Ikpeazu: I‘m fulfilling my campaign promises

Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the achievements and constraints of Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in his bid to implement his campaign promises. 

Expectations were high in Abia State almost three years ago when Okezie Ikpeazu, a former university don, succeeded former Governor Theodore Orji. The state was just trying to find its feet, owing to its slow pace of development. The infrastructure battle has not been won and residents demanded a new lease of life.

The governor inherited many challenges, which he wanted to tackle immediately. He was determined to make a difference. His priority was the provision of essential social amenities to guarantee improved welfare and boost trading activities. Also, he had a commitment towards safeguarding security. But, the cloud of uncertainty did not fizzle out in time. The poll that brought him to power was inconclusive. Abia is not known for any politics of affection. Gladiators are always at war before, during and after elections. The governor’s attention was somehow distracted by protracted litigations, which later ended in his favour in court.

During his inauguration, Ikpeazu urged Abians to be hopeful. He also advised them to make sacrifice for the state as the country was facing hard times. Noting that raising and spending of money is the task of governance, called for a paradigm shift in income generation. Ikpeazu said while optimization of government spending should be accompanied by significant internally revenue generation growth.

The governor also said probity will be the watchword. “This government intends to be firm in plugging all revenue leakages alongside developing new channels. I call on all sons and daughters of Abia to key into this by ensuring that they fulfill their statutory obligation to pay all their taxes timely.

“We will restructure our Inland Revenue Service to become a strategic contributory parastatal in the actualization of our vision for Abia. We will bring private sector competence and mindset to this agency, thus paving the way for significantly increased IGR levels. With this, our vision for better life for our people can be realised,” he stressed.

The governor now has a good tale to tell, judging by his performance in the six critical sectors: agriculture, trade and commerce, oil and gas, education, health care delivery, and infrastructure development. “We have lived up to expectation by delivering on our campaign promises. Our record and achievements speak for us in all the areas. Despite the financial constraints, we have made a big difference,’ Ikpeazu told eminent Nigerians who visited some of the project sites.

Many of them testified that the state has become a huge construction site. Road construction is the vogue in the Southeast state. But, other sectors are not neglected. Reviewing the activities of the administration, Works Commissioner Hon. Eziuche Ubani said the people were satisfied with the giant strides. If performance will be a yardstick for re-election, he said Ikpeazu has no cause to worry. “We are not worried about the next election. This governor has been working,” added the former House of Representatives member.

The distribution of the road projects reflects the senatorial spread. The commissioner said Abia South has 35, Abia Central has 39 while Abia North has 13. Some of them are virgin roads. Many of them are handled by reputable foreign contractors; some are also handled by indigenous ones. But, Ubani the governor has always insisted on good standard. “No contract failure is tolerated. Proper agreements are signed with contractors,” he added.

The Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi, explained that 10 kilometres of roads are constructed in each local government to open up rural areas and assist farmers to have access to the market. He said the roads inherited by the administration are not allowed to become abandoned projects.

Under the first phase of the road projects, N6 billion was earmarked. Many of the projects are ready for commissioning. The goal is to promote trade and open up the communities. They include Idima-Abam, Ndi Oji/Ndi Okereke Bridge/Abam-Arochukwu, Ohafia Ring Road, Abariba-Nkporo, Abariba Ring Road, Eluama in Isuikwata, Nkpa, and Owerrinta-Egbelu Mbutu. Others are Umuala, Adaelu, Umuode, Umuechilegbu, Umule, Kamalu, Ovom, Owerri Road (off Okigwe), Ochefu, Weeks Street, Aba, and the six-lane Port Harcourt Road. Excited at the completion of the road in his ward at Isialangwu South Council, the Leader of the Council Parliament, Chief Chidi Nwotie, praised the governor for his rural development project. He said: “The road has opened a lot of opportunities for the people of the area. The governor does not need to give the people rice, salt or anything again before they vote for him in next election.”

The Ndioji-Ndiokereke Bridge stands out among the projects. It links the rest of the state with Arochukwu and Abam, the home of rubber and cocoa plantations, and the agricultural hub of the state. House of Representatives member Hon. Nko Nkole, who represents the constituency, said the people were grateful for the project. The people of Arochukwu-Ofion Constituency will not forget this rare gesture,” added.

Many of the infrastructural facilities are concentrated in Aba, the commercial hub. The construction of the road that lead to the Areare market has led to a free flow of traffic for the first time in 21 years.  The city is also benefiting from the urban renewal and street lightening projects of the administration. Ubani explained that it was deliberate, stressing that “if Aba is working, the state is working.” He said the governor was trying to restore the glory of the commercial capital. “We concentrate on Aba. Aba has suffered the dearth of infrastructure. Everybody in the state is connected to Aba. It is the economic hub. Many people from all over the state live there. Anything you do in Aba is done for the entire state. Aba should be given special attention because it is the economic nerve centre,” he added.

Also, efforts have been made to construct roads leading to other states. Abia is surrounded by seven states, which have built roads to the border towns. Thus, the governor decided to the roads that lead to these borders to enhance inter-state transportation.

In Abia, agriculture is a core priority. This is in line with the diversification policy of the government. Farming is no longer perceived as the occupation of the uneducated. In fact, youth participation in agriculture has boosted employment. Agriculture Commissioner Uzor Azubike explained that, under the Fadama Project, N300 million has been released as grants to farmers. “We have also encouraged rice farming in the state and we are having rice mills for packaging, marketing, refining and polishing,” he added. The poultry village is being developed at Umuoza. To avert herdsmen/farmers rift, he said plans are underway to introduce native goat anching, adding that N1 million will be given to interested farmers as loan. “We are matching traditional and modern farming practices,” he added.

Education is also been defended. Stakeholders have hailed the governor for school rehabilitation project and the supply of adequate education infrastructure. “372 primary and secondary schools are being renovated,” said Okiyi, who added: “Students and teachers deserve a conducive environment.”

In Umuahia, the state capital, the Investment Building has been completed. It is an architecture for ensuring ease of doing business. Ubani said: “What is needed to set up a business-land matters, tax, rates, right of way-are there in one building. All the professionals are there to attend to businessmen and investors.”

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