Despite the huge role he played in the emergence of his successor, Senator Theodore Orji has vowed that he would never indulge in playing the role of a godfather to the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, adding that it is a recipe for crisis.
Speaking with journalists yesterday in Umuahia, the former governor explained that the bad experience he had during his first tenure in office actually informed his decision not to be seen as political godfathers.
“I have kept my promise not to be overbearing on my successor. I don’t want him to have the experience I had,” he said, adding that he would strictly limit himself to giving advice whenever the governor deems it fit to seek his opinion on any issue.
According to Orji, the success or failure of Ikpeazu would surely “bounce back on me,” given that he was largely instrumental to the making of the present governor.
Orji, who represents Abia Central in the Senate, has continued to enjoy big accolade for keeping his promise of power shift to Abia South zone by not only ensuring that the governorship standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged from Ukwa/Ngwa, he also worked doggedly for his election.
For this singular political feat of keeping to his word of implementing the rather contentious charter of equity, the Ngwa component of Abia Central on Easter Monday honoured him with a chieftaincy title of Ofuruiche I of Igboland (unique person in Igboland).
The senator promised not to disappoint those “trying to foment trouble” between him and his successor, vowing that he would continue to disappoint his detractors by ensuring that his relationship with Ikpeazu always remained cordial.
He assured the people of Abia Central that he would continue to give them quality representation, adding that all the seven bills he has sponsored so far in the Senate have direct impact on the lives of the people and on the economy of the nation.
The former governor said empowerment programme constitutes a vital aspect of delivering democracy dividends hence he would continue to empower his constituents in order to improve their living standards.
He pointed out that the National Assembly had recognised empowerment as crucial part of governance and therefore encourages its members to empower their constituents.
On the biting economic hardship in the country, Orji called for maximum support for the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, saying the success of the federal government would be beneficial to everybody while its failure would adversely affect all. (Thisday)
