Professor Uchenna Ikonne’s bid for governor in 2023 has received a major boost as he has purchased a governorship form to run under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia state.
This is coming after the Ukwa-Ngwa leaders had given their endorsement to the immediate-past Vice-Chancellor of the Abia State University, ABSU, as their preferred candidate for Abia state Governorship come 2023.
The erudite Professor Uchenna Eleazer Ikonne is a Professor of Optometry from Agburuike-Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North, one of Abia Central senatorial district’s three Ngwa LGAs, also known as Umunneato.
A high-powered delegation of the Ukwa-Ngwa bloc led by the pioneer Attorney General of the State, Chief Theo Nkire had expressed their intentions to Professor Ikonne during a visit to his residence in Umuahia.
“He has been tried and tested and we found him worthy. His enviable records at ABSU speak volumes of what he can do.
“Ikonne fits our expectations for a people-centric leader who will take this state to the next levels. He is the only one with our backing.”
The Ukwa-Ngwa is the old Aba division made up of nine local governments out of the 17 local government of Abia State.
Speaking with Newsmen after a closed-door session, Chief Nkire cleared the air over the misconception of the Groups’ push for power as a violation of the Abia Charter of Equity which recommends zoning among the state’s three senatorial districts.
“The Charter of Equity crusaders misinterpreted the document. Contrary to misinterpretations by the proponents of the document, the Abia Charter of Equity which was enacted 10 years before the creation of Abia State, recommended power rotation between the Old Bende and Aba Divisions, and not rotation among three senatorial zones.”
Nkire argued that old Aba Division, which now includes the six LGAs in Abia South senatorial district and the three Ngwa LGAs in Abia Central, will have only held power for eight years by 2023 since the creation of Abia, whereas Old Bende held power for 18 years, thus their demand that the incumbent is replaced by another Ngwa man to restore balance.
Professor Ikonne responded by thanking the delegation for their visit and especially for finding him worthy of their endorsement for the governorship position.
He acknowledged the delegation’s eminence and quality bear weight and that he will consult extensively.
”Our Governor, Dr Ikpeazu is leaving behind big shoes. The expectations are high. So, I will need to take some time to consult but within the 12-hour window you gave me”.
Former Commissioner for Environment, Chinwe Nwanganga of Ukwa; former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Chinedum Elechi of Ukwa; former Chairman of Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission ASOPADEC, Henry Chilaka; and Deputy Chairman of Ukwa West LGA, John Ajuzieogu were among the delegation’s other members.
Former Agriculture Commissioner, Israel Amanze; former Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Okezie Ugbaja; Dean Faculty of Law, ABSU, Professor Ngwakwe; Chief Friday Onukwuwe; and former National Vice Chairman, Zone C, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ambrose Nwachukwu, were among the others.