Dr. CHIBUIKE SIKE DECLARED AS ABIA GOVERNOR IN SPAIN

By Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Special Correspondent)

Dr. CHIBUIKE SIKE DECLARED AS ABIA GOVERNOR IN SPAIN

The Abia State Association (ABSA) which is the umbrella body for all Abia state indigenes living in Diaspora in the kingdom of Spain, during their general congress in Madrid on May 15, 2016 in an election which was devoid of the Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and  Dr Alex Otti  election’s imbroglio at the home state, peacefully re-elected and unanimously declared Elder Dr. Chibuike Sike the Governor and leader of Abia state people in the kingdom of Spain.

Elder Sike, speaking to our Special Correspondent in Spain, Uchendu Precious Onuoha, expressed his gratitude to God and Abians for the confidence they reposed in him to serve them. He stated that he will join hands with the parent Governor of Abia state in Nigeria Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to make Abia state great and to ensure that Abia state retains its position as the number one state and God’s own state in Nigeria.

Dr Sike was returned unopposed based on his exemplary leadership qualities exhibited during the past two years he has championed the affairs of the Association in Spain. During this period, the association witnessed a rapid growth and recorded tremendous progress. Among the laudable achievements include;   

Restoration of unity, peace and love among Abians who were toeing the paths of different groups and clan factions before, but today has come together as one and have seen themselves as members of the same family.

The Association was registered to operate as a legal entity under the regulations stipulated for associations to operate in the kingdom of Spain. Also registration of the Abia state association with the Nigerian Embassy and recognition as a friend of the Embassy.

Introduction of Repatriation Insurance Policy, a policy which ensures that the remains of every Abia citizen is not left behind in a foreign land but taken back to his place of origin in event of death. This is important knowing that it is not in Abia culture to bury their dead ones in foreign lands not to talk of cremating or burning their dead as it’s done in Spain.

Also within this period, the Abia state cultural values were taken to an esteemed height. The “IKPRIRIKPI  OGU” war dance has become a thriller in Spain. No important event among the Nigerian, African and Spanish community is complete without the presence of the Ikpirikpi Ogu dancers. To the extent that events are cancelled or postponed until the presence of the Abia cultural group is guaranteed.

Many people after watching the electrifying and charming performance of the group declare to change their Nationality and State of origin to Abia state. Meanwhile, ABSA Spain has introduced an Identity card not only for Abians but for those wishing to change their state of origin to Abia state except the Fulani herdsmen.

An Igbo adage says; Uzo maa mma, aga ya ngalabu” meaning that if a road is good, it is gone twice. That was what Abians in Spain saw in Elder Chibuike Sike and decided that he should continue to cook for them.