Abaribe made the confirmation Monday, while fielding questions from newsmen after a grand civic reception in his honour
Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has announced plans to contest the governorship of Abia State in 2023.
Abaribe is the senator representing Abia South district.
Senator Abaribe made the confirmation Monday, while fielding questions from newsmen after a grand civic reception in his honour by Nzuko Ahiaba la Abayi in Obingwa and Aba North Local Government Areas.
The former Deputy Governor said he had already formally informed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of his ambition to succeed him come 2023.
“We respect constituted authority. I believe my future political ambition should be made known to my Governor who is the number one citizen in my state.
”So, what I’m telling Ndi Abia is that they should expect Mmagha Ndigbo as their next Governor in 2023.″
Abaribe hinted of his intention to throw his hat in the gubernatorial loop in an exclusive interview with TheNiche in November.
When TheNiche asked him the direction his political pendulum will swing in 2023, he answered with a proverb.
“Ndigbo say, “ana amara nma sina ulo puo na ama.” In other words, you have to keep your house in order before you go to dance outside,” he answered.
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Senator Abaribe who was earlier conferred with the chieftaincy title of ” Maduforo Nde Ngwa” (We still have people in Ngwaland), expressed delight over the recognition.
He said the honour would spur him into more patriotic actions for not just his constituency but the state, Ndi Igbo and Nigeria at large.
Senator Abaribe said he had suffered persecutions because of his stance against injustice and oppression. He declared that no amount of persecution would deter him from standing with the truth.
”I have gone to DSS custody because of Nigeria. I have fought many wars. And my people have looked at my antecedents and decided to honour me. They should expect more of those qualities in me”, he said
Speaking earlier, the Paramount ruler of Nzuko Ahiaba la Abayi, HRM Eze Nwabiarije Eneogwe, who conferred the title on behalf of other monarchs in the affected communities, said Senator Abaribe had distinguished himself as a voice not just for his constituency but for the Igbo race.
He described Senator Abaribe as an illustrious son of Ahiaba la Abayi and prayed God to grant him success in his future political ambition.
In a remark, chairman of the occasion and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described Senator Abaribe as a vibrant and seasoned lawmaker.
Wabara acknowledged that Abaribe who succeeded him at the Senate had posted tremendous achievements at the red chamber.
Speaking also, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said Abaribe had remained an irrepressible voice at the Senate.
Anyim who described Abaribe as a resourceful Senator and an asset said the Senate Minority Leader could be trusted for any higher responsibility.
Some of the dignitaries at the glamorous event were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the November 6 Anambra election, Valentine Ozigbo; former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Argentina, Ambassador Empire Kanu; and former Minister for Defense, Thompson Aguiyi-Ironsi.
The event also witnessed the presence of federal and state lawmakers as well as politicians from within and outside Abia State.
On December 11, 2021, the paramount ruler of Abiriba people, HRM Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachioken of Abariba Kingdom, also conferred on Abaribe the chieftaincy title of Aturu Mang at his palace.