In Abia State, a socio political organization, by the name,Abia Restoration Movement,has endorsed the former Minister of State for Science and Technology, Chief Henry Ikoh, beckoning him to run for Abia Governorship come 2027.
The group who gave their endorsement through representatives of the 184 wards of the State, said after a careful due diligence on eminent Abia sons and daughters, both home and in the diaspora, that are qualified to lead the State, picked the former Minister of State for Science and Technology, to contest for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
In a Press Conference in Umuahia ,the Coordinator of the group, Hon Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri, hinged the endorsement of Chief Henry Ikoh to numerous reasons, pointing that Ikoh remains the only politician that could give Abia a better deal.
According to him, the call for Chief Ikoh, was coming on the heel of his qualifications and many years of cognate field experiences, as an administrator, business manager and human capital developer and sagacious politician.
He said the former Minister was an outstanding industrialist, whose group of companies, ranging from foam making to hospitality, have touched immensely, the lives of Abians through the creation of jobs and has overtime added to the Gross Domestic Product of the state.
The Group’s Coordinator revealed that the choice of Henry Ikoh stemmed from the group’s decision to enthrone a government that have direct link with the people and not one where the people would find it difficult to access him.
He said, “Chief Ikoh is a widely acknowledged philanthropist, who is at home with his people and could be directly and indirectly linked with the accomplishments of most successful Igbo people across the globe.
“Ikoh prides as a quintessential pacesetter in grass root politics, hence he is a champion of restorative politics, not just in Abia State but across the entire South East. No wonder he has the appendages of Ozurumba, Ukwa ruo Oge ya odaa and many other Chieftaincy titles. He is a man that has deep connection with his people and that is evident in the number of industries he sits within his community and around Abia State”.
The group noted that they are confident that the former Minister of State for Science and Technology, would bridge the wide gap that exists between the people and the leadership of the state.”As such, the people, who are the real owners of the government will be restored to power to equitably enjoy the fruits of their land. That applies also to the stakeholders who are sidelined and dumped for estranged ‘billionaires’, whose only claim to patriotism is rooted in their wanton disregard to the dignity of our people who have laboured assiduously to the growth of the state”,he said.
Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri further described Chief Henry Ikoh as one who is deeply rooted and understood the fabric and texture of Abia politics.”Ikoh is truthful, humble,kind, compassionate and he feels the pulse of the people directly because he stays with them in the village.
“This movement have seen in a man the qualities we want in a Governor. Abians want a Governor that will create a functional likelihood; a government where every one will participate in the work and as well the eating. A government that will create jobs, support traders and create an environment for a functional business”.
Ezekwesiri further pointed out that the personality traits of the former Minister, underscore his degree of native patriotism, where an indigenous company was formed in 1996 to create jobs, render help to families, develop human capacity among others.”If Henry Ikoh can change the fortune of people through his company, if in his own capacity, he can develop boys into men and men into institutions, then when elected the Governor, he will do more”.
He, however, stated that with the personality like Chief Henry Ikoh, a pragmatic business man and entrepreneur, who understands the importance of division of labour, the tenets of true democracy would be restored, thus separation of power between the three arms of government would be guaranteed.
The group’s Coordinator while appealing to the former Minister of State for Science and Technology, to accept their request of running for the governorship, stressed that Chief Ikoh has the character,resilience and humility to lead Abians to the promised land. “His Industry experience and versed exposure is a veritable advantage, coupled with his utmost sense of humanity. The eroded confidence of an average Abian shail be restored”,he said.
Meanwhile, the group hinted that the Abia Restoration Movement is a holistic movement of all Abians and races,meant to primarily sensitize Abians of the need to enthrone a functional government, where Abians could determine their Governors or be part of decision making processes of the government.
