ORJI DENIES BEING WOOED FOR VP POST

Lists challenges as governor
ABIA State Governor Theodore Orji has debunked insinuations in some quarters that he is being wooed for the vice president position by non-PDP northern presidential aspirant, which delayed his formal declaration to contest for second term as governor until recently.

Orji, who spoke with The Guardian, said he has no vice presidential ambition for now other than his bidding for second term. Apparently reviewing his performance during his first term, he listed as bondage, insecurity in the state and post-election court cases that subsisted for three years, challenging his victory in the 2007 election as drawbacks.

'We were in bondage because we were not allowed to do what we were supposed to do that would benefit the people. If a ruler is not so allowed, his rule would be said to be in bondage. The insecurity hitherto in the state, especially in Aba, made project execution and normal business and economic activities difficult. The three years during, which I was in different courts defending cases by opponents in the 2007 election did not allow for desired progress to be made'.

Thanking God that these are becoming history and former political opponents are now working in concert with his administration, he said the state is on the path of progress and development in all sectors.

On the debt profile of the state, he said he inherited about N29 billion debt which caused deduction from the state's federal allocations to repay same, leaving him with little, but that due to prudent management of resources, the debt burden is reducing.

He debunked allegations that the state government denied opponents the use of government facilities such as the radio station and stadium, saying upon payment of the applicable fees, the would-be user's application is considered if his/her intended use would not cause breach of public peace.