Abia @ 29: We need to seek God's face for mercy - Sen Ohuabunwa

Ohuabunwa who made the appeal in his goodwill message as the state commemorates her 29 anniversary Thursday, said Abia derailed since 1999 and needed to trace her way back to God for real progress and development to be witnessed in the state.

The former Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, noted that the foundation of a structure is very vital as it determines its survival, hence the need for Abia which the founding fathers christined "God's Own State" to truly stand on God.

"What I think Abia needs at this time is for us to go on our knees, repent of our wicked ways and beg God to forgive us and heal our land. This is what Abia needs to do urgently if we must witness the kind of development we are yearning for.

" The progress we recorded as a state came after former Governor T. A Orji liberated the state from the shackles of idolatry and powers of evil. When Okezie Ikpeazu came on board, he consolidated on that with the cement technology innovation he introduced.

" But now we need to fully return to God for total deliverance from evil influence for us to have a better Abia. A man at 29 years is no longer a kid, so, at 29 Abia is supposed to an adult."

Ohuabunwa urged Abians irrespective of their political leanings to key into the visions of the founding fathers of the state who laid a strong foundation for the state.

"Anything not founded on Christ cannot stand. It's quite a pity that someone decided to deviate from the foundation laid by our founding fathers and led the state into idolatry. We need to return to God again as a people ".

He said that Abia is endowed with many great men and women who have made their marks in different fields of life, adding that if properly harnessed, Abia will be a leading state in the country.

Senator Ohuabunwa commended patriotic past leaders of the state for their efforts in building a virile Abia, but said much is still needed to be done.

He commended the incumbent Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu who he said had made some milestones towards transforming the state but noted that more efforts are needed to move the state forward.

Ohuabunwa felicitated Abians on the 29th anniversary of the state's creation, urging the people of the state to place the interest of the state above their personal interests.

He also encouraged Abians especially youths never to lose hope but remain resilient in their commitment to build a virile Abia.