Speaker explains decision to subsist Ikpeazu’s developmental initiatives  

The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has given reasons why he resolved to subsist complementing ’s programmes and policies aimed at developing the state, stressing that there are many economic benefits in the continuity of good initiatives.

The Speaker added that personal sacrifice was expected from all well-meaning citizens in the state and therefore enjoined stakeholders, especially those he called the governor’s detractors to allow him to execute his well-articulated developmental vision.

While pleading with opposition politicians not to constitute themselves into cogs in the wheel of Abia State’s progress, Orji declared that he will shame all his critics with a sterling performance.

He said he remains responsible and accountable to the rest twenty-three members of the House of Assembly who, he noted are working in concert with him to render excellent service to the people by the grace of God.

The Speaker made his opinions public when Governor Ikpeazu’s Ngwa kinsmen based in the United States of America (US), under the aegis of Ngwa National Association of the United States of America (NNAUSA) paid him a courtesy call in his office.

He disclosed that his utmost desire was to ensure the success of Governor Ikpeazu and the administration, stressing that the various success stories being recorded by the governor have been receiving commendation from the masses, even as he added that the state legislature under his watch would not pose a stumbling block.

Earlier the leaders of NNAUSA expressed their satisfaction with the level of synergy being exhibited by the executive and legislative arms of government and gave kudos to the Speaker for his “wisdom and expressed stance to subsist support for Ikpeazu and his administration.”

While saluting the Speaker for “his generous spirit, unity of purpose and election as Speaker,” NNAUSA informed him that Ngwa persons resident in North America also appreciate his support and commitment to the cause of the entire Ngwa nation.

Led by Mr. Michael Nwoko on the visit, NNAUSA delegates presented the Speaker with NNAUSA Award in recognition of his statesmanship and leadership acumen.

In his acceptance speech, Orji said he was accepting the award with utmost humility because it means to him, reiterating that his resolve to subsist complementing Governor Ikpeazu’s efforts is borne out of a desire to develop the state equitably.

He recalled his long chequered history of cordial relationship with Ngwa people, adding: “My relationship with the Ngwa people started in 2011 when the entire Ngwa nation supported the former governor, Senator Theodore Orji (Speaker’s father ).

“It was in recognition of this fact and reciprocation of that gesture, that the former governor insisted that he must hand over to a Ngwa person as his successor. This relationship between Ngwa people and I, therefore, lies in your hands now. For me, I have made up my mind about my friends. I am from old Bende, but I cannot live in isolation.

“I am here as Speaker to support and complement the efforts of your brother, our governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. As far as we are concerned, the decisions and directives of the governor must receive positive considerations at all times.”

The Speaker disclosed that even before his election as speaker, Governor Ikpeazu has never reviled him, adding that the state chief executive has always shown respect to his father, the former governor, now the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District.

Asking rhetorically why he should not support the incumbent governor as much as everyone should, Orji maintained that he was not the type of person that will undermine anybody.

Hee said: “In fact, I will disgrace all my critics with my performance, I enjoy the confidence of the other 23 legislators and we have resolved as one united Abia State House of Assembly to perform excellently”.