It was not his birthday, but Sunday,  the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji got a surprise package as Ikwuano/Umuahia Concerned Critical Stakeholders stormed his residence to present him with  Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the  House of Representatives election in 2023

This is even as youths and other stakeholders  across Abia's 17 LGAs have within the past days appealed to him to run for the Governor of Abia State come 2023 election

Pastor Emeka Inyama and the delegation

On Sunday, speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, former Chairman Abia Warriors, FC, Pastor Emeka Iyama said:
"In other climes,  former Speakers of the House of Assembly move up  to the Senate, or  House of Representatives, some   become Ministers, therefore we said to ourselves  it's time for us to begin to promote our own, because it's not right to stop people at the prime of their political career.

"We believe that going to the House of Representatives will give you the platform  to continue the good work you are doing, we know you will not forget the youths, women and the elderly.

"You have used your God given talents to work for our people, and we want our  constituency to be like others. People from other constituencies are feeling the impact of those representing them but we are not feeling any.

"We believe that you have the capacity and leadership acumen to do it, and God will bless you. You're still young and the  future is even brighter", he submitted.

Inyama added that in recognition of the Speaker's overwhelming performance, the group decided to purchase and present him with Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms

He maintained that as Speaker, he set standards, performed excellently across board, executed  empowerment programmes for the youths and women across the 3 local governments of Ikwuano; Umuahia North and Umuahia South LGAs

Responding, Rt Hon. Chinedum Orji, said while he decided not to run for any office, he never knew that the Concerned Critical Stakeholders were conspiring to buy form and drag  him to the campaign field. He appealed that  they give him 48 hours to consult other  critical stakeholders whether they find him suitable to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He  commended the group for their bold steps  in  purchasing  Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for him, saying that in the coming days, he will issue a statement after consultations with them and  other stakeholders in the Constituency. He noted that  politics is dynamic, but peace is paramount in the whole process

He maintained  that his number one priority is for Abia State to remind united and peaceful, and  urged aggrieved politicians to sheathe their sword, and allow peace to reign.

Dailyledger.ng.com  reports that among the delegation includes  member representing Umuahia South in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Jerry Uzosike, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, Sir Emma Nwabuko, Hon Wisdom Ogbonna, Sir Lucky Akabuike, Sir Tony Ezebuiro, Mr 'Against' Ukatu and several others