The outgoing Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji, has shed light on the strained relationship between him and former governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Orji revealed that during the recently-held National Assembly elections, Ikpeazu sponsored his opponent in a rival party, aiming to impede his bid to be elected as a member of the House of Representatives for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
Orji expressed his disappointment with the continued backlash from critical Abia political stakeholders following his recent appearance alongside his father, Senator Theodore Orji, the former Abia Governor, during the inauguration of Governor Alex Otti at Umuahia Township Stadium on May 29, 2023. He lamented that despite fighting for the political interests of allies and friends, he was being subjected to blackmail and propaganda intended to tarnish his reputation.
He clarified his presence at the inauguration, explaining that he had received an invitation from the governor-elect, who was from a different political party. Orji questioned whether, if in his position, journalists would have declined the invitation. He emphasized that his actions were driven by courtesy and not influenced by political motives or the state of Abia. He also highlighted that his role in fighting political battles on behalf of others had come to an end, and he urged individuals to fight their own battles rather than hiding behind others.
Orji reflected on his previous clashes with the current governor between 2015 and 2019 and questioned the public perception of his alliances. He mentioned that his father, the former governor, had reconciled with individuals they were once at odds with, including visiting President Tinubu. He emphasized that attending Otti’s inauguration was a matter of courtesy and criticized the expectation for him to continue fighting on behalf of others while they maintained relationships with his enemies.
The relationship between Orji and Ikpeazu has been strained, with Orji alleging that his opponent was sponsored by Ikpeazu during the elections. Notably, Theodore Orji and Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji were said to have played a significant role in installing Ikpeazu as governor in 2015 and 2019, defeating Otti in both instances. However, during the recent 2023 elections, Ikpeazu’s candidate, who was endorsed by him, was unsuccessful in securing the governorship.