Former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has advised newly elected leaders across Nigeria to focus on continuity and development rather than blaming their predecessors for current challenges.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at a high-level lecture themed “Showcasing Africa’s Developmental Capacities in the Current Multi-polar Realities”, Dr. Ikpeazu stressed the importance of leadership maturity and national interest.
“Any leader who begins by condemning all actions of their predecessor is missing the bigger picture. If you’re truly committed to serving the people, you must be able to identify and build on the good work that came before you,” he said.
Ikpeazu, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emphasised that good governance requires the humility to acknowledge past achievements and the courage to improve on them.
The remarks come amidst ongoing political tensions with his successor, Governor Alex Otti. Since assuming office in 2023, Mr Otti has raised concerns over financial mismanagement in the previous administration, alleging the withdrawal of N1.9 trillion and commissioning a forensic audit by KPMG Nigeria.
Despite the public disagreements, Dr. Ikpeazu’s comments reflect a broader call for leadership focused on progress rather than personal or partisan battles.
His appearance in Abuja also drew praise for its statesmanlike tone, with some attendees describing his message as a “timely reminder of the leadership ethos Africa needs.”
