects, in the area of health care, education, road construction and rehabilitation, rural electrification, skill acquisition, empowerment, etc.

Through his performance, The messenger has demonstrated passion, commitment, character, and courage in service to his constituency.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY ELDERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN OHUHU CLAN OF UMUAHIA NORTH L.G.A., ON THE, 2ND OF MAY 2022.

Online Media Release


The Elders of Ohuhu clan of Umuahia North L.G.A., of Abia State hereby issue this communique in full support of the call for equity, fairness, and justice in our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that will position us for a great victory in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

That it is the rightful turn of Ndi Ohuhu to occupy the Federal House of Representatives seat of the Ikwuano-Umuahia Federal Constituency. The share of representation in relevant elective positions from the Umuahia North L.G.A., is utterly unbalanced and we justly seek to prevent the perpetuation of this injustice in the upcoming dispensation.

We call on our brother clans across the Ikwuano-Umuahia Federal Constituency to support our collective quest for the entrenchment of equity and support the Ohuhu cause, for the Federal House of Representatives seat come 2023.


Finally, the Ohuhu clan will resist any attempt by anybody or group of people, to subvert justice and equity by denying Ohuhu our rights come 2023.

We assure all the stakeholders and delegates of Ikwuano-Umuahia and indeed, Abia State that we speak with one voice and will do the same in respect to the candidate accordingly.

We reiterate our support and loyalty to the leadership of our great party, the PDP at the Wards, Zonal, State, and Federal levels.

Egbe bere, Ugo bere.
Ahanyi efula.
Ka udo chia.

God bless Ohuhu,
God bless Umuahia North,
God bless Ikwuano/Umuahia,
God bless Abia State.

Signed:

(HE) H/Chief. Empire Kanu,
(Ikoro Ohuhu).

H/Chief. Onyema Ugochukwu.
(Ikoro Ohuhu).

H/Chief. Uzodinma Okpara
(Omekannaya).

Hon. Solomon Adaelu Leaving A Golden Imprints In Sands Of Times.

By Uche Aguoru

An unbiased but critical assessment of Hon. Solomon Ezinwa Adaelu’s tenure exposes a period of developmental representation, not only in Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo but to Abia and the nation at large, the first four years of Hon. Adaelu in the green chambers became the compass upon which standard performance, quality representation, capacity and dexterity is gauged in other federal constituencies in the state.

His brilliant, selfless and exceptional performance gave birth to the monicker “THE MESSENGER” by which he has come to be known even amongst his colleagues

Hon. Adaelu, within his first 100 days in office as a legislator scored a historic feat which no other lawmaker has been able to surpass atleast within the southeast and to a large extent the country in general, by procuring heavy-duty construction equipment (three graders, three pall loaders, and three compactors) for an all year round rural road maintenance program across his constituency.

Hon. Adaelu because of his love for education and his passion for the advancement and wellbeing of his constituents under his educational endowment scheme initiated the purchase and distribution of Jamb forms yearly for his constituents that want to seek tertiary education.
The educational scheme which was launched in 2015 has been taking care of the tuition and other educational needs of over 600 students in different tertiary institutions and today I can confidently report that the scheme has produced so many graduates and most of them are amongst those that gained employment in federal ministries and agencies courtesy of Hon. Solomon Adaelu

Under his rural electrification project, Hon. Adaelu attracted, the siting of a power generating substation at Abayi Ariaria in Osisioma Ngwa LGA, a power project that is worth 2.9billion naira and the construction is currently ongoing, he has also distributed over 35 pieces of 300kva transformers across the three LGA,s that he represents.

Being one who has a robust relationship and closeness with his constituents and is abreast with the present economic realities and lack of employment opportunities in the country, he has encouraged his constituents especially the youth to become self-employed by training them in different vocations of their choice in his skill acquisition program and he also gave them financial startups and tools to enable them set up upon graduation, the program which was carried out in phases had 20 youths selected from each of the three local governments. he has also secured employment opportunities for more than 50 graduates in the federal and state government-owned ministries and agencies.

