Abia PDP Chieftains Groan, Accuse Governor Ikpeazu Of Marginalization, neglect

Posted by African Examiner Abia, Featured, Latest Headlines, News Thursday, December 10th, 2015

By Ignatius Okpara, Umuahia

Crisis is brewing in the Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged marginalization and neglect of members by Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu.

AFRICAN EXAMINER gathered that some members of the State Working Committee (SWC) and party stalwarts are embittered with the Governor, who they accused of tactically dumping them since the State’s election petition tribunal affirmed his election.

One of the complainants, who craved anonymity, said “it is quite unfortunate that the Governor has continued to neglect our members who worked for his emergence as Governor.

The aggrieved PDP members accused Ikpeazu, of running a government where only his native Obingwa kinsmen are being favoured in majority of appointments and contracts he made, leaving out other sections of the state.

They are unhappy with the manner the Governor appointed his commissioners and special Advisers, alleging that what he did was mere recycling of those that have been in the system for years.

The development according to them, made it impossible for upcoming and other qualified person to serve the state.

“Even the state PDP executive members are complaining about Ikpeazu’s neglect of the party and its members” a chieftain of the party said.

The aggrieved members equally alleged that more party members have left the ruling PDP to either the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) or All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), because of the Governor’s conduct.

A one-time Commissioner in the state and party stalwart, who did not want to be quoted for fear of sanction, said Governor Ikpeazu “is gradually killing the PDP in Abia state with his neglect of members other than those from his local government, Obingwa.

“He is running a government of Obingwa people, if you take critical look at his administration, only the Obingwa people have been favoured in contracts and patronage.

“Any contract awarded in the state is being executed or recommended by his Obingwa people.

“The Governor is not even accessible, served as a Commissioner in this state, but he has refused to pay our severance allowance and other entitlements.

“Is this fair? Look at what we suffered in the election to ensure the party won in my local government.

“It was not easy because of Alex Otti and APGA’s influence, now, he has abandoned us. Ikpeazu is not a good party man.” the ex- Commissioner declared.

“PDP members appear to have elected the wrong person in Okezie Ikpeazu, who does not have the interest of members and future of the party at heart” said the aggrieved opposition Chieftain.