Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has called on the PDP  leadership to focus on three issues  if the Country would continue to remain as one, namely  Security , Socio-economic Development and National Cohesion and Inclusiveness, insisting that
the most important thing at this time is National Cohesion and Inclusiveness.


Ahead the 2023 General Elections, the  Governor equally  noted that  the South East Zone needs a voice in the PDP, “We need to know what is on the table for Ndi Abia and for Ndi Igbo. That is the way to go because we have suffered under the present APC government, where no Igbo man is in the hierarchy of Service Chiefs, no Igbo man is in the top echelon of decision making, no Igbo man is anywhere. In Nigeria of tomorrow, we need to be on the table, not outside the table”.


Ikpeazu was speaking at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, during the grand finale of the 31st anniversary celebration of the creation of Abia State, Presentation of staffs of office to Ezes-elect as well as Honours & Merit Award presentations.


Gov  Ikpeazu while presentong the staff of office to 35 Ezes-elect as Traditional Rulers of their various Autonomous Communities  charged them  to ensure peace and security  in their communities and warned them  against anti-government activities


The Governor congratulated the awardees and said that the awards were given to them on behalf of other hardworking Abians and lauded their commitment and love for the State.


He paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the State who worked tirelessly to ensure the actualization of the creation of Abia State and wished the entire people of Abia State, a happy 31st anniversary


Earlier, the acting Chairman of Abia State Advisory Council, Sir Chikezie Wachuku called for the collective efforts of all to achieve a secure and safe Abia by being their brother’s keeper.


The event which saw the Governor rename the International Conference Centre to Ochendo International Conference Centre in honour of his predecessor, Senator T. A Orji featured the cutting of the anniversary cake and presentation of merit award to 8 deserving Abians for their selfless services to the State. A lecture presentation on “A Competitive Abia Economy Using The Small And Medium Enterprises As A Pilot For Viral And Strong Abia Of The Future” by Dr. Chukwu Udensi the Head, Department of Management, ABSU was presented as well as the launch of two books – “The Torrents Of Testimonies: Voices From Abia State Nigeria and “Power With A Purpose”


The event attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, members of the State House of Assembly, PDP Governorship candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne, his running mate, Barr. Okey Igwe, Secretary to Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, Head of Service, Sir Onyii Wamah , Commissioners, PDP State Chairman Executive Chairmen, Elder Statesman – Chief Tony Ukasonya, Engr. Augustin Alaribe, Ambassador Empire Kanu,Traditional Rulers, members of the clergy amongst other dignitaries.