Former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Abia state, Hon. Okey Ogbonna says Gov. Theodore Orji has delivered democracy dividends while operating under difficult circumstances in the state.
In a chat with our correspondent, Ogbonna described Gov. Orji as a miracle worker who has brought Abia state to the path of prosperity.
“Gov. Orji has walked the talk in delivering democracy dividends to the people; providing basic infrastructure such as quality health facilities, building of the new Government House, the international conference centre, new workers’ secretariat, renovation of schools, youth empowerment, skill acquisition, among others. I’m proud of his accomplishments; as a leader with solid credential and pedigree, he has set an enviable record in Abia state. Looking forward to the future, I’m more confident that his best days as a leader lie ahead,” Ogbonna said.
Asked how the governor recorded these achievements under difficult circumstances, the ex-commissioner who is also a legal practitioner recalled the first tenure of the present administration when he said Gov. Orji battled with the kidnapping incidents which nearly ran Abia aground as well as against some forces who worked against the interest of the state.
“Gov. Orji operated under a difficult environment in his first term; he resisted the handover of the state to some unprogressive forces and the era of kidnapping.
“Only a governor of his pedigree could have driven Abia to the path of growth after such distractions. He could have chosen to play ball with the unprogressive forces and serve out his tenure but he resisted them because of his unwavering commitment to the best interest of Abia state. This is remarkable. “
On the calls by various groups for the governor to run for the Abia Central senatorial seat in 2015, Ogbonna said men with Gov. Orji’s qualities are needed at the National Assembly to keep the Nigeria project on course.
“The calls for Gov. Orji to run for the Abia Central senate seat are well deserved and timely. Our country, Nigeria needs the rich experience, vision, leadership skills and level headedness of statesmen like Gov. Orji in order to take up the unfinished business of building a better Abia state and keep the Nigerian project on course. The renewed calls for him to run for the senate in 2015 by different political and opinion leaders has changed the political landscape and created new hope in Abia state and Nigeria. Surely, Gov. Orji’s best days as a leader lie ahead.
