Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, has expressed deep concern at the current exchange of political brickbats by politicians and groups over who succeeds him in 2023.
Describing such exchanges as unnecessary, premature and capable of distracting his administration, the Governor appealed to politicians not to allow their rhethorics about 2023 threaten the peace and tranquility currently enjoy in the State.
Governor Ikpeazu who spoke through a press release made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, made it clear that he is still in charge of the State and will not be stampeded out of office by people who want to alter the natural order of things.
While appreciating the rights of persons and groups to canvass their political ideas and preferences, the State Chief Executive warned that timing is critical in these permutations and that there could only be one Governor at any particular time.
He assured that when the time is right, his successor will emerge through a peaceful process of consensus and justice, involving all interest groups in the State and reminded Abians that it is God that anoints leaders.
“My preoccupation now is how to continue to deliver more people oriented infrastructural projects for the people of Abia State, strengthen trade and commerce and keep our people safe.
“The question of who succeeds me is definitely not what i am thinking about at the moment. This is because if I start in June 2021 to think about my successor in 2023 and begin to hold meetings on the issue, it will be difficult for me to concentrate again and do my work”.
Governor Ikpeazu therefore advised politicians to pray to God to give life and good health ahead of the politics of 2023, adding that “only the living and the healthy will play politics by that time”.
