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Following the declaration of support for power shift to the Abia North zone in 2023 by the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Theodore Orji, the Ukwa-la-Ngwa Council of Elders has attacked the former governor, saying that he cannot intimidate Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The senator had convened a meeting of leading politicians from the 17 LGAs of the state at his Umuahia country home where he insisted that power should rotate back to Abia North in 2023 in line with the Abia charter of equity and zoning arrangement in the state.
At the meeting, Orji stated said that anyone scheming to truncate the zoning arrangement in the state would be embarking on a dangerous voyage.
Reacting to the former governor’s position , the Ukwa-la-Ngwa Council of Elders told Orji to tread with caution and not seeking to undermine Governor Ikpeazu.
In a statement signed by the chairman of the council, Dr. Max Nduaguibe, the elders said that Governor Ikpeazu reserves the right to anoint his successor as was done by Senator Orji during his tenure as governor.
“Ukwa-la-Ngwa clan is ready to confront anyone standing in their way to retain power beyond 2023. Senator Theodore Orji should steer clear and not challenge the enormous powers of a sitting Governor.
“Senator Orji should realize that he was once a Governor of the state, and ought to know the enormous power which a sitting Governor weighs.
“The same manner in which Dr. Oriji Uzor Kalu anointed Chief Theodore. Orji as his successor and Chief Theodore Orji in turn ordained Dr Okezie Ikpeazu as his successor, nothing will debar Governor Okezie Ikpeazu from having a say and hand in who succeeds him.”
The Council of Elders declared support for Gov. Ikpeazu, urging him not to be intimidated into abandoning the legitimate aspirations of Ukwa la Ngwa of Umunneato from producing the Governor of Abia State come 2023.”
“The Council of Elders, men, women and all the youths are poised to confront whosoever and whatsoever that stand between them and their legitimate aspirations.”