Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has declared interest to run for Abia State governorship election in 2023.
Abaribe made the confirmation Monday, while fielding questions from news men after a grand civic reception in his honour by Nzuko Ahiaba la Abayi in Obingwa and Aba North Local Government Areas.
The Senator representing Abia South in the National Assembly, said he had already informed Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of his ambition to succeed him come 2023.
“We respect constituted authority. I believe my future political ambition should be made known to my Governor who is the number one citizen in my state.
” So, what I’m telling Ndi Abia is that they should expect Mmagha Ndigbo as their next Governor in 2023″.
The former Deputy Governor, who was earlier conferred with the chieftaincy title of ” Maduforo Nde Ngwa” (We still have remnants), expressed delight over the recognition.
He said the honour would spur him into more patriotic actions for not just his constituency but the state, Ndi Igbo and Nigeria at large.
Abaribe who said he had suffered persecutions because of his stance against injustice and oppression, declared that no amount of persecution would deter him from standing with the truth.
” I have gone to DSS custody because of Nigeria. I have fought many wars. And my people have looked at my antecedents and decided to honour me. They should expect more of those qualities in me”, he said
Speaking earlier, the Paramount ruler of Nzuko Ahiaba la Abayi, HRM Eze Nwabiarije Eneogwe, who conferred the title on behalf of other monarchs in the affected communities, said Abaribe had distinguished himself a voice not just for his constituency but for the Igbo race.
He described Abaribe as an illustrious son of Ahiaba la Abayi and prayed God to grant him success in his future political ambition.