One fundamental feature of our democracy in Abia State since 1999 had been the strained relationships between Governors and their Deputies.
Mutual suspicion and strife were the ingredients that defined the relationships between the first two citizens of the State in the last two administrations in the State. This manifested in the instability that produced six different Deputy Governors in the State between 1999 and 2015!
Of course, in the absence of that cordiallity, there won’t be any platform to discuss development as the emphasis of the dramatis personae will be how to either preserve himself in office or consolidate hold on power.
Former Deputy Governor, Late Dr Chima Nwafor was the worst hit. The road leading to his community remained impassable all through the years he served as Deputy Governor and he was kept uncomfortable throughout his tenure. He eventually was killed under suspicious circumstances.
Abians were beginning to accept this situation of perpetual strife between Governor and Deputy as a normal way of life until Ikpeazu came on board.
Since May 29th, 2015, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon Ude Oko Chukwu have maintained a stable and solid relationship, defined by mutual respect and mutual commitment to their oaths of office.
Governor Ikpeazu is a man that allows his associates and subordinates to shine and thrive on their jobs. I say this with every authority because I work with him at a very close range. He is not interested in micromanaging anyone. If he gives you a job, he allows you the latitude to do it the best way you can.
He relates with you in a way that allows your confidence to grow and excel.
Unlike the case in the past and in other states, Ikpeazu and his Deputy are members of a tag team. Their symphony is admirable. In Abia State, the Deputy Governor is the Chairman of the Committee on Internally Generated Revenue. In doing this, Governor Ikpeazu allowed his Deputy to deploy his professional training as a Chartered Accountant to manage the State’s IGR.
The Deputy Governor too, understands his role in the team and plays his beautifully. He is loyal and very supportive of the Governor. He is naturally a calm and humble man, traits he shares with the Governor.
This is why they have continued to work together in harmony for the good of the people of Abia State.
This is why words like impeachment have disappeared from the Abia political lexicon. The House of Assembly has been the icing on the cake of the harmony that defines today’s Abia politics.
This smooth relationship has also rubbed off in the delivery of the dividends of democracy for the people of Nkporo Community in Ohafia LGA, where the Deputy Governor comes from.
The brand new Abiriba – Etitiama Nkporo Road constructed by the Ikpeazu administration changed the infrastructural narrative of the people of Nkporo and saved them from decades of untold suffering occasioned by lack of any access road into their community.
Last Friday, Governor Ikpeazu was in Nkporo again, this time, to commission an ultra modern Cottage Hospital built by his administration for the Nkporo Community. The hospital is well equipped with modern medical equipment and enjoys 24 hours solar power.
Like the Deputy Governor said on the two separate commissioning events of the road and the hospital, Nkporo has never had it so good since Ikpeazu came on board.
I watched the Deputy Governor closely last Friday at the commissioning of the hospital, just as I watched him earlier this year at the commissioning of the Abiriba Etitiama Nkporo Road. He was all smiles and he grinned from ear to ear.
Don’t blame him. He is the luckiest Deputy Governor we have had in Abia State. He is the first Deputy Governor in the State to serve out two consecutive tenures with his boss.
Apart from the stability he enjoys in his office, he has also attracted lots of democratic goodies to his people. His journey into politics has brought good tidings to his people. Lots of his associates have been appointed into high positions in government.
He is indeed a lucky man. His predecessors are not this lucky.
He is a lucky man. He has a boss like Ikpeazu.
If you want to succeed at work, pray for a boss like Ikpeazu…but be a good assistant like Ude Oko.
Have a great Sunday, y’all.
Ururuaja writes from Ukwu Apu near Umule.
