Gov. Theodore Orji has vowed to resist any plot aimed at scuttling his promise to hand over to a successor from the Ukwa/ Ngwa zone in 2015.
Orji who was speaking at a reception organized in his honour by the people of
Abia South zone in Aba, said rotation of power among the political blocs would be in the best interest of the state
The governor who disclosed that he has been under pressure to back out of his promise to hand over to the Ukwa/ Ngwa zone, assured that as a man who believes in equity and fair play, he is committed to ensure the right thing is done.
“Some people not from this zone have approached me to support them contest the position in 2015, but I have told them no. In every generation, God brings out a person who comes to lay a good foundation. It is my belief that once you lay a good foundation as on how power will rotate as far as governorship is concerned. Once it is laid, it is going to be in the interest of Abia state. Ukwa/ Ngwa have never been governor, what is wrong in allowing them produce a governor? A lot of people from other zones have come to me to say, I want to be governor and I tell them straight away this is my stand. Equity demands that the right thing should be done. They may hate me but within me, I’m convinced I’m doing the right thing. Our party, PDP believes in power rotation and sharing according to political blocs.”
Orji called on the people of the zone, particularly the governorship aspirants to work together to assist him realize the dream of producing a successor from the area, stressing that anything other than this may mar their chances.
“I want you people to help me, I wouldn’t like it if I fight to convince people but when I come to this zone, I will start having problems. I will not like to have any problem in this zone. What we know is Ukwa/ Ngwa. It is open for you; go and contest. Any person who emerges as the guber candidate of our party from this zone, we are going to support that person. People should not be afraid because this is something that involves contest; you have to put in your best, your finances and everything you have. We have made a statement and it is in the best interest of the state,” Orji said.
In an address earlier read by the chairman of the PDP in the Zone, Navy Commander Samuel Ebere (rtd), the people thanked the governor for his legacy projects and the appointment of sons of the zone to government positions.
Leading governorship aspirant in the state, Barr. Friday Nwosu who got a standing ovation, commended Gov. Orji for his commitment to justice and equity, stressing that no governor has shown love and support for Ukwa/ Ngwa people as the incumbent has done.
