From Steph Clem, Umuahia
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed confidence in the governor-elect of Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to be able to re direct the fortunes of the state.
Professor Soludo stated this when he received Dr Ikpeazu at his Enugu residence on Monday.
Prof. Soludo confessed that even though he has not been to Aba the commercial city of Abia State in the last 20 years after listening to the Governor-Elect, he is convinced he is a man with clarity of vision, who has done thorough diagnosis of the Abia problem.
“Abia is surely at the heart of rescuing Igboland and it will be my pleasure to always brainstorm with you to ensure this happens.
“I’ve seen the potentials and I will do anything you want me to do to help you succeed in Abia.
According to Prof Soludo, Aba is a very important town to all “Ndi Igbo,” because there is no Igbo family that does not have a link to Aba
In his response, the incoming governor said that repositioning Abia is a task that he must accomplish with the help of God, and added that he will need the support and partnership of people like Prof. Soludo to drive his vision.
“I thank you for your kind words and willingness to partner with us in our resolve to reposition Abia”.
He pointed out that the present state of Aba, which is in a deplorable state, is part of the reasons the economy of Abia, and the South East as well as Nigeria is always on the decline.
He assured that all of that will be history after May 29, as he is prepared to hit the ground running.
“I appeal to you to leave your doors always open for us because all hands must be on deck for us to make Aba work again. We believe that if you get Aba right, Abia will be right and we are determined.” Ikpeazu said.
Dr Ikpeazu had been on a consultation and strategy mission on how to rebuild Aba and possibly generate enough revenue from the city with the declining federal allocation to states.
