A Personal Account by Chinenye Nwaogu
Anyone conversant with Gov Ikpeazu’s leadership style will attest to the fact that he gains strength and energy interacting with his people, even his critiques. Ever since he became Governor of Abia, frequent accountability and stewardship sessions have become his way of engaging Abians of all walks of life , either at home or in diaspora. Governor Ikpeazu believes that he is the servant of the people and that at all times the people are entitled to know how their commonwealth is being managed.
So when the Nigerian Embassy in Washington invited the Governor to participle at the US-Nigeria Investment Summit (UNIS), the leadership of Abia State National Association saw it as another prime opportunity for the Governor to give account of his stewardship which he gladly agreed to do. One thing Ikpeazu needs applause for is his ability to present himself for open transparent and no holds barred engagements.
The Governor was accompanied by the Honorable Commisioner for Energy Asiforo Okere PhD, Austin Ufomba, his aides Ibe Michael Nwoke, Enyinnaya Appolos, Sam Hart, Uchenna Onyeizu and my humble self. The entire leadership of Abia National Association US and Northern Canada were present and it was a full hall. After the introductions, there was a video presentation of the Ikpeazu giant strides which was followed by the Governor himself throwing some light on his achievements and then the Question and Answer session. In his tradition of encouraging constructive, open and transparent engagement, the Governor insisted that people be allowed to freely express themselves without prearranged questions . The Governor responded to well over 10 questions and few comments. The meeting moved smoothly until one guy took the microphone and requested to know the Governor’s stand on IPOB struggle, though he tried to start out rudely a situation the organizers wanted to resist but the Governor asked that he be allowed to ventilate his views. The Governor took the floor again and educated the audience on the strategic efforts of the political leadership of the Southeast to ensure the safety of lives and properties of Igbos , Abians inclusive not only in the southeast but across the entire nation of Nigeria. He cautioned Igbos who live outside the shores of the Nigeria to refrain from comments and activities that will endanger the over 11 million Igbos , mostly successful business men and women living in other parts of Nigeria. He opined that what Igbos should learn from their experiences in Nigeria is to pay more attention and invest more resources in Igbo land for massive industrialization and economic development which will create jobs for youths and vulnerable groups. He advised Igbos to be strategic in engaging the country. He again emphasized his eagerness in engaging in practical solution oriented dialogue.
Having worked with Governor Ikpeazu for sometime now, one thing you can not take away from him is his ability to rise above mundane and irrelevances especially when responding to those intentioned to embarrass him. His teaching and humble skills in addressing seemingly difficult issues and questions is very impressive ; by the time the Governor finished his explanation there was thunderous ovation for him.
I should not have bothered to pen these few lines but it became necessary to ensure accuracy of reportage when I viewed a mischievous clip online with intention to construe that the town hall meeting was disrupted by IPOB members. It is now clear that the fellow had intentioned to misinform the public to ridicule an engagement that was very successful and informative.
No one is in doubt that Governor Ikpeazu has discharged his assignment credibly and set a new standard for quality and responsible leadership in Abia State.
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