Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has said he won’t join issues with his predecessor and Senator representing Abia Central zone in the senate, Chief Theodore Orji, over the affairs of the state.
Ikpeazu stated that he has held office as Governor for almost eight years, and has never engaged any of his predecessors in any unpleasant exchange, even when it was politically expedient to do so.
The Governor reminded Orji that his respect for his predecessors is largely responsible for the socio-political stability the state has enjoyed since he took over power in 2015.
Senator Orji had in a statement signed by his Liaison Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Umere, warned Ikpeazu to carry his cross alone and not drag him into his face off with the Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC) over salaries owed workers in the state, claiming that as at May 29, 2015, no core civil servant was owed salary.
Orji further stated that his administration is not responsible for the salary arrears owed civil servants and pensioners in the state.
However, some civil servants who served during his tenure as Governor from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015, said Orji was being economical with the truth as he owed salaries and pensions when he left office.
Most residents of the state believe that the Senator and his family are largely responsible for Ikpeazu’s alleged non performance as Governor.
However, Ikpeazu, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, explained that he is proudly carrying the cross of the governance of the State and will continue to carry it till the expiration of his tenure.
He said; “As a personal policy, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu will not join issues with any of his predecessors in office. For the almost 8 years he has held office as Governor, he has not engaged any of his predecessors in any kind of untoward exchange, even when it seemed politically expedient to do so.
“This policy is largely responsible for the sociopolitical stability we have enjoyed in Abia State since 2015. The Governor intends to sustain this personal policy going forward. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is of the firm view that as in all matters, history and posterity will, over time, put all things in proper perspective.”
