“I Promised Progress, Not Perfection” — ex Abia Gov, Ikpeazu

Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has lauded his administration’s performance, stating that he never pledged to solve all the state’s problems during his time in office.

The two-term governor said his leadership was guided by realism and achievable goals, not lofty promises.

Speaking in his country home Umuobikwa, Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) while hosting former political appointees, Ikpeazu said he never regretted anything but gave his best to move Abia forward.

In his words: “I don’t regret anything because I was very humble and modest in my manifesto and in my social contract with the people of Abia. I never promised to do everything—only to move Abia forward from where it was.”

Ikpeazu, who governed Abia State from 2015 to 2023, urged critics and the public to assess his tenure based on tangible results and his original campaign commitments.

He cited improvements in infrastructure, job creation, education, and youth development as key achievements.

According to him, his administration built 220 roads, 650 classroom blocks, and two industries, while creating over 5,000 jobs. He also mentioned offering 50 overseas scholarships and sending 30 shoemakers to China for specialized training.

While reflecting on governance, Ikpeazu also addressed the internal crisis currently rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of which he is a member. Despite recent defections and disputes, he expressed confidence in the party’s resilience.

The former Abia helmsman, who also thanked his former appointees for keeping fate with him, assured them of more appointments if he has another opportunity to do so.

Meanwhile, former political appointees of ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, in a thank you visit, gathered to pay glowing tributes to their former boss, commending his leadership, humility, and developmental strides during his eight years in office. The event, held at Ikpeazu’s country home, served as a public show of appreciation and political solidarity amid ongoing debates over his legacy and the current state of governance in Abia.

“We Came to Say Thank You” – Enwereji

Convener of the gathering, Hon. Emeka Enwereji, set the tone with a heartfelt message of 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.”

“Ikpeazu is Abia’s Best Governor” – Udeachara

Jude Udeachara, a former aide, described Ikpeazu as “the best Governor Abia has ever had.” He credited him for initiating the Port Harcourt Road project and stressed that governance is a continuum.

> “Ikpeazu laid the foundation. The current administration must acknowledge that,” he said, accusing the present leadership of sidelining equity and allowing non-indigenes to dominate Abia politics.

“Like the One Leper Who Returned” – Okiyi Kalu

Former Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu referenced biblical passages, likening the gathering to the one leper who returned to thank Jesus.

“We didn’t just serve; we were empowered to deliver good governance,” he said, adding that Ikpeazu appointed over 60 special advisers, while the current administration struggles to appoint even one.
He vowed loyalty to Ikpeazu and added:
“I’ll continue to speak truth to power. I fear no man or spirit.”

“Man of Peace and Democracy” – Chief Abraham Amah

Chief Abraham Amah lauded Ikpeazu’s peaceful disposition and democratic ideals.

“In eight years, he didn’t sponsor a single assassination,” he noted.
He also highlighted the former governor’s empowerment of over 7,000 individuals, promotion of ‘Made in Aba’ products, and provision of free healthcare to the elderly.

“You Moved Us from Point A to B” – Enweremadu

Former Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Christopher O. Enweremadu expressed gratitude for the career elevation Ikpeazu afforded many.

“You gave us dignity and growth. Don’t be discouraged by the ungrateful ones,” he said.

“Our Achievements Were Real” – Chris Ezem

Former Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, credited Ikpeazu for initiating key projects, including 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.”

“Port-Harcourt Road Aba Was Almost Done” – Obinna Oriaku

Former Finance Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Oriaku clarified that N3.2 billion, not N9 billion, was spent on the Port Harcourt Road project, with only N700 million left to complete it.

“Go with your shoulders high,” he told Ikpeazu, while criticizing the current administration’s handling 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.”

“A One-Man Government” – Uche Aguoru

Uche Aguoru criticized the current government for being centralized and built on propaganda.

“They claim to have commissioned 14 roads, yet it’s less than 1.7 km in total. This government came prepared with lies.”

“He Built People, Not Just Roads” – Tony Ezebuiro

Former Commissioner Tony Ezebuiro emphasized Ikpeazu’s focus on human capital development.

“He showed capacity in building people. That’s what matters.”

“Women Were Not Left Behind” – Mrs. Chika Nwankudo

PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Chika Nwankudo, expressed gratitude for Ikpeazu’s inclusion of women in governance.

“You carried us along. We remain loyal.”

“You Gave Us a Platform” – Youths

Speaking on behalf of youths, Mr. Charles Okechukwu appreciated Ikpeazu for giving young people opportunities.

“We were not just appointed—we were trusted to lead. That means everything to us.”

“Wherever You Go, We Go” – Chief Onyenweaku

Chief Ike Onyenweaku pledged full political loyalty to Ikpeazu.

“You gave us hospitals and appointments. Just show us the way—we’ll follow.”

“Ndoki Will Never Forget” – Alwell Asiforo

Alwell Asiforo said the people of Ukwa and Ndoki remain grateful for the prominent roles Ikpeazu gave them in government.

“History Will Be Kind to You” – Uche Ihediwa, SAN

Former Attorney General, 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, filled with emotion and political overtones, reaffirmed Ikpeazu’s enduring influence among his former team and loyalists. Many present dismissed current criticisms as politically motivated, declaring readiness to stand by him in shaping the future political direction of Abia State.