Anthony Agbazuere, the former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has made a shocking confession.
He revealed that traditional rulers in the state received just seven thousand Naira as a monthly stipend during Ikpeazu’s administration.
Agbazuere, who made this statement during the Ehi La Uguru Day celebration on Tuesday, said that only a few monarchs received twenty-one thousand Naira as a stipend before the advent of the current administration under Governor Alex Otti.
The lawyer, regarded as one of the most influential figures during Ikpeazu’s administration, highlighted that the current administration is building many projects. He also claimed that the advice he provided to the previous administration was not implemented.
“Before Governor Alex Otti came on board, traditional rulers were receiving a stipend of 7,000 Naira, while a few others got 21,000 Naira. But he has increased it to 250,000 Naira monthly. He has shown capacity and deserves our support,” Agbazuere said.
Agbazuere also criticized the former administration of Governor Ikpeazu for abandoning the old Abia Airport project. He praised Governor Otti for partnering with the federal government to build an international airport in the state.
“Somebody said that he wanted to build an airport but then claimed that it was traditional rulers who told him not to proceed with the project.
“An airport project we already approved, and somebody turned around to claim that traditional rulers told him not to continue. I don’t understand,” Agbazuere remarked.
Meanwhile, the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia, Eric Ikwuagwu, has stated that the party would not respond to Agbazuere’s statements, as the former Chief of Staff is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
