Abia PDP hails Ikpeazu’s decision not to impose successor on party

[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]

Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, for his decision not to impose a governorship candidate on the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

In a six-point communiqué issued at the end of a well attended meeting of members of the State Working Committee, State Executive Committee, Local Government Executive Committee and principal officers of the 184 wards in the state, which held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the party also passed a vote of confidence on the Governor, proclaiming that he has performed well.

The communiqué, signed by the State Chairman of Abia PDP, Rt. Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere, and the State Secretary, Barr. David Iro, said the party faithful were happy with Ikpeazu’s assurance that stakeholders would participate in choosing the 2023 governorship flag bearer of the party.

They, therefore, assured that the party would work as a united front to be able to win the governorship contest in the state in 2023 and thus maintain their control of the state.

The Communiqué reads: 

“That we thank the Governor of our dear State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for his determination and resolve to ensure that the Party’s Governorship candidate for the 2023 election emerges through the decision of the Party.

“That we commend the decision of the State Governor to the effect that the Leadership of the Party and all the ward chapters of the Party will participate in charting a direction towards the emergence of a worthy flag bearer.

“That we shall mobilize all Party resources to work for the success of our Party’s candidate at the general election come 2023.

“That the Party shall work in harmony for the overall success of our Party.

“That we urge all Party faithful in line with our custom to que behind our candidates at all levels to guarantee victory at the polls.

And finally, “That for his giant strides and developments in the State.

“That for the policies of his Government which has led to outstanding improvements in Foreign Direct Investments as captured by the records of The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) and the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

“That for his ability to make Abia State the West African hub for Small and Medium Enterprises,

“That For the peaceful political atmosphere in the State,

“That For the robust inter-party relations in the State,

“That For the valuable indices from agencies of the Federal Government which has portrayed Abia State in good light,

“That for his commitment to provide working tools to the State Working Committee of the Party and to other levels of the Party,

“That for his constructive engagement with the Party to define the way forward to determine issues which affect 2023 elections, that the Party, do hereby, pass a vote of implicit confidence on the State Governor and Leader of the People’s Democratic Party in the State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu.”

Meanwhile, the governor has restated that the decision on who would succeed him in office come 2023 would be done in consultation with the party.

The Governor who stated this during a meeting held with the PDP executives in all the Wards and LGAs as well as the State Working Committee at the International conference Centre, Umuahia, said his decision would not be based on premodial sentiments but rather on what would be best for the people.

According to him, he has been holding discussions and consultations with party stakeholders including his predecessor, adding that his duty as Governor is to give direction.

He directed the party leadership to immediately name the leadership of the PDP Elders Committee Council  with a view to coming up with an acceptable candidate that would appeal to all sections of the State, maintaining that, once the committee advises him, he would make a statement on issues concerning his successor. He charged party faithful to moderate their comments so that they do not destroy what they have laboured to build, stressing that decisions based on ethnic bias breed disunity.

The Governor said he was also prepared to provide every tool required by the party officials to win the forthcoming elections in the State. He pledged to deploy everything to ensure that Abia remains stable and one united entity.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, appreciated the party faithful, saying that from the report gotten from the recently concluded tours, the party was stronger than before. He said all their efforts would be meaningful if the party retains power in the State in 2023 and expressed confidence that the Governor would do everything the party men require from him to make the party move forward.

Earlier, the PDP State Chairman, Dr. Asiforo Okere urged the Governor to allow the party to advise him on issues concerning all elective positions, especially that of the governorship. He thanked the Governor for calling the meeting while assuring the party faithful that would be carried along and given sense of belonging.

Contributing, the Chairman, State Disciplinary Committee of the party, Architect Benson Ezem, said he was confident the party has leaders at the ward and Local Government levels who were capable. He said “Abia is a PDP State and that PDP would continue to be in Government House,” adding that they were waiting for the Governor to direct the party aright and ensure the party remains in Government House in 2023.

In their various speeches on behalf of the party Chairmen in the three zones of the State, Sir Okechi Nwaohu, Chief Ihezuoke Ufomba and Emmanuel Agwu Ukpo thanked the State Working Committee for the recent familiarization visits to the Local Government Areas, saying that it would strengthen the party in the State. They made a case for an improved welfare for the party men and assured that they were solidly behind the Governor.

A communiqué was issued at the end of the  meeting which passed a vote of confidence on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu,  while the PDP Elders Committee Council was also named with Chief Tony Ukasonya as Chairman and Chief Emmanuel Ibegbulam as Secretary.