Abia deputy gov declares intention to succeed Ikpeazu

  The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko Chukwu, on Friday in Umuahia, declared his intention to contest the governorship seat of the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.   By this move, come 2023, he will be replacing Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu as the next governor of the state, if he wins the governorship poll.   Oko Chukwu said he wants to offer “conventional service” to Abians “having learned the lesson in areas we have not done well and to better the lot of Abians and where we have done well, to improve on it.”   He highlighted security, economy, healthcare, urban renewal, road infrastructure and education as his areas of focus.   Having served in different capacities in the state, he said, “Hopefully, we will end up stronger than when we started. It will be unfair not to give back to Abians what they have given to me.   “I understand what it means to run the state. It is not a tea party and I will use governance to better the state. I will lead and serve the state in good faith.”   Responding, the Abia State PDP chairman, Alwell Okere, said the party executives are happy with his achievements.   He assured, “We are going to be fair and provide level playground to all aspirants.”   He explained that the party executives looked at the situation of the state and came out with a zoning system entirely voted for by members.   He assured Abians that the zoning was done in good faith.   Speaking, a former PDP state chairman, Ndidi Okere, said that anyone who wants to take away your right usually come with beautiful argument, stating “it is a question of semantics.”   He said, “The truth is that power should shift to Abia North. Before now, Abia has been peaceful. It is the turn of Abia North for peace to reign.   “It is inconceivable that anyone from the South or Central will take what belongs to Abia North. This is my submission and I want it to be considered.”