Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Industrialist and Professor of Entrepreneurship, Greg Ibe, has expressed displeasure that Nigeria’s only seaport with the shortest nautical miles to the Atlantic Ocean was relocated for reasons yet to be explained.
The sea port originally located at Obuaku, Abia State, was the old seaport from where slaves were ferried overseas but later relocated to Onne in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by the Federal Government for reasons unexplained.
Professor Ibe, a frontline governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Abia State, who stated this while addressing APGA Council Chairmen and members of the State Executive in his Uturu country home, urged Ndigbo to be united.
Ibe who said he had invested heavily championing the cause of Ndigbo including the Nigeria President of Igbo extraction project, called on Ndigbo to unite behind APGA as a political platform to regain their lost ground in the political equilibrium of the country.
He said that his major motive in joining the Abia governorship race was to render selfless service to the state.
Professor Ibe said he would leverage on his national and international contacts to make Abia the investment haven in Africa.
He revealed that he had in a recent discussion with the US Secretary of State, Anthony Bliken, shared with him, how he intended to make Abia a sample of an ideal state in Africa, if given the opportunity.
“I told the US Secretary of State when he visited my hub in Abuja that I want just one state in Africa that will make human beings appreciate God.
“I’m coming for total service. I don’t wish any child to have my ugly childhood experience.”
Professor Ibe who said he had served all Nigeria Presidents and Heads of State, and currently consults for 15 countries in ECOWAS, said he had the needed economic blueprint to launch Abia into the major economic power in Africa if given the opportunity.
He vowed to decentralise government and spread development evenly across the state.
“I will be the Governor of Abia and not the Governor of my zone. No part of Abia will be left behind.”
He also said Communities would be allowed to suggest what their utmost needs are so that Government could tackle them according to order of priority.
Professor Ibe who said he had conducted the feasibility study of all LGAs in the country for the Federal Government, explained that he had knowledge of the various potentials available in each LGA in Abia, and would harness them for the good of the state.
He regretted that Abia has the best kaolin deposits in Umuahia but the raw material is exported to Kogi State where it is used in production of tiles due to lack of visionary leadership.
Ibe said that if elected, Aba would become a logistic hub where most of the imported raw materials would be packed for distribution to other parts of the country, citing the packaging of white cement which is currently done only in Aba for distribution to the rest of the country.
He promised to declare a state of emergence on infrastructure in Aba, and the education sector with a view to addressing them holistically.
Professor Ibe who said 350 Abians are currently on full scholarship at his Gregory University, promised to also give scholarship to the children of APGA LGA Chairmen who are due for university admission in September this year.
The entrepreneur handed over 17 Sienna cars to the 17 Local Government Area Chairmen of the party to facilitate their movement and activities.
Responding, APGA Chairman, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, described the entrance of Ibe into the party as a huge blessing, confessing that no aspirant or party chieftain has extended similar gesture to the party.
He challenged any aspirant who had given him money for the running of the party to make it public.
He promised that all aspirants in the party would be given equal opportunity at the party’s primaries.
In a remark, APGA Leader and member representing Aba South State Constituency at the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita, said he had been earnestly praying for the revival of the party and thanked God that his prayers had been answered.
He said that he had firmly stood against Government suppression, intimidation, and threats in his bid to provide robust opposition that would usher in a government that would deliver effective governance to the people.
