A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Hon Promise Uzoma Okoro, has countered the negative criticisms of the outgoing Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, by describing him as “the good thing that has happened to Abia”.
Recently, a Nigerian cyber security expert based in South Africa, Charles Awuzie, had accused Ikpeazu of being the worst governor in the history of the state. However, Uzoma Okoro, who is the immediate past Deputy Chairman of Bende Local Government Area of the State, disagreed with Awuzie’s assertion.
Uzoma Okoro defended the governor by saying that those who criticize the governor lack proper information about his administration’s infrastructural development. He also argued that Ikpeazu had improved security in the state, making it almost impossible for successful armed robberies to occur for the past 8 years.
According to Uzoma Okoro, the governor’s infrastructural development achievements include the Osisioma Flyover, the Aba Garment shoe factory, the remodeling project of Ariaria International Market, over 700 schools, four model classrooms, good road networks, the provision of an enabling environment for businesses, and improved security, to mention a few.
He further stated that the challenges related to the payment of salaries to state government employees were as a result of legal constraints. The governing laws of most of these parastatals are one of the major causes of the issue. The governor has been providing subventions to them, but it has been established that the subventions were not enough. Hence, they should be reviewed.
Uzoma Okoro implored those who were abusing the governor to stop it and acknowledge his strides in infrastructural development and improved security within the state. He believes that Governor Ikpeazu’s dynamic, diplomatic disposition, and commitment to partnership and development have placed him high in the annals of Abia State.
He further stressed that the governor allowed opposing views and opposition to thrive in the state, unlike other governors who could have used state instruments to silence opposing voices. As a result, he has become the most abused governor in the state today, not because he didn’t do anything, but because he believes in democracy.
Uzoma’s statement is a clear indication of his confidence in the governor’s administration and his commitment to good governance.
