Ihejirika Denies Involvement In Partisan Politics

The immediate past
Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, said that he had not taken a decision to participate in partisan politics.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen in his country home at Ovim in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia, Ihejirika denied rumours that he was being tipped for the governorship of the state in 2015.
“It has not filtered into my ears; I have just heard it for the first time today.
“Well, I want to just say that I have not taken any decision yet along the line of politics. That is the current situation.
“But one thing you must know is that I am somebody committed to the progress of my state and I am also committed to the progress of my nation,’’ he said.
The retired general said he was ready to serve his state and nation in any capacity, as a private Nigerian, having received the best education and opportunity to serve the nation as the army chief.
“I received the best of education in Nigeria and the best of opportunity to serve the nation, thanks to President Goodluck Jonathan, who appointed me the chief of army staff, Ihejirika said.
He expressed happiness that on retirement, he was honoured by the Abia government, the traditional rulers in the state and the people of Isuikwuato people.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,’’ he said.
He noted that with intensive agriculture, the country could achieve food security, adding that job creation would also help to check crime among the youth in the area.
Ihejirika also spoke on the propriety of the ongoing national conference, saying it would provide Nigerians the opportunity to jaw-jaw on how to achieve greater national cohesion and co-existence.
He noted that as a large, multi-ethnic nation, Nigerians needed to be talking on a regular basis to settle their differences and promote greater unity and understanding.