Abia in Turmoil: Former Abia Governors Clash Over Shocking State of the State

Former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, has strongly criticized his successor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, over recent comments suggesting that he inherited a poorly managed and “gloomy” Abia State upon assuming office.

Ikpeazu, during a recent public engagement, claimed that the state of affairs in Abia when he took over the reins of power was dire. He implied that the challenges he faced were the result of his predecessor’s governance. In the same breath, he went further to generalize that political leaders who resort to blaming their predecessors are often “lazy leaders” who use such tactics to deflect attention from their own shortcomings.

Reacting sharply to these remarks, Senator Orji, through his media aide Ifeanyi Umere, dismissed Ikpeazu’s assertions as contradictory and irresponsible. Orji expressed disbelief that Ikpeazu would criticize his own predecessor while simultaneously denouncing the practice of blaming former leaders—calling it both hypocritical and careless.

The former governor did not mince words in urging his successor to accept full accountability for his own administration’s successes and failures. According to Orji, governance goes beyond public statements and political rhetoric; it requires integrity, consistency, and ownership of decisions made while in office.

“Dr. Ikpeazu should, once again, carry his cross and take full responsibility for his actions and inactions during his tenure, rather than continually seeking scapegoats,” Orji stated. “Leadership is not defined by how well one speaks or deflects blame, but by the capacity to own up to one’s legacy—good or bad.”

In a pointed conclusion, Orji emphasized that instead of engaging in revisionist narratives or casting aspersions on past administrations, leaders should focus on the substance of their own governance and allow history and the public to judge their performance objectively.