Hon. Adaelu had also within the period he has been in the green chambers attracted the construction of 2.4km Road in Osisioma Ngwa,
A cottage hospital in Ugwunagbo, fully equipped with modern health facilities,

An ICT Center In also in Ugwunagbo

He also completed the construction of 6 class room block in Obegu Ugwunagbo

He has completed the buliding but yet to be commissioned two other cottage hospitals in Ososioma and Obingwa LGAs,

It is worthy of mention that Hon. Adaelu's free legal services for his constituents whose rights are being trampled upon is st
ill on, same goes for his periodic free medical outreach which takes care of the health of the aged, the, the womwn, the children and pregnant women in his constituency

In the words of Sloddy, I place my constituents above my personal comfort and the good and hardworking people of Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbor federal constituency are my priority and I will give my all to ensure their welfare.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Restates his Capacity to Consolidate on the vision of Abia founding fathers.


Abia Academics, a coalition of Academics from all tertiary institutions in Abia State, has endorsed the governorship aspiration of Professor Uche Ikonne, the Immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University.

The group made this known during a solidarity visit to Professor Ikonne at his Umuahia residence, describing Prof. Ikonne as an experienced administrator, who has a lot to offer to Ndi Abia going by his enviable track records.

The National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Nnamdi Nwaeze, noted that Prof. Uche Ikonne is the most qualified for the job, especially with his intellectual accomplishments and empathy for the younger generation.

The Coordinator of Abia State University debate club who also doubles as the Secretary to Ukwa East Local Government, Comr. Emmanuel Shebbs, noted with pride that it was during Professor Uche Ikonne's regime as Vice-Chancellor, that the Moribund University debate club was revived to the point that ABSU emerged the 7th best in Africa, and also qualified to represent Nigeria at the world University debate championship in South Korea.

He also added that 90% of the young people working in ABSU today were absorbed during his headship as Vice-Chancellor, which further portrays his love for the youth.

Contributing, Dr. Emmanuel Uche who is also the Secretary General of the association, Comr Anucha Wisdom, the Publicity Secretary, Rev. Izuogu and Dr. Caroline described Prof. Ikonne’s political aspirations as apt, as Abia needs a leader that would consolidate on the Labours of Abia founding fathers.

They also noted with nostalgia, Prof. Ikonne’s sterling contributions at Abia State Polytechnic and Abia State University where he served as Acting Rector and Vice-Chancellor respectively.

Responding, Professor Ikonne thanked them for their thoughtfulness and reminded them that the journey required a collective effort.
Highlights of the visit was the presentation of campaign materials to Professor Ikonne.

To God be the glory!
#UcheNdiAbia2023

Residents of Ugwunagbor Local Government Area has commended the efforts of the member representing Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbor Federal Constituency in the national assembly Hon. Solomon Adaelu, for projects attracted by him and situated in their LGA.

Commissioning the projects on Friday the wife of the governor Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu PhD, eulogized Hon. Adaelu, describing him as one of the best law makers Abia state has ever produced whose representation is yielding impressive results and the developmental impacts of his representation is being felt in the the three local government areas he represents.

Some constituents who spoke to the News Gazette Online, said no other federal law maker who had represented the constituency has brought home dividends of democracy to Ugwunagbor like Hon. Adaelu, they described him as a grass rooter who also understands the needs the of his constituents and has put in extra efforts to ensure that their needs are met.

some of the projects commissioned by Mrs Ikpeazu include 6 Classroom Block, a fully completed and equipped Cottage Hospital, A Transformer and a fully equipped Solar Powered I.C.T. Centre all located in Ugwunagbor

Barrister Etigwe Uwa (SAN) on Sunday officially announced his exit from the All Progressives Congress, making the declaration to newsmen in Umuahia the state capital, Barrister Uwa stated that that he dumped the APC having realized that it is difficult to realize his dreams of giving Abia the quality and developmental leadership it deserves.

The legal luminary stated that when compared to other neighboring states and with Abia as an oil producing state, he regretted the state of infrastructure in the state saying that the state deserves a more pragmatic and innovative leadership, he decried the slow pace of development in the State while insisting that the state deserve a change. Etigwe said he left the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, to pursue his dream of leading Abia.

He said the state needs good primary health care system, improved educational infrastructure, and a viable economy will be made possible by harnessing the abundance of natural resources that abound in the state, Etigwe stated that rather than sit and wait for monthly FAAC, he will turn Abia into a manufacturing hub and create wealth.

He talked on the need for effective and efficient power generation in Aba and the state in general by entering into partnership with geometric power plant in Aba and vowed to make a desired change if APGA gives him the governorship ticket.

