Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has said that Nigeria requires a courageous leader who would be assertive in revamping the economic fortunes of the country and restore security of lives and property in the nation.
The Governor stated this on Friday, when he received the Rivers State Governor and PDP Presidential aspirant,Governor Nyesom Wike and his entourage at the Government House Umuahia.
Ikpeazu ,who described Governor Wike as a detribalised and courageous Nigerian, said that Wike has the capacity to turn the fortunes of the country around for the better.
According to Ikpeazu, Governor Wike has the political will and sagacity to lead the country out of its present situation; adding that the presidential aspirant boasts of a track record of service and stewardship among the league of governors in Nigeria and has intervened in the areas of security, social political stability, attraction of investors, infrastructure and social welfare of the Rivers state people among others.
Regretting the present state of insecurity and economic quagmire witnessed in the country, Ikpeazu stated that the greatest need of Nigerians today goes beyond infrastructure as citizens are struggling to survive.
Governor Ikpeazu, who gave reasons for supporting his Rivers State counterpart’s presidential ambition, said that he is not ashamed to be associated with the “important and strategic project” of Governor Wike especially at “a very precarious time in the history of Nigeria.
“I decided to pitch my tent with Wike not because he is my friend, not only because I’ve seen his track record of achievements but because I know where he stands on every issue.
“I don’t agree with him all the time but I know where he stands anytime and this is the kind of leadership we need in Nigeria. We can not afford to gamble with a president that is colorless.
“A president that would change like weather that is what has brought us to this present state in this country. I take measured steps in considering where to go at all times and I’ve never deceived you ndi Abia.
“Governor Wike has paid his dues,he has stood for our party, he has never changed party and he will not change party despite the outcome of the election. If you need someone who can take tough decisions, Wike can take the decision to turn the country around and I trust him to take decisions on behalf of the weak and the vulnerable wherever they may be.
Ikpeazu while congratulating Governor Wike for his doggedness thanked him for choosing Abia to close his campaigns and expressed belief that the PDP delegates will vote in his favour.
“I pray that delegates will reflect on the torturous transformation from a nation to a country and now to a people without a direction. That in making decision about where to go, they will remember that this country needs somebody that has sufficient courage to take decisions on issues such as security, economy, issues concerning the unity of the country and who can protect the hapless and voiceless wherever they may be now,” the governor added.
Earlier, the PDP presidential aspirant and Governor of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Wike said he was in Abia to seek the support of Abia delegates for the forthcoming Presidential primaries of the party.
Wike said he is leading the battle to rescue Nigeria through restoring security, establishing a sustainable economy, infrastructural development as well as effective leadership and all inclusive government.
