Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said his successor will emerge at the right time in 2023 through a peaceful process of consensus and justice, involving all interest groups in the State.
Pointblanknews.com gathered that political tension has risen in Abia over which zone produces Ikpeazu’s successor in 2023. Leaders of the three LGAs; Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South, which are in Ukwa/Ngwa bloc in Abia Central senatorial zone known as ‘Umunneoato , met three days ago at Okpuala Ngwa where they insisted that it is their turn to produce Ikpeazu’s successor. But in a counter move, the Abia North zone also insists that the governorship seat must return to the zone since the Abia Central and Abia South have had their turn.
Ikpeazu who expressed concern at the exchange of the political brickbats by politicians and groups over who succeeds him in 2023, described the exchanges as unnecessary, premature and capable of distracting his administration.
He warned that he is still in charge of the State and will not be stampeded out of office by people who want to alter the natural order of things, stressing that timing is critical in the permutations as there could be only one Governor at a time.
“When the time is right, my successor will emerge through a peaceful process of consensus and justice, involving all interest groups in the State. It is God that anoints leaders. My preoccupation now is how to continue to deliver more people oriented infrastructural projects for the people of Abia State, strengthen trade and commerce and keep our people safe , noting that the question of who succeeds him is definitely not what he is thinking about at the moment. This is because if I start in June 2021 to think about my successor in 2023 and begin to hold meetings on the issue, it will be difficult for me to concentrate again and do my work.”
The Governor tasked politicians not to allow their rhetoric over the 2023 governorship election threaten the peace currently being enjoyed in Abia State.
He also urged them to pray to God to give life and good health ahead of the politics of 2023, as only the living and the healthy play politics.