Zoning should not sacrifice merit, says Abaribe
Abia State gubernatorial aspirant, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has said that despite the fact that the governorship position in Abia has been zoned to Ukwa-Ngwa zone, the electorate should look out for the best so as not to sacrifice merit in the governance of the state.
A statement from Senator Abaribe’s media office said the senator who made the appeal in Ohafia, in Abia North Senatorial zone of the state in continuation of his consultation towards a making a formal declaration to contest the governorship race, told the people he has come to present himself not as an Ngwa aspirant, but as someone qualified and experienced to govern the state.
The statement read in part: “What Abia needs is a qualified governor in 2015, no matter where he comes from. I happen to come from that zone, but it is not for somebody who will come in to learn on the job, that is not what the state needs now. Abia state cannot afford to have a pupil-governor whose lot is to learn on-the-job.
“It is necessary for us to relaunch ourselves. It is not in our interest to have a governor that will spend four years to learn how to govern. Abia North don’t need to go far to look for who will be the next governor of the state. You have a friend in me. I think I have been able to represent my people well.”
It said though the federation allocation to the state is meagre, the people should look inwards and “re-energise the ever vibrant entrepreneurial spirit” which has made Aba the commercial hub of the East.
Some of the leaders in the zone who spoke on the occasion, expressed their support for the senator. Dr Emeh Okoro, a leader in the zone who spoke at the occasion said: “Abaribe’s pedigree, track record and experience in governance are quite intimidating and is not one to be glossed over”.
Another elder, Chief K. K. Owen who spoke for Ohafia people, reminded the crowd that it was Abaribe’s humility and integrity that saw him through the turbulent period when he was deputy governor, adding that he should be supported.