Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubike, has urged Abians both at home and Diaspora to look beyond political differences and join hands to build the state for the interest of Abia people and those living in the state.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Clinton Uba on the occasion of the 24th anniversary celebration of the State, carved out from the old Imo State on 27th day of August 1991.

The Speaker praised the founding fathers of the state for their various sacrifices that culminated to the creation of the state and urged Abians not just to adopt the acronym of “God’s Own State” but to practice it in truth and reality, noting that; Abia needs God and ceaseless prayers to tackle various social political challenges confronting the State.

He noted that no state can survive without peace, equity, justice and fair play and commended Abians for their support by voting Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, the incumbent governor of the State during the last election and described his victory as a divine mandate.

The speaker praised Governor Ikpeazu for his sterling performances so far, saying; the governor is aware of his election promises to Abians and has already started fulfilling them by his massive road construction in all parts of the state, especially Aba the commercial nerve centre of the state and setting up developmental apparatus for other sectors of the economy that will impact positively on Abians.

He acknowledged the fact that the since the creation of the state in 1991, Abia State has been grappling with the problems of faulty foundation, promises fulfilled in breach and heavy burden of low infrastructural development but added that; change has come to Abia as the present administration, both the Executive and the Legislators are working assiduously to restore hope, which is being demonstrated by the performance of Governor Ikpeazu in just 90 days in office.

•Photo shows Abia Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubike.