Abia 2023: Jonathan’s Army Chief Ihejirika Speaks on Governorship Ambition

• There have been speculations in some quarters that ex-president Jonathan's COAS, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika is nursing a gubernatorial ambition
• The retired general reacting to plans of contesting as the next governor of Abia state in 2023, said he is currently consulting
• Recall Ihejirika noted that his reason for joining politics is basically to help move Abia state and the nation forward

Isuikwuato, Abia - Lt. Gen. Onyeabo Azubike Ihejirika, a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan has opened up on his governorship ambition.

Daily Trust reports that Ihejirika on Wednesday, January 12, said he is currently consulting for the Abia state gubernatorial race in 2023.

Ijejiriaka at a media parley in his country home located in Ovim, Isuikwato local government area said he would make his mind known to the people at the right time.

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According to him, the time had come for Abia to drop zoning and elect a quality candidate with proven integrity.

While decrying the voting apathy witnessed over the years in the southeast state, the retired army general called on Abians of voting age to get their voters cards and ensure that they vote massively for their preferred candidates.

He said:

“We have tried zoning and the question is how far did we go? We must get it right now so that we can move forward; we want a governor that can handle the problems of Abia. I urge every community to be prepared to bring out their best candidates, as Abia is number one in the country it should also reflect in our environment.”

I didn't join APC to escape probe but to help move Nigeria forward, Ex-COAS, Gen Ihejirika

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In a previous report by Legit.ng, Ihejirika denied that he joined the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), possibly to escape being investigated over his stewardship as COAS.

The retired general who made the denial at a media chat explained that he decided to go into partisan politics to have the platform to contribute his quota towards good governance in the country.

General Ihejirika further explained that contrary to insinuations by blackmailers, he joined politics to help move Nigeria forward politically drawing from his wealth of experience in the military.

Abaribe announces plans to succeed Ikpeazu as governor, lists reasons for joining race

Meanwhile, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senate minority leader, has thrown his hat into the ring ahead of 2023 general elections.

Abaribe, one of Nigeria's most vocal lawmakers announced on Monday, December 27, 2021, at a reception organised in his honour in Ahiaba, Obingwa local government area of the state his interest in the race.

The federal lawmaker the senator representing Abia South Senatorial District revealed his readiness to serve and to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.

Source: Legit.ng