Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State
Abia 2023: Prof. Ibe kicks off consultations, visits Gov. Ikpeazu
[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
Governorship aspirant, Prof Greg Ibeh, has officially kicked-off his consultations with stakeholders in his bid to realize his ambition of becoming the next governor of Abia state.
Ibeh, who is also the Founder and Chancellor of Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), started his consultations with a visit to the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, in his Umuaobiakwa, Obingwa local government area country home on Friday, March 4, 2022.
Reports said that after tradition reception formalities both men retired to a closed door meeting.
Though a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor did not quote Prof. Ibe as saying anything before or after the private meeting, it is being speculated that the formidable governorship aspirant may have informed Ikpeazu formally of his intention to become Abia State governor in 2023.
However, the statement by the Chief Press Secretary indicated that the Governor Ikpeazu dwelt rather extensively on what the party hierarchy in the state was doing to ensure of the issue of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP’s) governorship ticket for 2023 was carefully and peacefully handled, and that he told Prof. Ibe to be courageous enough to accept the outcome of the ongoing serious consultations on the matter.
The statement read: “The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, says that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the State is currently engaged in serious consultations on the Governorship ticket of the party and assured that the party will do what is right for the people of the State.
“The Governor made this known today while receiving a PDP Governorship aspirant in the State, Professor Gregory Ibe at his Country Home, Umuobiakwa, Obingwa LGA.
“Governor Ikpeazu used the opportunity to restate that every segment and zone of the State has capable individuals who have what it takes to successfully run the affairs of the State, also dismissed insinuations by some fifth columnists that aspirants from Abia North have been disqualified from the race.
“He expressed satisfaction with the quality and calibre of persons who have so far indicated interest in the race to become the next Governor of the State and reminded politicians that even with the number of qualified persons, only one person could be Governor at a particular time.
“He appealed to the elite in the party to exercise patience with the party, as it seeks the best way to move forward on the issue. The party, according to the Governor, is currently deepening consultations on the best way forward which will ensure that victory is achieved and without any zone in the State feeling marginalized in the scheme of things.
The Governor challenged all aspirants to be bold enough to line up behind whoever will eventually get the nod of the party and support the party to win the general elections.
“He welcomed Professor Ibe who is the Proprietor of Gregory University, Uturu and described him as a distinguished son of Abia and his personal friend. He wished him well and urged him to dredge up enough courage for the race and even a greater courage to accept whatever decision that will come in the fullness of time.
“According to the Governor, “Power comes from God and it is so important that God cannot leave it in the hands of any one man. While I may have my own thoughts and opinion on the issue, I am confident that what will happen eventually will be what God sanctions and it will be for the good of our state.
“Earlier, Governor Ikpeazu and his guest, Professor Ibe held a meeting in camera.”
It was gathered that Hon. Boniface Ikwuagwu, a member of Professor Ibe’s entourage, thanked the Governor for the warm reception accorded them and also appreciated Ikpeazu’s developmental strides in the state while praying for the Governor to record more achievements for the great people of Abia.