Barrister Etigwe Uwa is currently working as a managing partner with StreamSowers & Kohn, a leading law firm in Nigeria. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990 and he became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2010.

A top governorship aspirant in Abia state under the People’s Democratic Party, Professor Eleazar Uche Ikonne has promised to carry all Abians along irrespective of age, gender, religion or political or ethnic affiliation in his administration and fastrack infrastructural and human capital development if elected governor in 2023.

The professor of optometry and former Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Uturu made this declaration at the Isiala Ngwa North PDP secretariat, Okpuala Ngwa on Saturday while making a formal presentation to the stake holders and members of the PDP in Isiala Ngwa North on his aspiration to contest the 2023 governorship election.

He promised to lead the state through a faster lane of development in human capital and infrastructural development, prioritize educational development and institutionalize participatory governance, security, and continuous promotion of SMEs.

Prof. Ikonne said he has friends from Arochukwu to Ukwa and will distribute democratic dividends proportionately and treat every section of the state fairly.

In his words "I have a good assessment of the present situation across all sectors in the state and I believe I can reposition the state infrastructurally, socially, academically, agriculturally and in all areas of human endeavour with our developmental agenda and the foundation already laid by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu's administration, coupled with my experience in public service, driving a developmental revolution will be smooth and easy"

He urged all Abians to come on board and join him in his quest to drive his vision for a greater Abia.

Notable stake holders that graced the well attended event includes the LGA Chairman, Chief Chinwendu Ochulor, Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy affairs Prince C.O Enweremadu, Chief Armstrong Chimezie Okoronkwo, Hon. Chinedum Elechi, Chief John Nwangborogwu, Hon. Randy Ukanwoko, Sir Ike Onyenweaku among other top party faithful and government officials.

A group under the aegis of INTIMATE FRIENDS OF IKUKU, has called on the speaker of Abia State House Of Assembly Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya ORJI to as a matter of political urgency declare his intention to vie for the forthcoming Abia state governorship election in 2023.
The group is an amalgam of professionals and entrepreneurs from all parts of Abia state but with interest in the political emancipation of the state through sourcing of competent and credible candidates to drive the State to the promised land.

In a statement signed by the leader of the group, Prince Chidiebere Ogbulafor and made available to Journalists over the weekend noted that the call became necessary because the speaker represents the aspirations of the youths.

According to the group, her teeming members who are energetic men and women, strong political stakeholders who cut across party lines and established firmly in the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State, have resolved to openly persuade Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnsya Orji whose pedigree speaks volumes for him to throw his hat into the ring for the sake of the youths of the state, we need him to drive the development of the state because we believe in his vision and his capacity to deliver.

We will pursue this goal as a people propelled by a common zeal in pursuit of progress and advancement of all Abians, we believe the state can overcome its current political and economic challenges if we have a prudent, energetic and masses-oriented leader like Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji on the saddle.

” In conclusion, as the political events gathers momentum, we, The Intimate Friends Of Ikuku, having consulted widely, decided to mount pressure on a man we choose to call our own, given his track record of performance as the speaker, his philanthropy, Projects Driven Leadership Virtues, positive energy, youthful disposition and political sagacity and we are convinced that if elected will ensure healthy development to the state.’ the group stated.

Chief Ugochukwu Mbakwe, has promised to turn around the economic fortunes of Ohuhu, through the legislative assembly, speaking during the unveiling of his campaign office in Ekeoba, Chief mbakwe promised to ensure that every Ohuhu man becomes prosperous if given the opportunity, he said the average ohuhu youth is enterprising and smart all they need is the right environment to thrive,.

”I am running as a Youth and Women champion. I want to champion the New-economy enterprise development for the youth and women of Ohuhu State Constituency. My representation will focus on equipping our youths and women with New-economy enterprise and tech skills they need to be competitive in the 21st century.

To actualize this, I will use the avalanche International Development Corporation networks at my disposal to attract and leverage massive enterprise empowerment and skill acquisition programmes in diverse viable tech areas for the greatest number of Ohuhu youths and women.

He stated that his enterprise and tech training initiatives will be supported with practical off-ramps from the classroom to the market and will use the opportunity provided by his office if elected to partner International Development Agencies (IDAs) who will institute business support grants/loans, improve digital infrastructure and guarantee access to markets, so that our people can learn viable and selling new economy skills, and also apply these skills and knowhow to create selling businesses to support their families.

