Prof Eleazar Ikonne


Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has finally indicated that the academic, Professor Uchenna Eleazar Ikonne might emerge his successor all things being equal, authoritative sources close to Government House has revealled.

Prof Ikonne,  Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University  Uturu from 2015-2020 hails from Agburuike-Nsulu, Isiala-Ngwa North LGA in Abia Central Senatorial District.


Prof Ikonne (middle) during a recent birthday celebration

As news of the purported 'flashing of torchlight' on Prof Ikonne seeps into the polity, it has started generating diverse controversy.

 A political commentator who prefer to remain anonymous says if its true, "Every sincere person in the state will agree with me that it is traditional in modern power play for the governor to flash the torch light. Nothing is wrong with it.  That is fair in all standards"

He however digresses by declaring that   "Abia State is in dire need of a young leader, even much younger than Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu"

Prof Ikonne and wife

Confronted with the fact that ABSU website states that  Prof Ikonne's birthday to be August 15, 1956, the Political Analyst vehemently disagrees.

"This man started as a pioneer lecturer of old Imo State University in 1986. Before this time he already qualified in the Philippines as Doctor of Optometry, then he went for another Masters degree. Prof Ikonne cannot be less than 70 plus", he declares emphatically.

Dailyledgerng.com.ng quotes another analyst as profferring that "Abia State's expected leadership of today require an astute leader who is not only youthful but boasts of competence in modern ICT and ease of doing business.

"Gov Ikpeazu  must root for a new generation leader below the age of 55 years, whose zest and vitality would guarantee steady presence  and effective leadership", he argued

Dailyledger.com.ng's interaction with a cross section of Abia polity suggests that Abia State must be in for challenging times. "The situation of our state does require the pace of a man of 70 years plus", our findings reveal. 

A political stalwart if the ruling PDP declares: "The truth remains that there are a lot of things and situations in the State that demand serious attention. Can a man already heading for his retirement weather such storms?  

"We cannot cheat nature. A man of Ikonne's age and advancement ought to assume the responsibility of an elder statesman, if selflessness rules in our clime", he affirmed

Prof Ikonne who has put in 36 years of service as an academia was recently appointed Chairman, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board. ODORBN by President Mohammadu Buhari