“I Promised Progress, Not Perfection” — Former Abia Governor Ikpeazu | #NwokeukwuMascot
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Addressing former political appointees at his country home in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa Local Government Area, Ikpeazu said his leadership was guided by realism and achievable goals, not lofty or idealistic promises.
“I don’t regret anything because I was humble and modest in my manifesto and my social contract with the people of Abia. I never promised to do everything, only to move Abia forward from where it was,” he said.
Ikpeazu, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, urged critics and the public to assess his tenure based on tangible results and his original campaign commitments. He highlighted achievements in infrastructure, job creation, education, and youth empowerment.
According to him, his administration constructed 220 roads, built 650 classroom blocks, and established two industries, while creating over 5,000 jobs. He also awarded 50 overseas scholarships and sponsored 30 shoemakers to China for specialized training.
The former governor also addressed the internal crisis currently plaguing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressing confidence in the party’s resilience despite recent defections and discord.
Ikpeazu thanked his former appointees for remaining loyal and assured them of future opportunities should he ever return to power.
The former governor’s remarks came during a thank-you visit by his former political appointees, who gathered to celebrate his leadership, humility, and developmental achievements. The event, held at Ikpeazu’s country home, doubled as a display of appreciation and political solidarity amid ongoing debates about his legacy and the current state of governance in Abia.
Convener of the gathering, Hon. Emeka Enwereji, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “We are here to say thank you to former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his benevolence in appointing us to serve in various capacities for eight years. We are proud of that opportunity and your trust in us.”
Jude Udeachara, a former aide, described Ikpeazu as “the best governor Abia has ever had,” praising him for initiating the Port Harcourt Road project and reminding the current administration that governance is a continuum.
“Ikpeazu laid the foundation. The current administration must acknowledge that,” he said, accusing the leadership of abandoning equity and allowing non-indigenes to dominate Abia politics.
Former Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu likened the gathering to the biblical story of the one leper who returned to express gratitude.
“We didn’t just serve; we were empowered to deliver good governance,” he said, noting that Ikpeazu appointed over 60 special advisers, compared to the current administration’s hesitancy to appoint even one.
“I’ll continue to speak truth to power. I fear no man or spirit,” he declared.
Chief Abraham Amah commended Ikpeazu’s peaceful disposition and democratic ideals.
“In eight years, he didn’t sponsor a single assassination,” he noted, also citing Ikpeazu’s empowerment of over 7,000 people, promotion of ‘Made in Aba’ products, and provision of free healthcare to the elderly.
Former Speaker Hon. Chikwendu Kalu thanked Ikpeazu for the professional growth he offered many of his appointees.
“You gave us dignity and growth. Don’t be discouraged by the ungrateful ones,” he said.
Former Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, credited Ikpeazu for initiating key projects such as the 120-bed hospital in Ugwunagbo and the Abia Garment Factory.
“We paid about N330 million monthly to uplift the people. Don’t be dismayed—better days are ahead,” he encouraged.
Former Commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku, clarified that only N3.2 billion—not N9 billion—was spent on the Port Harcourt Road project, with N700 million left for its completion.
“Go with your shoulders high,” he told Ikpeazu, while criticizing the current administration’s alleged mismanagement of state resources and unpaid civil servants.
“We left N2 billion IGR; they now report N1.7 billion, while Enugu has jumped to N22 billion.”
Uche Aguoru criticized the current government for operating as a “one-man show” and thriving on propaganda.
“They claim to have commissioned 14 roads, yet the total length is less than 7 km. This government came prepared with lies,” he said.
Former Commissioner Tony Ezebuiro highlighted Ikpeazu’s focus on human capital development. “He showed capacity in building people. That’s what matters.”
PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Chika Nwankudo, expressed appreciation for Ikpeazu’s inclusion of women in governance. “You carried us along. We remain loyal,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Mr. Charles Okechukwu thanked the former governor for giving young people opportunities to serve. “We were not just appointed, we were trusted to lead. That means everything to us.”
Chief Ike Onyenweaku pledged total loyalty to Ikpeazu. “You gave us hospitals and appointments. Just show us the way, we’ll follow.”
Alwell Asiforo affirmed the gratitude of the Ukwa and Ndoki people for the prominent roles Ikpeazu offered them in government.
Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uche Ihediwa (SAN), said propaganda cannot erase the truth of Ikpeazu’s achievements “He governed well with the limited resources available. History will judge him fairly.”
The gathering, charged with emotion and political undertones, reaffirmed Ikpeazu’s influence among his former team and loyalists. Many described criticisms of his tenure as politically motivated and expressed readiness to support him in shaping the future political direction of Abia State.
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