Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has taken the high road and refused to engage in a verbal battle with his predecessors over the state’s governance. This was announced by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, in a statement titled ‘Carry your cross’ released on Tuesday.
The statement was in response to recent comments made by Senator Theodore Orji, the immediate past Governor of the state and current representative of Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Senator Orji reportedly advised Governor Ikpeazu not to involve him or his administration in the ongoing face-off with the Nigerian Labour Congress over unpaid wage bills.
Ememanka stated that Governor Ikpeazu would continue to carry the cross of Abia State’s governance proudly, but would not engage in any negative exchanges with his predecessors. He has held to this policy since taking office and aims to sustain it going forward.
“For almost eight years that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has held the office, he has not engaged any of his predecessors in any kind of untoward exchange, even when it seemed politically expedient to do so,” Ememanka said.
According to the spokesman, Governor Ikpeazu believes that history and posterity will eventually provide a proper perspective on all matters, including the governance of Abia State.
This personal policy has been largely responsible for the socio-political stability that Abia State has enjoyed since 2015. By taking the high road and refusing to engage in negative exchanges, Governor Ikpeazu sets a precedent for civil discourse and respect for predecessors in office.
