Ikpeazu denies backing Tinubu, says no G5 member can railroad another
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) G5 Governors, has dismissed as false, claim by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu that he (Ikpeazu) will support Bola Tinubu in the presidential election.
Both Kalu and Tinubu are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Tinubu is well liked by the North and is from the South West and is going to get a [sizeable] vote in Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra and Enugu. And he’s going to have the support of Governor Wike of Rivers State, so we’re on track,” Kalu announced on Channels Television on Monday.
“My Governor here, Okezie Ikepazu, will also support Tinubu. My senatorial district is going to give Tinubu the vote, the puncher to give the 34, 35 per cent to be on the ballot.”
But Ikpeazu countered when he inspected the construction of Faulks Road in Aba that “no member of G5 can railroad another member into supporting anyone against his will as suggested by Kalu.”
When questioned by journalists, Ikpeazu dismissed Kalu’s statement with a wave of the hand, describing it as mere wishful thinking and the usual political speculation associated with the season.
State PDP Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Director of Strategic Engagement, John Okiyi Kalu, had earlier issued a statement in Umuahia in which he clarified there is no truth whatsoever in Kalu’s claim.
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Abia PDP dismisses Kalu’s statement
Okiyi Kalu said there were similar mischievous speculations around Ikpeazu in the run up to the general election in 2019 because of his non-rancorous brand of politics which allows him to accommodate different political views and orientations without qualms, per reporting by Tribune.
“Ikpeazu is a democrat and even as he frowns at some decisions of his party, the PDP, he remains a committed member of the PDP family,” he said.
“Ikpeazu is in touch with Abians and will not derail from the decision of a majority of his people which does not presently incline towards APC or its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
“It is noteworthy that in the field, APC structures in Abia South Senatorial District have completely collapsed into the PDP as was seen during the PDP rally held at Ahiaba in Obingwa LGA.
“So it is laughable for anyone to imagine the Governor working for the same party that has collapsed as a result of the good work the Governor has been doing in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ikpeazu has not endorsed Tinubu and will not endorse him because he is a leader that is guided by the feelings of his people.
PDP touts positive record in Abia
“PDP remains formidable and all our candidates in the forthcoming elections hold very strong prospects of winning, in Abia,” Okiyi Kalu added.
“[Abia PDP] acknowledges the frustration of opposition parties in the state and sympathises with them on their imminent rejection by the people who see the PDP as a steady hand guaranteeing continuing peace and progress of the state.
“Abians cannot abandon the PDP which gave them over 200 roads including four bridges, 700 new classroom blocks, sent some of her youths abroad on scholarship and trained shoemakers overseas.
“It is unthinkable for our people to abandon such a party which built two brand new giant firms that have been gainfully employing our people and engaging them in other nuerous positive ways.
“The PDP government of Okezie Ikpeazu has employed over 10,000 youths through direct jobs in TIMAAS, APUMA, ENASCO, Abia school feeding programmes, ASEPA etc.
“It has facilitated regular power supply in parts of Aba through delineated support to Geometric Power Company and has bequeathed the first free trade zone in the South East through Enyimba Economic City.
“It is because we are proud of our record as a party and government that our candidates are campaigning on those records, whereas our opponents are engaging in propaganda and outright falsehood to attempt to hoodwink voters.
“As of today, Abia remains the safest state in the South East. To the glory of God, the state has not witnessed any successful bank robbery since Governor Ikpeazu emerged in 2015.
“Our people will only go to a place with better prospects or they remain with the party they already know. They are not willing to repeat the same mistake Nigerians made at the national level in 2015.
“As good Christians, we are aware of what the Scriptures say in Proverbs 24 v 21: ‘my son fear the Lord and also the king. Be wary of those who go for change, for their calamity is near!’”
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