Youths across the state, today stormed the residence of the Speaker of the House of Assembly in Umuahia, Rt Hon Chinedum Orji, giving him 24 hours ultimatum to declare for the governorship seat, else they will contribute money and buy the form for him.
The youths under the aegis of Forum For Concerned Abians, comprising 15 pro-groups in Abia state, shut down the streets of umuahia in their numbers, demanding that the first son of the former Governor of the state and Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Orji, to join the 2023 governorship race.
The youths who defiled the scorching sun, knelt down on the floor, pleading and wailing that the Speaker should come out and represent them at the Government House, being the only one that understands and feel the pulse of the youth.
In their speeches, the Directior General of Ikukuoma Apostles, Prince Nelson Eke, from, Arochukwu LGA, Mrs Gold Unachukwu of Aba South, Chief Dominic Chimeremeze Nwankwo of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Bishop O.U.Prince of Ikwuano LGA, said they want the next governor to be a youth and the best match for the job is the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
The former Secretary General of Students Union of the Michael Okpara University, Umudike, Comrade James Daniel, who spoke on behalf of other students, extolled the sterling qualities of the Speaker and called on him to join the governorship race in the overall interest of the people.
The people, however, described Chinedum Orji as the only one who can truly move Abia forward, following his antecedents as a selfless leader, who has impacted greatly on both the state as an entity and the people, irrespective of status, religion, affinity, political affiliation, ethnic background or even social class, saying he is the hope of the common man.
They further assured him of mobilising Abians from all walks of life to do everything within their powers to ensure that he emerges as the next Governor of Abia State.
On his part, the Speaker thanked the group for their solidarity, support and visit, saying he would not do anything whatsoever that would affect the peace of the State, adding that the current administration under the watch of Governor Ikpeazu, deserves all the support he can get to finish his tenure peacefully.
Orji further said that there were early plans by some fifth columnists to destabilize him with blackmail, propaganda and outright falsehood, but that God has frustrated such plans attributing it to the prayers of the people.
The Speaker who advised the youths to carry out their activities peacefully, said he has acknowledged their call and by seven to eight days time,he would speak.
Meanwhile, the youths who also visited the PDP secretariat, pleaded with the party to ensure they fly a candidate that can win elections, appealing for a level playing ground for all aspirants.
Responding, the State PDP Chairman, Rt Hon Alwell Asiforo Okere, said the Party will not close its doors to anyone wishing to vie for any elective office in the state and urged the Speaker’s supporters to go about their rally peacefully, assuring that a level playing ground would be availed to all aspirants.
