Lawmaker urges Ndi Abia to appreciate Governor Ikpeazu

A member of the House of Representatives, Uko Nkole, has urged the people of Abia State to appreciate the prudent management of the state’s resources by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, inspite of the current economic recession.
Nkole, representing Arochukwu / Ohafia Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, spoke in an exclusive interview with our correspondent against the backdrop of complaints by all tiers of governments in Nigeria about the decline in revenue allocation from the Federation Account.
The lawmaker said that in spite of the decline in revenue accruing to the state, Ikpeazu had continued to trudge ahead in delivering his electoral promises, especially in the area of road construction and infrastructure, to the admiration of even his detractors.
He noted that this was a clear departure from what obtained in some states, where the governors were not only challenged by the same fate, but also contending with huge debt profiles incurred by their predecessors.
Nkole said, “They should be happy and grateful that the previous administration did not leave the state deeply indebted compared to others. So, it is on record that it saved the state from that level of embarrassment.”
On the recent celebration of the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state, he said it was needful for the people to express their appreciation to God for keeping them alive and for the prevailing peace in the state.
Nkole said that the celebration was very much necessary, especially because of the recent attempt to remove the governor from office by an Abuja high court judgment, which he also described as a coup.
According to the lawmaker, “We have every reason to thank God that the coup was foiled and for His keeping us together as a state as well as saving us from the brigandage that would have followed it.”
He said the administration had very positive impact on his constituency compared with the preceeding ones, adding that despite the severe economic recession, it was delivering on the its mandate.
“There a lot of efforts being made in revamping the roads. You know we are an agrarian society and if we cannot take our products to the market, they will become a problem.
“As I speak to you, today in the constituency alone there is this road project linking Idima, Abam and Bende. The Abam –Arochukwu road, which it inherited from the previous administration is equally receiving attention,” Nkole said.
The Peoples Democratic Party member said his reason to commit his earnings as a lawmaker to providing democracy dividends to his people was his desire to add value to the society.
“What I am doing is my own contribution to ensure they feel the impact of government because this is a very hard time to be in leadership. It is equally a very good time to me to prove my mettle as their representative,” he said.