THE Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has stated that despite losing in the just ended senatorial election held last Saturday, he is not giving up hope.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance defeated Ikpeazu, a two-time governor.
The governor faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission for declaring Abaribe the winner.
However, rather than being disheartened, the governor thanked God for the opportunity to govern Abia State for eight years.
Addressing reporters yesterday, he expressed gratitude to God that no lives were lost in the election because he was not willing to take part in violence or spill blood to win an election.
He said, “In elections, you win some and you lose some. It is service and if somehow the opportunity fails to come to you, you thank God for the ones you won. I cannot spill blood for politics. I am a happy man and now focused on the 11th March governorship election.”
He also affirmed the participation of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, affected most of the results from the South East region.
The governor added, “Tell our detractors that Dr Ikpeazu has won two gubernatorial elections in Abia and by God’s grace defeated COVID-19. He can count his blessings. In eight years as a governor, he restored peace and security, built four bridges and 200 roads; built a paediatric hospital, 700 classroom blocks, four model schools, gave overseas scholarships to 51 Abians among other things, all in eight years.
“That is to show that he came to serve without bitterness and attention to naysayers. Ikpeazu has promised to finish the new Government House, Umuahia, finish the new modern diagnostic lab in Isuikwuato and a mega hospital in Aba. I can count my blessings. Let all men count theirs. It’s not how long but how well.”
