Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, weekend, restated his resolve to ensure that Ukwa/ Ngwa people produced the next governor of the state, saying he wanted to lay a good foundation for power shift in the state.

Speaking in Aba where the people of Abia South senatorial zone organised a reception for him, Orji said shifting power to Ukwa/Ngwa people was the fairest thing to do as they had not produced a governor since the state was created over 22 years ago.

He said to bridge the marginalisation gap, he had given Ukwa/Ngwa people a sense of belonging in the affairs of the state since he came on board.

“I have given a sense of belonging to the Ukwa/Ngwa people to assert themselves. In every century, God brings out a person that comes to lay a foundation.

“It is my belief that once you lay a good foundation as to how power will rotate as far as governorship is concerned, it will remain. Once it is laid, it is going to be in the interest of Abia state.

“No section will be marginalised in Abia; Ukwa/ Ngwa have never been governor, what is wrong in allowing them produce a governor? A lot of people from other zones have come to me to say, I want to be governor and I’d told them straight away my stand.

“Equity demands that the right thing should be done. They may hate me but within me, I am convinced that I am doing the right thing. Our party, PDP believes in power rotation and sharing according to political blocs,” Orji said.

The governor, however, advised the governorship aspirants and people of the area to come together to realise their dream of producing a governor, warning that it would not be in their interest to work at cross purposes.

He said: “I want you people to help me, I don’t like if I convince people but when I come to this zone, I will start having problems. I will not like to have any problem in this zone. What we know is Ukwa/ Ngwa. It is open for you; go and contest.

“Any person who emerges as the guber candidate of our party from this zone, we are going to support that person. People should not be afraid because this is something that involves contest; you have to put in your best, your finances and everything you have. We have made a statement and it is in the best interest of the state.”

•Text courtesy Vanguard. Photo shows Governor TA Orji.

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