Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a chieftain of the apex-socio cultural Group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the outgoing governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as a great achiever.
Isiguzoro, in a statement obtained by Aro Okeigbo Blog extended commendations to the Abia State Governor for his notable feats and achievements in office despite apparent roadblocks mounted by his political adversaries to ensure his failure.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu The Ohanaeze Chieftain further stated that Ikpeazu has exceeded all other former governors of the state since 1999 based on all available indices of Good governance.
The full statement read: “In terms of security, he transformed the state from a “Taliban State of insecurity” and a den of kidnappers to one of the safest states in the South East. Again, based on his conviction and principles, politically motivated assassinations, which were hitherto common in the state were unheard of under his watch.
“In terms of Infrastructural Development, he transformed Aba, to the extent that Prince Arthur Eze, who said that “Abia(Aba) stinks” during the previous administration will have no basis for making such an assertion today. “Apart from the quantum of roads he constructed in Aba and other parts of the state, Ikpeazu set a record by giving Abia State its first flyover bridge – the Osisioma Flyover. “In terms of commerce and industrialization, he has been phenomenal.
As an “Aba Boy/ Nwa Aba”, his “Made in Aba” campaign has placed Made in Aba products on a global vantage point. Nigerians now put on Made in Aba and other local products with panache and a sense of National pride. “This was not a mere PR stunt! Rather, Ikpeazu invested enormous sums of money to transform the Aba textile/leather works sector into a 21st-century industry through the purchase of hi-tech machinery from overseas, training of Aba artisans overseas, bringing in expatriates for the training of the artisans, facilitation of credit facilities, etc. “Even in these last days of his era, Ikpeazu is finishing strong through the Aba garment factory, one of the legacy projects that he has vowed to complete before leaving office.
“Again, the resolution of the over ten years old impasse between the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Geometric Power Company Limited could not have been possible without his contributions and commitment.
“Today, Aba, thanks to Ikpeazu and Geometric Power, Aba has its own Energy Distribution company, leading to the availability of more power for Industrialization.
“His construction of the Cattle market/ park at Lokpanta leading to the Relocation of the cattle traders who hitherto posed a major threat to commuters plying that section of the Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway is highly commendable.
“Most importantly, he deserves accolades from Ndigbo, for always being a brother’s keeper.
Unlike some other South East Governors, he was never found wanting or seen giving excuses on issues affecting IGBO, and his uncommon maturity in resolving all emergencies and crises which is remarkable and tremendous will be greatly missed by Abians and Ndigbo. “Therefore, Ohanaeze is convinced that celebrating Ikpeazu for his Achievements will encourage other Southeast incoming Governors to do more.