It is no longer news that the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, is the most insulted Governor in the entire federation. Even among his ngwa brothers, and those outside Ngwaland. People have continued to lash the Governor without recourse that he is the number one citizen of Abia.
One would ordinarily assert and believe that as a siting governor, people should at least show some respect and be civil when discussing and mentioning Governor Ikpeazu’s name in the media space among other places.
The following questions have continued to occur each time I see the avalanche of insults by people who had at some point, benefited from the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Why is Governor Ikpeazu hated in this manner even among his Ngwa brothers? Does it mean he is too liberal? Has he not imparted the lives of his brothers? Is he a complete failure in relation to the plights of Abians? Does it mean he did not perform at all to surpass the feats recorded by his predecessors?
Whether those who hate the governor like it or not, it is on record, that Ikpeazu brought Ngwa man to limelight by becoming the first Governor of Ngwa extraction to man the saddle after years of deprival by the old Bende divide. His emergence also saw him embark on infrastructural development in Aba, thus delivering over 200 roads as well as building the first flyover in the State.
In his 8 years of his administration, he has also given the Aba artisan an identity by announcing to the world that Aba artisans have huge potentials deposited in them. Today, “made in Aba” products including shoes are making waves in the world courtesy of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who deemed it expedient to invest in this aspect that his predecessors conspicuously ignored.
While the betrayals, sell out among others by his Ngwa brothers continue, it is also important to remind them that their inability to stand side by side with their brother in his choice of successor, has cost them the seat and prevented them from having their full turn like the old Bende division that held sway for 16 solid years. What this means, is that they will be the onlookers for the next 8 years if not 16 years.
As the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu winds up, at least he will be remembered for being magnanimous while it will also go down memory lane that he allowed people criticise him freely, rendered abuses on him on social media space without deploying DSS among other avenues available on these people.
And for his Ngwa brothers who want his head on a platter, it is often said that one can never value what he has until he loses it. Permit me to ask, what now is left for you, having failed to support your own brother? Let me also remind you all that you will be onlookers for the next coming years due to your inability to rally round your own to ensure continuity.
I pray that the next Abia governor who will mount the saddle come May 29th, 2023, will be as tolerant, have good listening ear, carry people along among others as Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (Ph.D).
Long live Abia State, Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mbama Kelechukwu
