Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has made a strong case for the leadership of, the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to fast track discussions on national cohesion and inclusiveness which he noted is imperative if the country’s various nationalities must continue to remain one.
Governor Ikpeazu was speaking at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, during the grand finale of the 31st anniversary celebration of the creation of Abia State, Presentation of staffs of office to Ezes-elect as well as Honours & Merit Award presentations.
He drew the attention of his party, the PDP to three things the leadership of the country needs to focus on in the march towards the future to include Security, Socio-economic Development and National Cohesion and Inclusiveness, insisting that the most important thing at this time is National Cohesion and Inclusiveness.
According to the Governor, the South East Zone needs a voice in the PDP, “We need to know what is on the table for Ndi Abia and for Ndi Igbo. That is the way to go because we have suffered under the present APC government, where no Igbo man is in the hierarchy of Service Chiefs, no Igbo man is in the top echelon of decision making, no Igbo man is anywhere. In Nigeria of tomorrow, we need to be on the table, not outside the table.”
Governor Ikpeazu, who also presented staff of office to 35 Ezes-elect as Traditional Rulers of their various Autonomous Communities in the State charged traditional rulers to ensure peace and security reign in their communities and warned them not to work against the government.
The Governor congratulated the awardees and said that the awards were given to them on behalf of other hardworking Abians and lauded their commitment and love for the State.
He paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the State who worked tirelessly to ensure the actualization of the creation of Abia State and wished the entire people of Abia State, a happy 31st anniversary.
Earlier, the acting Chairman of Abia State Advisory Council, Sir Chikezie Wachuku called for the collective efforts of all to achieve a secure and safe Abia by being their brother’s keeper.
He used the forum to commend the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his human and infrastructural development in the last 7 years especially, the provision of a Long Term Development Plan which spans from 2020-2050, which he said is the first comprehensive plan towards a systematic development of the state and urged successive administrations to ensure optimal utilization of the plan for the greater good of the State.
The event which saw the Governor rename the International Conference Centre to Ochendo International Conference Centre in honour of his predecessor, Senator T. A Orji featured the cutting of the anniversary cake and presentation of merit award to 8 deserving Abians for their selfless services to the State.
A lecture presentation on “A Competitive Abia Economy Using The Small And Medium Enterprises As A Pilot For Viral And Strong Abia Of The Future” by Dr. Chukwu Udensi the Head, Department of Management, ABSU was presented as well as the launch of two books – “The Torrents Of Testimonies: Voices From Abia State Nigeria and “Power With A Purpose”
The event attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, members of the State House of Assembly, PDP Governorship candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne, his running mate, Barr. Okey Igwe, Secretary to Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, Head of Service, Sir Onyii Wamah , Commissioners, PDP State Chairman Executive Chairmen, Elder Statesman – Chief Tony Ukasonya, Engr. Augustin Alaribe, Ambassador Empire Kanu,Traditional Rulers, members of the clergy amongst other dignitaries.
