Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has referred to the people of Ikwuano Local Government Area as natural political loyalists who have contributed significantly to the political stability that Abia State enjoys.
The governor made the remarks yesterday while receiving a team of Ikwuano LGA political leaders who paid him a goodwill visit at his country home in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa LGA.
Gov. Ikpeazu made it plain that as the 2023 elections approach, the people of Ikwuano’s devotion and stabilising contributions will not go unrewarded.
He hailed the delegation’s leader, Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd), as a distinguished Abia son who has served Nigeria as a soldier, Defense Minister, PDP National Vice Chairman, South-East Zone, and National Organizing Secretary of the PDP till recently.
The Governor, who described Col. Akobundu as a good and exceptional representative of the people of Ikwuano, said he is proud of his record of service, particularly at the PDP’s National Headquarters, where he served with dignity and integrity.
Gov. Ikpeazu commended the Ikwuano indigenes who have cooperated with him since his administration began, characterising them as trustworthy individuals and in the same vein promised that the delegation’s concerns will be addressed.
The delegation’s leader and the PDP’s immediate past National Organising Secretary, Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd), praised the Governor for his friendly attitude toward the people of Ikwuano.
He lauded the governor for his statesmanlike handling of political matters in the run-up to the 2023 elections, which has allowed Ikwuano to produce a senator for the Abia Central Senatorial District.
Gov. Ikpeazu was assured by the delegation’s leader that the people of Ikwuano will remain his natural allies and will support him as he prepares for the transition to a new administration come 2023.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ikwuano Stakeholders, Navy Captain Chris Osondu (Rtd), told the Governor that he should not take the people of Ikwuano’s support for granted because they are naturally wired to follow their leaders.
He urged the Governor to approve the installation of Ikwuano indigenes as Permanent Secretaries and Heads of non-Ministerial agencies and Boards, claiming that this would give them a sense of belonging.
He also requested that the Governor authorise the building of various local road projects.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Ikwuano Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Eze Dr Ndimele, thanked the Governor for receiving them and prayed for the Governor’s health and the good of the people of Abia State.
Among the important Ikwuano indigenes who attended the ceremony were, the Executive Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Stephen Mpamugo, the Member representing Ikwuano in the State Assembly, Hon. Stanley Nwabuisi, the Honourable Commissioner for Inter-Governmental Affairs, Abia State, Prince Obinna Okey, Hon. Wisdom Ogbonna, Hon. Barrister Stanley Ojigbo, Lady Ngozi Oji, and Professor Mrs Roseline Ndimele.