The former Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has spoken out against the continuous blame being placed on his administration by Governor Alex Otti’s team. In a recent statement, Ikpeazu’s spokesperson, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, expressed concern over the constant need to attribute every failure to the previous administration, even when it is irrational.
According to Ememanka, the latest accusation from the Otti administration is their decision to lay off thousands of workers from the Abia State Civil Service, which they are now trying to blame on Ikpeazu. Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information in Governor Otti’s administration, claimed that Ikpeazu employed these workers illegally.
Ememanka finds it disconcerting that someone representing a state government could be so misinformed about the functioning of a government. He questions how the act of a sitting Governor providing employment opportunities to the people of the state can be labeled as illegal.
He states, “The term ‘illegality’ suggests criminality. What is criminal about the decision of an incumbent Governor to offer employment to the people of the State, putting them on the payroll and paying them salaries?”
In the statement, Kanu accuses the Ikpeazu administration of employing people through the back door and backdating employment letters. However, Ikpeazu’s spokesperson argues that these claims are baseless and lack factual evidence.
It is clear that the blame game between the two administrations continues to hinder the progress and development of Abia State. Instead of focusing on improving the lives of the people and addressing pressing issues, valuable time and resources are wasted on pointing fingers.
It is imperative for Governor Otti’s administration to take responsibility for their actions and work towards the betterment of the state, rather than continuously blaming their predecessors.
