Abiriba Traditional and Political Leaders have lauded Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for the appointment of their illustrious son, Chief Mba Ukariwo as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Abia State University as well as his positive disposition towards the Abiriba kingdom.
The delegation, led by the Paramount Ruler of Abiriba kingdom and the Enachoken of Abiriba, Eze Barr. Kalu Kalu Ogbu expressed their gratitude during a meeting with the governor at the Governor’s Lodge, Aba.
His Majesty, Eze Kalu Ogbu who is also the first deputy chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers told Gov Ikpeazu that the people of Abiriba Kingdom are forever grateful for considering their son, Chief Mba Ukariwo worthy to take on the responsibility of Pro-Chancellorship at Abia State University as that is a further demonstration of love for their people.
The Monarch assured the governor that the people of Abiriba are allied with his course and will support him throughout his administration.
He reminded Gov Ikpeazu of his pledge to repair the Amanta road in Abiriba in memory of the late Ezeogo Dr Anagha Ezikpe, as well as to seek the Governor’s approval of the appointment of an Abiriba native as a Permanent Secretary in the State Public Service.
In the same vein, a representative of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union, Lagos Branch, Chief Nwaka Inem resented the Governor with the Union’s lofty plans to rebuild the Enuda Hugh School, Abiriba, which was established in 1954, and requested that the Governor kindly approve their request and attend the project’s kick-off event.
In his response, His Excellency Gov Okezie Ikpeazu praised the people of Abiriba as people with a rich and proud history who have backed him since 2015 and values the special relationships he has with them.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said, “I remain grateful to the people of Abiriba for the full support they have always given to me, all Abiriba sons and daughters who work with me in different areas of government have been very exemplary and trustworthy.”
He also agreed to consider their request for the appointment of an Abiriba native as the State Public Service’s Permanent Secretary.
“I won’t have any hesitation at all in appointing Abiriba indigenes into high positions because they are dedicated and hardworking.”
He directed the Commissioner for Works to ensure that work on the Amanta Road, which he promised to build in honour of the late Ezeogo Dr Anagha Ezikpe at his burial, and other projects, gets underway as soon as possible.
The Governor, in response to the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union’s request for official authorization to begin the rehabilitation and redesign of the Enuda High School in Abiriba, said he would not object to such a request and assured that he would carefully study the documents presented and respond in a matter of days.
The recently installed Pro-Chancellor of Abia State University, Chief Mba Ukariwo thanked the Governor for appointing him and assured him of his whole commitment to the job. He expressed gratitude to the Governor for keeping every promise he made to the people of Abiriba.
Also speaking, the PDP chieftain informed the Governor of a recent defection of an APGA chieftain, Chief Nduka who is the Chairman, Aba Chapter of Abiriba Communal Improvement Union, to the Peoples’ Democratic Party who was a part of the delegation.
He recalled several situations in which the Governor has single-handedly ensured that the people of Abiriba support his government, and he promised the Governor that in the run-up to the 2023 elections, the people of Abiriba will fiercely support him.
Others who spoke at the event were the Honourable Members of the Abia State House of Assembly representing Ohafia North and Aba Central State Constituencies, Hon. Mandela Obasi and Hon. Sir Abraham Oba and a former Commissioner for Transport in the State, Chief Barrister Mrs Nnenna Obewu while the Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Chiedozie Ogu was part of the event.
The Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Investment, and a son of Abiriba, Chief John Okiyi Kalu had earlier introduced members of the delegation while the Executive Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Dr Okorafor Okorafor Ukiwe moved the Vote of Thanks.
A traditional ruler in Abiriba Eze Benjamin, the Effa of Agboji, later presented the Governor with gifts on behalf of the people of Abiriba.