Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, a two-term Governor of Abia State, has had a political career that can only be described as a roller coaster of highs and lows. He served from the 29th of May 2015 to the 29th of May 2023 under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Despite managing to win re-election in 2019, Ikpeazu faced significant legal challenges, including a court-ordered removal from office that was later dismissed. Furthermore, allegations of corruption, especially concerning contract allocations, have cast a shadow over his leadership. 

This article aims to delve into both the accomplishments and controversies that marked Okezie Ikpeazu’s time as Governor, offering a comprehensive view of his legacy.

Allegations

Backdating workers appointment

Addressing newsmen in Umuahia recently, The Abia State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu accused the former administration of Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, of employing many workers between December 2022 and April 2023 whose appointment letters were backdated to legitimize the deal.

Kanu also noted that the former administration used the employment of such persons to pile undue pressure on the government that was then, about to take over from it.

Importing thugs to manipulate Abia’s 2023 election result

Earlier, Alex Otti, the current governor of Abia State accused Okezie Ikpeazu, of trying to manipulate the outcome of the results from Obingwa Local Government by using thugs to intimidate voters from that location and also increase his candidate’s margin of victory to cover up for the imminent defeat.

Otti also added that he had foreseen the wicked ploy by the Abia State government to usurp the votes of the people by engaging in some undemocratic behaviour, such as taking INEC staff hostage.

These inconsistencies later led to the suspension of the collation (of results) from Obingwa Local Government and also the postponement of the return and declaration of the winner.

Awarded revenue collection contracts to “unprofessional bodies”

An Abia State-based civil society group, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development pointed out that Ikpeazu’s administration awarded revenue collection contracts to unprofessional bodies.

They noted that this singular act led to financial leakages and loopholes, resulting in the state’s revenue falling within N14 billion annually

Achievements

Resolved pension payment issues

Reports say Ikpeazu resolved the issue of pension payments through the Pension Reform that was introduced when he took over on the 29th of May 2015.

Speaking on the achievements of Dr Ikpeazu in the first 100 days, His Chief Press Secretary, Godwin Adindu revealed that “Pensioners have been verified and their pension are being paid straight into their accounts.”

Introduced Integrated Payroll Verification System (IIPVS) for civil servants

Ikpeazu’s government also introduced a new initiative called the Integrated Payroll Verification System (IPVS), which has successfully captured the biometric data of staff and all civil servants in the state.

The new initiative reportedly saved his administration a lot of cost and wastage in governance.

Completed 27 road construction projects in 100 days

Okezie’s administration also successfully completed 27 road construction projects in 100 days.

The projects include Udeagbala Road, Umuojima, Kamalu, Old Express and Ukaegbu roads all in Aba as well as Agbama, Low cost, International conference centre roads and the Abam by Niger Street in Umuahia.