Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, minority leader of the senate, who will be completing Sixteen years in the the red chambers has declared interest to contest for the Abia State governorship seat in 2023.
He was elected to represent Abia South in the Senate in May 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Not contended with the number of years spent in the red chamber, Abaribe on Monday, declared his interest at an event organised in his honour by Nzuko Ahiaba La Abayi, a sociocultural organisation in Ahiaba, Obingwa LGA of the state.
His interest which other parts of the state sees as an affront is also facing serious rejection because Mma Agha Ndigbo comes from not just same the same local government with the incumbent, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu but also from the same village.
But speaking at the event despite these odds, Abaribe said he had informed Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia, of his decision to run for the governorship race in 2023.
“As an Igbo man, I respect constituted authority. I believe the number one citizen of the state should know and I have paid him that respect,” Abaribe said.
“I have let him know and by extension, the people of Abia, and I am telling the people of Abia to look forward to seeing me in charge in Abia state come 2023.
“This is a special occasion. I have been in politics since 1998. I have been in and out of politics and even gone to DSS custody because of Nigeria. This is the first time a civic reception is being organised for me.
“This occasion is significant because it is coming from my ancestral home and shows that they are saying that they are proud of my antecedents, achievements and that I deserve a title.”
In his remarks, Adolphus Wabara, chairman of the event, said Abaribe has done well for his constituency.
He advised the minority leader to continue to give “quality representation” on issues that would impact the state positively.
Abaribe was the deputy governor to Orji Uzor Kalu who governed Abia between 1999 and 2003.
As deputy governor, the state house of assembly attempted to impeach him twice.
Abaribe, however, resigned his position as deputy governor during the third attempt to impeach him in 2003.
