By Emetuobi Eze

THE political parties primaries has come and gone, leaving winners and losers behind. Unlike most other states in the country where there have been in- fighting after the primaries, Abia state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is different. This could be as a result of the free, fair and transparent manner the primaries was conducted. The government presented a level playing ground for all the aspirants, kudos to Governor T. A. Orji, who exhibited a high level of maturity and wisdom before, during and after the primaries. The PDP aspirants deserved commendations too for the gentlemanly manner they accepted defeat, and quickly close ranks with Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, ho picked the party’s ticket.

A visit to Umuebere in Umuobiakwa Village, Isialaukwu Mbato Autonomous community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State revealed that Dr. Okezie is a product of a lawful marriage between late Pa. Ishmael and deaconess Bessie Ikpeazu, a Christian home with high moral standard. Okizer as he is popularly called by his peer group is highly love and respected by his people. He is humble and accord respect to all. A good listener, patience and accommodating, he has encouraged many youths pursue their academic careers by assisting them both financially and morally while many are recipients of his scholarship scheme.

Ikpeazu managerial skills is not in doubt, evidently displayed is the way and manner he handled his previous state assignments.

In revenue generation, he transformed Abia State Passengers Manifest And Safety Scheme (ASPIMASS) as the general manager and turned its fortunes around by making it a revenue generating agency for the government. Consequently, he was reappointed in 2011 because of his track record. Given this track record, it is bovious that with him in the saddle, Abians will not have to depend so heavily on Federal Allocation for development.

In the environment sector, he was appointed the Deputy General Manager in Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Aba Zone in 2013. ASEPA is an agency of Government that oversees the day-to-day cleanliness of the environment in the state. His achievements is still been commended till date.

Dr. Ikpeazu’s academic status is by no means in doubt since he qualified as a doctor of philosophy vey early in life. He has lectured in various higher institutionss as Head of Department. At the University of Maiduguri, he served as a graduate – Assistant in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology. He combined lecturing in Calabar Polytechnic and his Ph.D programme in University of Calabar from 1990 –1992.
At the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, he served as lecturer in the Department of Applied Biochemistry where he rose to the position of Head of Department. He has equally lectured in Ebonyi State University College of Basic Medical science and also an External Examiner to Department of Biochemistry in University of Nigeria Nsukka.

As an Administrator, he has served as local Government transition Chairman at one point, as well as administrative manager with Cash Bond Investment and Credits Ltd.

No doubt he is multi-talented and versatile in various aspects of life. I make bold to say that Ikpeazu is not just a product of zoning. Before the primaries, he was seen as the beautiful bride everybody wanted to associate with. He is a grassroot politician.

A visit to his campaign headquarter at 41 Nkporo Lane/Uzuakoli Road Umuahia, Abia State shows that over one hundred independent pro-democracy groups are registered with his campaign organization. These pro-democracy group, have their presence from ward level up to Local Government and State level., their duty will be to complement Okezuo Abia 2015 which is the campaign Organization of Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, unlike other candidates from opposition parties who are mere poster and billboard candidates without feasible political structure.

*Mr. Eze, a political analyst, wrote from Umuhia, Abia State.