Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
After weeks of speculations and lobbying, the governorship flag bearer of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, Professor Uche Ikonne, has nominated the member representing Umunneochi state constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Okey Igwe, as his running mate.
The former Chairman, Umunneochi Local Government Area, is the Publisher of the Oracle Newspapers Ltd.
Igwe, 49, who hails from Umuogele, Amuda Isuochi in Umunneochi LGA was based in the United States of America before he became Council Chairman in 2016.
Meanwhile, the PDP has congratulated the lawmaker on his nomination, describing him as competent and fit for the job.
PDP in a statement by its Vice Chairman, Abia North/Acting Publicity Secretary, Elder Abraham Amah, said: “The Ikonne/Igwe ticket is a sign of greater things to come to Abia, given its masterful combination of grace, character, integrity and complementary capability.”
According to the statement, “Igwe’s selection came after very exhaustive consultations and considerations of the necessity to balance the power equation in Abia State and the announcement follows his successful screening by the Committee set up the National Working Committee, NWC of the PDP for the exercise.”
The statement further said, “he is an American-trained legal practitioner and successful businessman.”
He served as the Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State from 2016-2019.
“Aside from his legal practice, he is also an astute corporate mogul who spread his tentacles into several business sectors. He was Executive Director Chrisnak Group, the parent company of Mainland Oil & Gas Ltd as well as the founder and pioneer Publisher/CEO of Oracle Today Newspapers Ltd.”
“It is worthy to note that Barr. Igwe’s fit for purpose in this assignment is very timeous given the challenges that confront us as a people, especially that of insecurity, being that he is a veteran of the US military who served in the US Air Force during the Iraq combat years after the September 11 attacks. It is obvious that his military experience will help to eliminate insecurity in Abia State and its environs,” the statement added.
