By Myke Uzendu.
As intense lobbying, advocacy, and contention over the geo-political leaning of Abia State after Ikpeazu continue to hit the polity, Abia state governor has told stakeholders that he will show the way subject to the approval of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
PDP stakeholders in Abia state are divided between those who insist that the zonal rotation was complete with the end of Ikpeazu’s tenure and those who argue otherwise.
The rotation-is-complete proponents insist that Ikpeazu from Abia South Senatorial Zone has completed the triangle following Theodore Orji from Abia Central and Orji Uzor Kalu from Abia North. They added that it should return to Abia North to start a fresh cycle.
But the opponents on the other hand cite the Abia Charter of Equity 1981 between the old Aba Division and Umuahia (old Bende) Division that pre-dated the creation of the State.
They arguye that Abia State politicians have not respected the Charter as those from Umuahia Division have held office for 18 years against the current seven years for Aba Division. They submit that power should remain in Aba Division through the Abia Central Senatorial Zone for equity and Justice.
The Bende PDP stakeholders had visited Ikpeazu in Government House, Umuahia, on Friday requesting that the governor should give them a clue about his successor.
But reacting to the concerns, Ikpeazu assured the PDP stakeholders that he would indicate a leaning soon but would abide by the party’s decision.
The Abia State Governor Dr. Ikpeazu while responding said,
“Ndi Bende, unu sim gbaa torch. Azutalam battery and agam agba torch ahu in a matter of days.” Bende people, you have asked me to light the torch. I have bought batteries, and I will deploy the torch in a matter of days.
Ikpeazu recalled the past and assured them about the future. “I have witnessed the two transitions in this State. I was here when Governor Orji Uzor Kalu managed his transition. He showed the way, and we all followed. My immediate predecessor also played his part during his time and showed the way, and we all followed. The lot is on me now, and I will live up to that obligation. I will show the way, and I know that we will follow.”
