2023: Prof Ibe declares interest to run for the Abia Guber seat
By Chijindu Emeruwa, Abia
Professor Gregory Ibe, the chancellor of Gregory University Uturu, in Abia State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced his ambition to run for the office of governor of Abia come 2023.
This also came barely a week ago the senate minority leader and former Deputy Governor of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe declared his intention to vie for the Abia Governorship position in 2021 during a ceremony on his conferment of traditional chieftaincy title by monarchs from Ukwa Ngwa extraction of the state,
However, Ibe, who is a Professor of Entrepreneurial science, disclosed during a consultation meeting with executive officials of Isuikwuato local government Council chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party last weekend.
The PDP governorship hopeful while addressing PDP LG officers and members recalled his earlier declaration and subsequent procurement of the statutory expression of interest form in 2014, revealing that he was then advised to step down in respect of the party zoning arrangement which favored the emergence of a governor from Abia South Senatorial zone.
He further disclosed that he had since 2015 committed himself to support governments at all levels and the party by creating social welfare packages for the people while fine-tuning his blueprint for 2023.
According to him, “I have been a loyal stakeholder of the party, I have since the development of 2014, the last time I stood down my earlier governorship bod because of the zoning arrangement of the PDP which favored the incumbent Governor, I have sustained partnership with the structures of the party, proactively supported every initiative of the state government as a corporate citizen while building and enlarging capacity to do the party and the people of Abia proud in the office of governor come 2023.
Prof Ibe unequivocally stated that he is now more prepared and strategical for the exalted governorship race of Abia state than before, promising to invigorate and reinvent the state for greater economic and Infrastructural development.
“Leveraging my extensive knowledge of political power dynamics, vast background in the world of corporate business, diplomatic skills acquired while consulting with international bodies, and relevant experience garnered from being the largest private investor in our state, u consider myself sufficiently prepared by God to run for the seat of Governor of Abia”.
Continuing, he added, “Umunnem, if the politics of 2023 must reflect the lessons learned from the economic recession, COVID-19, and EnDEars protests, then we need someone who not only comes from the right political zone but a governor that can think outside the box, innovate and reinvent the state. I believe that I ticked all the boxes right.
“Having this declared this intention at my ward today, I will subsequently embark on statewide consultation visits to enlist the support and partnership of other stakeholders towards actualizing the project
In their separate responses, the chairman of Isuikwuato chapter of PDP Hon Charles Emenike and Party chairman of Achara Mbaugwu Ward 7, Hon. Chief Cyprian Website, congratulated Professor Gregory Ibe for his decision to offer himself to serve the state at the highest level of governance.
The PDP Chairmen recalled that Professor Ibe as a member of the party has continued to offer different levels of assistance to the wars especially at critical times, assuring the partnership of the ward executive in realizing the vision.
They also appreciated the gubernatorial Aspirant for keeping faith with the party through thick and thin and reassured that his gesture will be reciprocated at the right time.
The chairmen however promised to transmit news about Professor Ibe’s Governorship bid to the party hierarchy.
The declaration ceremony by Professor Gregory Ibe saw the presence of officials from the ten electoral wards of Abia State Independent Electoral ABSIEC electoral wards of Isuikwuato LGA also featured solidarity songs and a session of intercessory prayers.
