Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has dismissed recent comments credited to Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, as mere speculations and wishful thinking.
Speaking to newsmen after inspecting the ongoing final asphalt overlay on Faulks Road, Aba, Governor Ikpeazu stated that “no member of G5 can railroad another member into supporting anyone against his will as suggested by Senator Kalu”.
It will be recalled that during a recent interview with Channels Television on Monday, Senator Kalu had said:
“Tinubu is well liked by the North and is from the South-West and is going to get a [sizeable] vote in Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra and Enugu. And he’s going to have the support of Governor Wike of Rivers State, so we’re on track.
“My governor here, Okezie Ikepazu, will also support Tinubu. My senatorial district is going to give Tinubu the vote, the puncher to give the 34, 35 per cent to be on the ballot,” he said.
Responding to newsmen after his project inspection visit, Governor Ikpeazu who dismissed Senator Kalu’s statement with a wave of the hand, described it as mere wishful thinking and the usual political speculation associated with the season.
Earlier, the Director of Strategic Engagement, Abia State PDP Campaign Council, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, had in a statement iissued in Umuahia, assured that there was no truth whatsoever in tne statement credited to Senator Kalu, recalling that in the run up to the 2019 general elections, there were similar mischievous speculations around the Governor because of his non rancorous brand of politics which allowed him to accommodate different political views and orientations without any qualms.
“Governor ikpeazu is a democrat and even as he frowns at some decisions of his party, the PDP, he remains a committed member of the PDP family.
“Ikpeazu is in touch with Abians and will not derail from the decision of a majority of his people which does not presently incline towards APC or its presidential candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu.
“It is noteworthy that in the field, APC structures in Abia South Senatorial District have completely collapsed into the PDP as was seen during the PDP rally held at Ahiaba in Obingwa LGA. So it is laughable for anyone to imagine the Governor working for the same party that has collapsed as a result of the good work the Governor has been doing in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Ikpeazu has not endorsed Tinubu and will not endorse him because he is a leader that is guided by the feelings of his people. PDP remains formidable and all our candidates in the forthcoming elections hold very strong prospects of winning, in Abia”, he said.
Chief Okiyi further stated that the PDP in Abia State “acknowledges the frustration of opposition parties in the state and sympathizes with them on their imminent rejection by the people who see the PDP as a steady hand guaranteeing continuing peace and progress of the state.