By James Jibril
Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe has expressed interest to contest the governorship seat of Abia State at the 2023 general elections.
Abaribe made his interest known at a civic reception organised in his honour by Nzuko Ahiaba La Abayi, a sociocultural organisation in Ahiaba in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state on Monday.
He said he is ready and willing to serve and to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Abia State.
“As an Igbo man I respect constituted authority. I believe the number one citizen of the state should know and I have paid him that respect.
“I have let him know and by extension the people of Abia and I am telling the people of Abia to look forward to seeing me in charge in Abia state come 2023,’’ he said.
While expressing gratitude to God for divine guidance, Abaribe said that it was time for Abia people to make choices that would facilitate and enhanced socioeconomic development in the state.
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He thanked his constituents for organising a civic reception in his honour.
“This is a special occasion. I have been in politics since 1998. I have been in and out of politics and even gone to DSS custody because of Nigeria.
“This is the first time a civic reception is being organised for me.
“This occasion is significant because it is coming from my ancestral home and shows that they are saying that they are proud of my antecedents, achievements and that I deserve a title,’’ he said.
During his remarks at the occasion, Sen. Adolphus Nwagbara, Chairman of the reception, described Abaribe as one that had the interest of his constituents and Abia people at heart.
Nwagbara urged the senate minority leader to always give quality representation on issues that would transform the lives of his constituents and Nigerians at large.
Earlier, Mr Stanley Nwahiwe, a representative of Nzuko Ahiaba La Abayi, commended Abaribe for his contributions to the development of the area, adding that the reward for hard work was more work.
“Sincerely, we feel highly delighted and honoured by your actions and style of governance as a vibrant senator,’’ Nwahiwe said.
During the event, senate minority leader was conferred with the title of “Maduforo Ndi Ngwa’’ (A man of the people in Ngwa land) at the reception.
Present at the reception were Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, former Minister of Defence, Chief Okey Emuche, the National Secretary of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, among other dignitaries.
