Umuahia, Abia State – Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said that while he worked hard to improve the state during his eight-year tenure, he never promised to solve all of its problems. The former governor made this statement in response to criticism about the challenges that persisted under his administration, particularly in areas like salaries, infrastructure, and youth unemployment.
Speaking reflectively about his time in office, Ikpeazu said that no single administration can completely fix every issue facing a state. According to him, his primary goal was to set a strong foundation for development and point Abia in the right direction.
“I never promised to solve every problem in Abia,” he said. “My goal was to start the difficult work of rebuilding and to lay down the structures for lasting progress. Government is a continuum, and others must continue where we stopped.”
During his time as governor from 2015 to 2023, Ikpeazu oversaw the completion of numerous road projects, including key infrastructure like the Osisioma flyover and major roads in Aba and Umuahia. He also highlighted improvements in education, with Abia students achieving top results in national examinations during several years of his administration. His government launched initiatives to boost small businesses, support local manufacturing, and attract investment through projects like the Enyimba Economic City.
However, critics have pointed to areas where his administration allegedly underperformed. These include unpaid salaries and pensions in some sectors, persistent youth unemployment, and ongoing issues with waste management and uncompleted roads, particularly in Aba. Many residents also expressed frustration over what they described as slow or inconsistent delivery of services in parts of the state.
In response, Ikpeazu acknowledged that challenges remained but emphasized that significant progress was made under difficult conditions, including economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. He maintained that his administration made decisions that would benefit Abia in the long run, even if not all results were immediately visible.
“I believe we moved Abia forward,” he said. “Even though we didn’t get everything right, the work we did laid the groundwork for future success.”
As Abians continue to assess the impact of his administration, the debate over Ikpeazu’s legacy is still unfolding. While some praise his efforts and achievements, others remain focused on the unfulfilled promises and ongoing struggles in the state.
