Abia 2023: Why I Saluted Michael Okpara’s Statue Before My Governorship Declaration — Mayor Igbokwe  (Video)

An aspirant for office of the governor of Abia State ahead of the 2023 general elections, Mayor Lucky Obinwa Igbokwe popularly known as Don Lulu has revealed why he stopped over to salute the statue of the Premier of Eastern region, Michael Okpara located at Okpara Square Umuahia, saying it’s a sign of honour for a living legend.

Igbokwe had on Tuesday officially declared his intention to run for the plum office of Abia State Governor in 2023 at the State secretariat of his party, the PDP in Umuahia.

Speaking with ABN TV, the entrepreneur and philanthropist who hails from Umuawa Alaocha in Ohuhu, Umuahia North local government area of Abia said he has made a research of how selfless and energetic the old Premier was, noting that he industrialised the old Eastern region.

Describing M.I Okpara as a great man, Igbokwe said the Premier was a great man worthy of emulation in order to raise the bar of development higher in the Eastern region, particularly Abia State.

He said, “In keeping with his vision, there is need to revive Aba. Aba is our industrial hub, it’s the Japan of Africa. So if I emerge the governor of Abia State, I will follow his footsteps with modern facilities.

“We will place premium on mechanised farming, a lot of things will be done in the strength and sincerity of Dr. M.I Okpara.”

He said the salute symbolises respect to a man who committed his all in serving his people, adding that some of his legacies are still in existence several decades after he has passed on.

Igbokwe also added that the late Premier who hails from Umuahia is his uncle and remains a living legend who deserves all the respect from the people he served.

He called on people of the state to support in emerging the governor in 2023, assuring that he will make them proud.