The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan told the Abia State Governor, Mr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Lawan was speaking at a Grand Civic Reception in honour of Prince Paul Ikonne who is the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authourity( NALDA), in Abuja.
A statement on Thursday, by his Special Adviser, Media, Ola Awoniyi, quoted the President of the Senate as saying “One of the earlier speakers said that the governor will go to Senate in 2023. Amen.”
Lawan explained that, “The relationship (between you and I) is a progressive relationship. The relationship that is blind to differences especially in political persuasions. But all of you are wide awake and alert to one major responsibility: To make the lives of the people here in Abia State better. And that is what we need to do everywhere.
“You are a shinning example of a Nigerian that is pan Nigerian, that believes in coming together with everyone to ensure that the lives of the people they govern are improved and I want to commend you for that.
“Before you go to the Senate, it doesn’t matter how we are able to work to get ourselves into a progressive forum. You are already a progressive at heart. You are a progressive in action. Your Excellency, the progressive forum is waiting.
“I’m not suggesting anything. I’m just stating the obvious. You are different. You are a very peaceful man. You are a very humble man. You are a very firm person. You are a very fair person. You believe in justice. You believe in everything that is ideal of progressivism.
“And therefore, for us, it’s not anyone leaving from somewhere to somewhere, you are already there. You are ours, we are yours and Your Excellency, our people look up to us in this country, regardless of their political beliefs, all they want is for us political leaders to put our heads together to salvage whatever situation needs to be addressed.
“You are indeed a great partner. I have a great deal of respect for you and we in Abuja, will like to go with you more closely.
“You have demonstrated your capacity to bring change in the lives of the people of Abia. Your Excellency, we are waiting for you to go and contribute to the improvement in the lives of Nigerians at the centre by the Grace of God.”
On the title conferred on him, the Onyentukwasi Obi 1 of Aba(the reliable one), Lawan thanked His Royal Majesty for the honour and dedicated the title to all his senator colleagues.
