Orji insists on handing over to Abia South in 2015

By ANAYO OKOLI
UMUAHIA—GOVERNOR Theodore Orji of Abia State has again declared that
he would hand over power to Ukwa/Ngwapeople of Abia South senatorial
districtin 2015.
According to Governor Orji, Abia Charter of Equity, which prescribed
power sharing in the state, remains sacrosanct and will be implemented
inthe interest of peace and equity.
Orji said he would not like to take any decision that would plunge the
state into political crisis, hence the decision to respect the
charter.
The governor, who spoke when traditional rulers from Isiala Ngwa
South Local Government Area paid him visit at Government House,
Umuahia, insisted that he would fulfill his promise of handing power
to the South in 2015.
Orji said: "I am the first governor that openly declared that the
governorshipseat will be rotational. I am here to install equity and
fair play in governance.
"I want to leave here (Government House) peacefully", pointing out
that he would avoid any political decision that would plunge Abia into
crisis after the expiration of his tenure".
The governor noted that the charter of equity which was drafted after
the creation of Abia State, held the key to peaceful sharing of
executive power among the component blocs, adding that he would ensure
the procedures enshrined in that document were followed to the letter.
Led by the chairman of Isiala Ngwa Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze
Solomon Nwosu, the royal fathers said they had come to show
appreciation for the ongoing transformation of the state by Governor
Orji.
They said that they also came to remind him that he should not forget
them "when the trumpet shall sound", in reference to the 2015
gubernatorial race.
According to the traditional rulers, with the governor's outstanding
achievements so far, he stands out as the best governor that has
presided over the affairs of Abia State since its creation in 1991.
They urged him to go to the Senate in 2015, since the constitution
would not allow him to seek for a third term as governor.