…No he didn’t, Commissioner for Information Reacts
A mild drama ensued on Friday at Ihechiowa in Arochukwu LGA of Abia state during the celebration of the traditional retirement of Eze Sir Linus Nto Mba, Eze Udo 1 of Ataigbokwu Umizomgbo Autonomous community.
IGBERE TV learnt that drama started when the governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu arrived the venue and headed straight to exchange pleasantries with other dignitaries at the occasion but surprisingly, he failed to recognise the presence of his predecessor who had earlier arrived the venue at about 2:20pm, as he snubbishly ignored him.
A mild drama ensued on Friday at Ihechiowa in Arochukwu LGA of Abia state during the celebration of the traditional retirement of Eze Sir Linus Nto Mba, Eze Udo 1 of Ataigbokwu Umizomgbo Autonomous community.
IGBERE TV learnt that drama started when the governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu arrived the venue and headed straight to exchange pleasantries with other dignitaries at the occasion but surprisingly, he failed to recognise the presence of his predecessor who had earlier arrived the venue at about 2:20pm, as he snubbishly ignored him.
When, Gov Ikpeazu arrived the venue of the event, the celebrant personally came and informed the former governor that the governor was coming to exchange pleasantries. The monarch subsequently appealed to some dignitaries who came with OUK to vacate their seats for Governor Ikpeazu and some of his entourage.
One of the people who were asked to vacate their seats was Chief Benjamin Kalu, a former LGA Chairman in Abia State.
The action of the governor, according to an eyewitness sparked off protest by the celebrant Eze Sir Linus Nto Mba who persuaded him to show some respect to his predecessor. This however fell on deaf ear as the governor reportedly responded thus: “How can I belittle myself by going to greet a former? I am the Executive governor of the state and everybody should be loyal to me”
Meanwhile, reacting to the allegation when contacted by IGBERE TV Reporter, the commissioner for information in the state Chief John Okiyi Kalu denied the allegation. He said: “It is not true that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu “snubbed” former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.
“On arrival at the Ihechiowa event, the Governor did not meet the former Governor who was seated at another part of the venue. The Governor concluded his engagements and left to attend Abia Youths Rally in Umuahia without seeing or meeting Chief Orji Uzor Kalu.
“Governor Ikpeazu respects all former Governors of the state, without exception. He also expects our former Governors to conduct themselves properly and with the decorum expected of those who occupied the position of “Governor of Abia State”, especially in their public engagements.
“It is with this in mind that the Governor has continued to invite all former Governors of Abia State to important state events such as May 29 and August 27 anniversary celebrations. He wishes that all our past and present leaders join hands with him to develop the state and create a rancor free environment that is necessary to achieve his dream of handing over an economically strong state with durable infrastructure and the undisputed number one state in education, after his 8 years tenure.
“Rather than snub any Abian, the Governor will be happy to welcome investment in the state from all wealthy Abians to help create non-touting jobs for young Abians and support the revolutionary infrastructure development agenda of his administration through payment of Tax within the state.
“It is also important to remind you that at a recent event at Isiala Ngwa the Governor did not hesitate to move and shake hands with the defeated APGA candidate in 2015, Dr Alex Otti, who was already before the Governor’s arrival”.
The occasion which ended successfully had many other well meaning sons and daughter of Abia in attendance.
