2023: We will deal decisively with those fanning embers of disunity — Ikpeazu

By MATTHEW KALU, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has warned that his administration would deal decisively with any individual or group fanning the embers of disunity and disharmony in the State through ongoing scheming by various interest groups to produce the next governor of the state in 2023.

Ikpeazu noted that political activities of diverse groups were threatening the unity and cohesion of the state, but said that at the appointed time, leaders predestined by God to lead Abia would emerge.

The Governor gave the stern warning in Umuahia Friday during a state-wide broadcast as part of activities marking the celebration of 30 years of creation of the state by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

He acknowledged that such political activities were expected in the build up to general elections, but insisted that his administration would only be tolerant if such politicking were carried out under the atmosphere of unity and inclusion, not promotion of ethnic divisions.

The Governor sounded it clear that he was still in charge till May 2023, adding: “Our administration will not condone statements and activities that are inimical to the unity and cohesion of Abia State.”

He urged the people to continue to stand united and collectively build the state.

“It is on this note that I will like to once again, sound a note of warning to the diverse groups that have been promoting ethnic divisions and confrontational rhetoric in the name of positioning to take over power during the next election cycle,” he warned.

“While we understand that agitations and positioning are the usual processes of politicking, especially leading up to a general election, we insist that such activities be carried out under the atmosphere of unity and inclusion,” he added.

Ikpeazu reminded the people that power belongs to God. “When the time comes, God will choose leaders he has predestined for Abia State. No individual or group aspiration is worth more than the unity of Abia State and we will henceforth, decisively deal with any individual or group fanning the embers of disunity and disharmony in Abia State,” he reiterated.

The Governor charged Abians to rededicate themselves to the aspirations of the founding fathers of the state.

“Our founding fathers had lofty ambitions for us; from the push for the creation of our state even up until this day. I make bold to state that we have surpassed even their own expectations in a lot of areas.

“Against all odds, we have remained a strong, united people. At creation, we assumed the sobriquet of God’s own State and it is very obvious that the hand of God has been upon our State at every turn. We have faced multiple challenges but at every critical moment, God has intervened to steady the ship of state and for that, we return all the glory to God.

“This anniversary celebration therefore presents us with another opportunity to remind ourselves of who we are and the values that have brought us thus far. This anniversary is another opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the unity, peace, prosperity and greatness of our state.

“This anniversary presents us with the imperative to eschew such tendencies that tear at the seams of our unity and invites us to commit that in all we do, the greatness of Abia State will continue to be paramount in our objectives,” said Ikpeazu.

He expressed hope that the next 30 years of Abia State “will be a journey in progress, development and collective upliftment.”