The leaders of the various markets in Abia South Senatorial District, including committee, zonal leaders, have endorsed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for Senate and Okey Ahiwe for the governorship seat in the forthcoming general election.

Speaking at an event held in Aba on Monday, the representative of the traders, Lucky Akabueze, who is also the ASMATA President, extolled Ikpeazu for being a trader-friendly leader who has always fought for their welfare just as he described Ahiwe as “a leader whose time has come”.

The traders who came in their numbers displayed their PVCs which they renamed “OVI PVC” and urged their colleagues in Abia State to turn out en masse with their family members on February 25 to vote for the governor who they said has the capacity to redeem the glory of Abia South at the Senate.

Responding, Ikpeazu described the gesture of the traders as gratifying and an acknowledgement of the work he has done in the past 8 years to improve their welfare.

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The governor vowed to take up the Aba-Ikot Ekpene and Aba-Port Harcourt roads with the relevant federal agencies within his first four years in office to ensure that the Federal Government reconstructs the roads.

He said: “I’ve lived here with you and together we have battled to reposition Aba to ensure that your businesses grow in leaps and bounds.

“There is nothing you have asked me to do that I haven’t done for you, and even now, I am still working to further improve your welfare. As we speak I am laying final asphalt along Faulks to enable you have smoother access to Ariaria.

“By endorsing me today, you have given me the wings to fly to Abuja and bring home more dividends of democracy to you. I have never failed you and will never fail you because you are the reason I wake up everyday to work hard.

“I thank you for the endorsement which I know you mean because you believe in my vision and mission in government.”

On his part, the Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, John Okiyi Kalu, thanked the traders for the massive support they have shown to Ikpeazu over the years and assured that the governor will continue to work for them in the state and from Abuja if elected as senator.

The commissioner, therefore, enjoined the traders to turn out in their numbers to ensure a landslide victory for Governor Ikpeazu on Saturday.

The Star