Also speaking, Mr justice Ekujereonye (EGBEGBURUAGU) on behalf of community leaders said Chief Mbakwe is the most preferred candidate and that he possess the capacity to deliver on the much needed democratic dividends that Ohuhu deserves, others who spoke to the News Gazette Online said they will make sure that Chief Mbakwe emerges as their representative because in him they find a perfect fit for the seat as a representative of Ndi Ohuhu in the state assembly

As the 2023 general election gathers momentum, a group of young professionals has called on the Umuagu, Umuhu, Ohuhu born Surveyor Jeffrey Ogbudu, to go for the Abia State House of Assembly Seat.

The group made this call when they paid a solidarity visit to Surv. Ogbudu, they promised to bank roll his election starting from the purchase of form to any other electoral expenditure that is bound to arise in the course of the project, the group stated that Surv. Ogbudu is an experienced, hardworking, focused and dedicated young man who has the energy and capacity to represent and attract developmental projects to Ohuhu.

They added that the group would go and get the nomination form for him. “We are aware of his track records at the grassroots and his achievements so far and based on our observation and investigation, we have decided to throw our weight behind him and are hereby calling on him, to answer our call to contest for the seat and represent Ohuhu in Abia State House Of assembly come 2023.

I have followed all the arguments both offline and online on who will succeed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu come 2023, while the Ukwa la Ngwa group are insisting that power should remain with them through their Umunneato brothers of Abia central to complete 16 years the old bende did, Abia North senatorial zone is insisting that the equity arrangement which has done its full cycle via senatorial zones should start from where it began in 1999.

The Isuikwuato camp of Abia North is crying marginalization and is pleading that in Abia North they are the ones whose turn it is to govern Abia as enshrined in the Abia charter of equity.

Recently, Ikwuano /Umuahia came out with a powerful communique to declare their interest in the no1 seat of the state come 2023, while Ukwa people are gently whispering into the ears of any one who cares to listen that they deserve to be given a chance to govern since their Ngwa brothers have done 4 years.

While the political gamesmanship is ongoing, it's extremely sad and unfortunate that none of the groups agitating to rule the state come 2023 are interested in the primary focus of leadership which is, Welfare of the Citizenry, provisioning of affordable Health Care, Education, Security, infrastructure, job creation, economy and the wellbeing of the aged, the weak, vulnerable and the poor.

Disappointingly even those who parade themselves as activists and social critics pretending to be agitating for good governance whose everyday hobby is to criticize every move of the government have also joined the clannish agitation and the demand for their zone, clans' man or benefactors to be allowed to govern the state, none of them is talking about ideology, capacity or even qualification.

As a student of practical politics, I am fully aware that the principle of zoning was introduced not to appease any group or section but to promote cohesion and a sense of belonging to citizens from all parts of the state and it is predicated on the same central organizing principle, which is, political inclusivity and cohesion in a secular, multi-clan, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, in order to achieve fair and equitable representation, but sadly our agitation is gearing towards tearing down the fabrics of unity that binds us as a people.

If truly we chose to stand on the platform of truth, Governor Ikpeazu has really repositioned the economic and infrastructural face of Abia and all we need is for the coming administration to consolidate and improve on the existing achievements of the present government, there is hardly any part of Abia state today that one will deny the existence of his infrastructural footprints, he may not have done it all and he cannot do it all, that's why Government is a continuum, but he has laid the solid economic and infrastructural foundation needed for the growth of the state across every sector, I can excuse your loathe for the person of Governor Ikpeazu, it's even your right to abominate him with all the bile in your system Afterall it's you that is receiving the internal hurt, irrespective of the differences you want to share with him, be it political or personal, one thing you cannot take away from him is his vision, passion, dynamism and creativity in governance.

While I recognize that there are those who have chosen to blind their minds and close their eyes very tightly wherever they see Dr. Ikpeazu's infrastructural imprints because of their bitterness and political leaning, every well-meaning Abian, even those in the opposition knows that Governor Ikpeazu means well and has performed.

