Ojo Maduekwe to Gov Ikpeazu: 'Stop dashing us money, use it to develop infrastructure'

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), Chief Ojo Maduekwe, has advised Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State to " stop dashing money to politicians" but use it to develop infrastructure in the state.

The former Transport Minister gave the counsel Monday while speaking during a town hall meeting of Arochukwu/ Ohafia constituency with the Governor at Ohafia Council headquarters.

He commended Ikpeazu for his unprecedented strides in infrastructural development in the state despite dwindling allocation, and urged him to sustain the tempo at the expenses of "sharing money to the people."

Maduekwe noted that the rate at which the Governor was pursuing infrastructural development was commendable and said Abian prefer good roads to receiving " handouts from those in power".

The Secretary, PDP Board of Trustees ( BoT) argued that it is better the Governor deploys all the funds accruable to the state in the development of infrastructure which has a multiplier effect instead of " giving handouts to politicians and stakeholders".

He encouraged him to depart from the old order of sharing allocation with stakeholders at the expense of the people , and rather use the state's funds to develop the state.

His words: " As an elder, I want to warn that as we are hailing the Governor now for his wonderful works in developing infrastructure especially road, we should not complain if he stops giving money to the people.

" Infrastructure development needs huge funds. That means he should stop giving money to the people, and to churches ,  Ndieze, and myself even though I need it.

" He should stop dashing us money and use it to develop the state. The era of sharing money to the people should be over. Abia money should be used to develop Abia for the benefit of all."

Maduekwe commended Ikpeazu for his style of leadership so far, saying that " if he continues this way, he will have no opposition in 2019 for a second tenure".

" He is the only person among the aspirants who met with me before the election with prepared agenda to govern", he added, saying he has no doubt that Ikpeazu will deliver.