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NIGERIA (Abia)-Theodore Orji, who is the Governor of Abia State, has declared his intention to run for the Senate in the 2015 general elections.

Governor Orji declared this at the civic reception which was organized in his honour by the people of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South LGAs, saying his decision was due to pressure from his people urging him to run for the senate and that he had no choice than to accept their request.

“For some time now, there has been so much pressure coming from different groups, communities, individuals and organisations that I should run for the senate. Since this is coming from my people, I have no choice than to accept the demand,” he said.

He said the people should not relent in their continuos support to the Goodluck Jonathan led administration, while describing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the only political party with a national outlook.

Orji who listed the achievements of his administration to include the construction of Abia State Diagnostic/Specialist Hospitals in Umuahia and Aba, over 250 healthcare centres and two state secretariats, an international conference centre and a new Government House (under construction), said they are in line with President Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Charles Ogbonnaya, said the reception was organised to honour and celebrate the governor.

 “The infrastructure development that has so far taken place within the second tenure of the governor is unparalleled,” Mr. Ogbonnaya said, as he revealed that the people of the community shall adopt him as their sole candidate.

The governor, who hails from Umuahia, would serve out his second tenure in 2015.

Seven local government areas namely: Ikwuano, Umuahia North and South as well as Osisioma, Isialangwa North and South LGAs make up Abia central senatorial district.

The governor was conferred with the traditional title of Omeudo-gburugburu (Ambassador of Peace) by traditional rulers from Ikwuano and Umuahia, comprising nine clans. The reception was attended by eminent sons and daughters of the state as well as prominent politicians, including some members of the state and National Assemblies and top government functionaries.