Taking a cue from our infrastructural and economic trajectory one can without equivocation say his administration has undertaken so many audacious projects, which space may not permit me to highlight all, The Geometric power project in Aba, The Osisioma flyover, the recovery of long abandoned roads such as Osusu, Omuma, Ngwa and portharcourt roads the reconstruction of Aba road in Umuahia, Abiriba/Nkporo Rd, the rebuilding of Ariaria, the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company (ENASCO), Ehere Road, Aba/Owerri Rd, Milverton Avenue,Ukaegbu Rd, Faulks Road,Osokwa Road,Enyimba mall, Egege Road just to mention but a few amongst so many other road projects completed and ongoing scattered across the state.

Many may hinge their arguments on the duration in realizing some of the projects, but one thing is certain those projects are there on ground and not on paper and Dr. Ikpeazu had repeatedly said he won't leave any project started by him unfinished before his exit from the office.

With the tenure of Dr. Okezie Chibuikem Victor Ikpeazu, winding down, a lot of people have indicated interest in taking over the seat of government giving rise to the argument of who and where the next governor is supposed to hail from and it has given rise to a clear conflict of interest amongst the political class.

But the question remains who is the Governor Abia needs come may 29th, 2023, and where is he supposed to come from?
To be continued..........................

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Chief Chris Akachukwu Nwa-Abia, has described education as the only remedy to end vices and promote sustainable positive societal growth, Chief Nwa-Abia who spoke to the News Gazette Online when he and other well meaning Ohuhu indigenes in partnership with the youth Wing of Ohuhu Welfare Union purchased WAEC forms for 50 Ohuhu students.

Chief Nwa-Abia, stated that any society that compromises with education compromises its future and the only way to develop and secure the future of Ohuhu is to ensure that its youths receive quality education, he decried the state of educational infrastructure in Ohuhu stating that the first thing he will do if Ohuhu people give him the mandate is to ensure that schools in Ohuhu gets renovated to standard with good infrastructure to enable our students concentrate and study in a conducive, serene and secured environment.

On youths unemployment, The Ihie of Umuahia, said it will be foolish for any body to wait on the government to provide jobs for the army of youths that are graduating yearly from the Universities knowing that government establishments alone cannot accommodate them, he promised to train and establish willing Ohuhu sons and daughters in vocations that will make them employers of labour rather than waiting to be employed.

He promised to make the welfare of the traditional institutions, women and children tops on his agenda, he also promised to set up a scholarship scheme that will take care of the education of the less privileged in Ohuhu and called on Ndi Ohuhu to jettison partisan sentimentality and ensure they vote for a candidate of their choice who will make their welfare his goal.

On the APC crisis, he advised those who are yet to come to terms with the emergence of Chief Ononogbu as the recognized APC chairman to drop their ego and join forces with Chief Emenike led APC so that the party can take over the state in 2023.

Chief Emeka Utah has declared that it is time to move Ikwuano/Umuahia forward, The PDP chieftain and the Managing Director of Taurus Hotels Ltd Umuahia, said, Ikwuano /Umuahia is not getting the adequate representation it deserves, he stated that other federal constituencies like Bende, Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbor, Arochukwu /Ohafia etc. are enjoying federal projects courtesy of their representative at the house of Reps but same cannot be said of our own in Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency.

We need to end this abysmal representation in 2023 and bring in a youth who will be accessible and active enough to attract federal projects to our constituency as we have it in other places, we need to give our teeming unemployed youths jobs.

Ikwuano/Umuahia is endowed with agricultural resources that needs to be developed and harnessed, we need to bring the attention of the federal government to all these resources lying untapped, we need to develop the potentials of the youth population in Ikwuano/Umuahia, we need to end selfish representation and bring in a representative that people can see and trust.

The speaker Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji is doing a great job of empowering the youth and making them feel the dividends of democracy, but he needs to be assisted, more youths should be encouraged to come into positions of trust and leadership, I am in support of the call by Ikwuano/Umuahia youths asking Ikuku to run for governor, I will assist with every resources at my disposal if he declares interest he is the type of leader the youths need at this time to develop the state, he is people oriented and will give the state the quantum leap in infrastructural and economic development, he is also experienced and knowledgeable on the needs of the people.

Chief Utah said he will be making his aspirations known very soon, he encouraged people to go and register and get their PVC,s ready and ensure that people with great developmental initiatives are voted in to represent the people because as a people we deserve better.