A Governor is a servant and must humble himself to always interact with people on whose mandates he is standing as a Governor.
Dr Ikpeazu stated this at the interactive session with the people of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and South LGA at the Umuahia South LGA headquarter.
Dr Ikpeazu decried the decline in the revenue allocation of the State. According to him, he should not be pitied, as he already believes that God has reasons for whatever circumstance He allows.
He sees the decline as a great opportunity to show what Ndi Igbo are made of, which are among others.. business skills, innovations and creativity.
The Governor enumerated some of his Government’s achievements in road sector and other strategic sectors of the economy within a period of one year. The Governor further assured that the free school meal programme has come to stay. He stated that food stores will be opened in all Local Government Areas.
The Governor while reacting to questions from various bodies, made it clear that the core dividends of governance must be felt by Abians.
Reacting to farmers on the issue of Fertilizers distribution and soft loan for farmers, the Governor directed farmers to his Special Adviser on Agriculture so as to get bags of Fertilizer before Wednesday. He reassured that his Government will continue to open road networks for easy distribution of farm produce. He asked that Farmers meet, to identify themselves for #1 billion Agric loan which has been provided by the Federal government. He said that the loan is targeted at core Farmers. In his word, Government will bring tractors for mechanized Farming.
The association of tricycle Riders through their representative Comrade Nduka, were on ground to appeal to the Governor to reconsider the ban on tricycle after 7.00pm. The Governor assured that such move is possible if the association will subject themselves to proper identification/ numbering. He stated that the riders must be easily identified so as to help reduce crimes perpetrated by members.
It was an assurance of hope for the people with disabilities. Their request for a representative at Dr Ikpeazu’s cabinet, employment of members and school for the deaf, were given proper attention. The Governor promised to make sure a school for the deaf is established before December through the commissioner for Education.
National Association of Nigerian Students representative made a case for students. Requests which were no more new to the Governor, were attended to. The Governor said that he can only consider reduction of school fees when he has been properly furnished with the number of students in the State owned tertiary institutions. He stressed that he has already directed the various school authorities to make the Figures both in number of students and total amount of fees paid available to his office.
While reacting to a question that bothers on crude oil benefits, the Governor Stated that Abia is a member of NDDC and must get her benefits at all times. He said that the time to drill oil in Abia while maintaining offices outside the State, is a thing of the past. In his reaction, whoever that is interested in exploring oil in Abia must have offices in Abia. He used the opportunity to tell Abians that Hyundai engineering company and other two companies have indicated interest in building refinery in Abia State at Owaza in Ukwa LGA.
National Union of road transport workers were not left out. The Governor assured that the Abia interstate taxi scheme, must target core drivers through genuine drivers association. He stated that Cars must be given to drivers who are willing to pay back.
