Exclusive: 2015: Ex-Army Chief, Ihejirika To Join Abia Guber Race

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines Wednesday, April 23rd, 2014

IGNATIUS OKPARA, Umuahia

There are strong indications that the immediate past Chief of Army staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, may likely join the Abia state governorship race in 2015.

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Lt.Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika

A close source to Ihejirika, who spoke to African Examiner Tuesday under condition of anonymity at the ex- COAS country home, Ovim, Isiukwuato local government area of Abia state, said plans are in top gear by the ex- COAS to join the 2015 gubernatorial race.

According to the source, “as am talking to you now, the former COAS is making serious consultations across the state, he is sampling opinions.”

He said as a gallant security officer who served the nation meritoriously, the former chief of Army staff has proved to Abia people and Nigeria in general that he has the capacity to serve at a higher level.

“Even though, he has not made his intention public or ask any body to speak for him, I want to assure the people of Abia state to give the retired Army General their full support in 2015, because he will replicate the good job he did in the Army in our beloved state, if given the mandate” the source stated

Asked if the present zoning arrangement in the state will not jeopardise the General’s ambition, the source said, “I do not believe in zoning or consensus candidate agreement, because it promotes mediocrity in the society”

He however, opined that people with political ambition should always be allowed to contest for any position they so desire in a free and fair contest,

African Examiner reports that Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, had recently advised Ukwa Ngwa people (Abia south senatorial district) to rally round any gubernatorial candidate that emerges in the primaries of the PDP as a way of actualizing their dream of producing the next governor in 2015.

He said he was committed towards enthroning equity, justice and fair play in the state by ensuring that power shifts to Abia south in the next political dispensation, despite clamours by politicians from other zones to succeed him.

According to the Governor, the ruling peoples Democratic Party, PDP believes in power rotation and sharing power in blocs, adding that in as much as anybody can contest, the best candidate who emerges should be supported by all.

Another indigene of Ovim, and a lecturer at Abia state university Uturu, who also spoke to our correspondent, but do not want his name in print, said “quite agree, our brother and illustrious son, the retired COAS, is eminently qualified to run for the governorship position, but, he may have problem with the zoning issue.

According him, Ovim community like you know, is under Abia North senatorial zone, and we took our turn between 1999 – 2007 through former governor, Orji Uzo Kalu, Abia Central zone is now taking their turn via His excellency, Theodor Orji, so equity demands that power should shift to Abia south in 2015.”