Abia ex-governors trade words over condition of state

Senator Theodore Orji, former Abia State Governor, has faulted his successor, Okezie Ikpeazu’s claims that he met Abia in a gloomy state.

Ikpeazu was recently quoted to have said that he met Abia in a gloomy state when he became governor.

The former governor, who held sway between 2015 and 2023, also asserted that successors who criticize their predecessors in office are “lazy leaders”.

But reacting to the comments, Orji who was governor between 2007 and 2015, told Ikpeazu to carry his cross and stop making careless statements about others.

Orji who spoke through his media aide, Ifeanyi Umere, chided Ikpeazu for saying he met Abia in a gloomy state.

He expressed surprise that Ikpeazu – in one breath – condemned leaders who criticize their predecessors while also criticizing his predecessor.

The former governor told his successor to take responsibility for his actions and inactions while in office instead of shifting blame to others.

“Ikpeazu should once again carry his cross and take responsibility for his actions and inactions instead of looking for who to blame, as governance is not necessarily about making speeches,” Orji added.