The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji has called on the people of Umuahia South and North to give him 48 hours to revert to their request on contesting the 2023 Federal House of Representatives election.
He made this known on Sunday while receiving the Stakeholders from Umuahia South/North who presented a nomination and declaration of interest form to him.
Presenting the form, Evangelist Emeka Inyama stated that the speaker has transformed the look of the Abia State House of Assembly and deserves to move on to the federal level to represent the constituency and the state at a higher level.
“Within months of your ascension as the Speaker, you gave a touch to the edifice of House of Assembly making it look like a small London. You have empowered youths from across the three local government areas. You have built a youth facility across the three local governments not only in your Constituency. We must commend you. We are aware of the stability you have brought to the House and the good support you have given to our amiable governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.
That is why we have decided that this opportunity will not pass us by and so we call on you to represent the good people of our Constituency at the Federal level. In other climes, people like you who were Speakers moved to the Senate, House of Representatives or became ministers so it’s time we encourage our own. It’s time we encourage our youths to grow politically.
We believe that moving to the House will give you the pedestal to continue the good work you have been doing. We know you will not forget the youths and the elderly and you will represent the Ikwuano/Umuahia.
We believe you have what it takes to represent us.”
While handing over the form to the speaker, the member representing Umuahia South in ABHA, Hon. Barr. Jerry Uzosike urged the speaker to continue to speak for the good people of Ikwuano/Umuahia but at the federal level.
In his response, the Speaker thanked the Stakeholders of Ikwuano/Umuahia for the confidence reposed in him while stating that he has the utmost regard for them and promised to revert to them within the next 48hrs after due consultation.
“My father told me he was retiring from elective politics. He said he doesn’t want any chaos in Abia State, that if what he has said affected me then I should bear it. I had to advise myself. I think our elders noticed that I wasn’t any more interested in any political position and conspired to send me to the federal level. But I’ll ask that you give me 48 hours to consult with some stakeholders. My position has always been for peace and responsibility. This family built people in Abia Central, Abia North and Abia South so we have friends in all senatorial districts. Ikwuano/Umuahia remains the deciding factor. We are like a bride that everybody wants. We will not allow anybody to insult us nor will we insult anybody. What we want is peace.”
Concluding, the Speaker thanked the stakeholders present, revealing that he will make a comprehensive statement based on their request and reiterating that the most important thing for him is peace in the State.
