The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state has said that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) misrule Abia state for a greater part of its 31 years existence.
Abia 31 years of its creation by the Ibrahim Babangida military regime.
The chairman of the party in the state, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, who stated this in a statement entitled; “Abia @31: Celebration of failure and misgovernance by PDP-led administration”, said that “Unfortunately, the current administration led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is the worst of all governments so far witnessed. We wonder what this government will be celebrating as its achievements at Abia at 31,” he said.
Ehiemere said it was sad that as the state was celebrating, it was owing medical doctors 25 months salary arrears and recorded de-accreditation of Abia Polytechnic, Aba, and workers at the state University Teaching Hospital salary arrears of 30 and 10 months respectively.
“Pensioners are owed four years of gratuities and 28 months of pensioners arrears; primary and secondary school teachers are owed five months salary arrears and promotion allowances; many workers are being paid incomplete salaries”.
He explained that challenges facing the state to include infrastructure decay, lack of a Government House, abandoned multi-billion naira projects, unemployment, over borrowing, insecurity and neglect of oil-bearing communities.
“Abians cannot freely move from one community to another due to insecurity. Yes, insecurity has become a national phenomenon, but some state governments have since taken some practical steps towards protecting their people.
“We therefore, wish to urge Abians to unite and join in the on-going efforts to liberate the state from oppressors and political hijackers. It’s time to jettison political sentiment and place the interest of Abia above party politics.
“APGA has provided the platform to lead Abia out of Egypt to the promised land. We solicit the support of all progressives and the entire Abia voters as APGA is prepared to usher in the right leadership that will transform Abia into a referral and pacesetter state.”
