The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has described Anyim Pius Anyim, a front line contender to the Nigeria’s Presidential seat, under the auspices of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, as one of the best for the job.
Ikpeazu stated this, January 2, when Anyim paid him a New Year visit at his country home, Ngwa, Abia State.
He said that based on Anyim’s pedigree as former Senate president, former Secretary to the government of the Federation, “he is one Nigerian who is eminently qualified to lead the country and restore Nigeria to the path of glory.”
These roles he had played at different times, Ikpeazu recalls, place him at a vantage position to understand the challenges of the country and how to solve them better.
The Governor, however, advised Anyim not to forget to market the enviable credentials which he would bring to bear to the Presidency of Nigeria as an Igbo man, saying, an average Igboman has the tendency of turning a desert into a fertile land once given an opportunity.
Rhetorically, he said, “The challenges in Sambisa forest will easily become a business opportunity for an Igbo man as he would quickly create an economic heaven that will even disarm the terrorists.
He further advised Anyim to work hard to restore the trust and confidence of other segments of the country on the ability and sincerity of Igboman to govern the country as a Nigerian. Reiterating that the president of Nigeria of Igbo extraction will surely bring about economic growth, create job opportunities, bring unity and national cohesion.
According to him,the Igbo presence everywhere in Nigeria is a true reflection that they are indeed the real face of the country. Ikpeazu who spoke in the presence of some of his cabinets and members of the state Assembly reassures Anyim that Abia is in the journey together with him.
Responding, Anyim told the Governor and some of his Cabinet members that since they have all agreed that the president of Nigeria of Igbo extraction will bring prosperity to the country that he has, therefore, come to solicit their support, saying, the Nigerian project is a collective one. He assures them that he is going to the presidency to work for Nigeria which will include the interests of the South, the East and the North.