Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has decried what he described as a deliberate attempt by critics to hold him responsible for every misfortune in the state, insisting that his record of achievements during his tenure remains undeniable.

Speaking when he hosted select leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Abia South zone in his hometown, Umuobiakwa, Ikpeazu urged party members to remain steadfast, stressing that loyalty is the ultimate sacrifice expected of party faithful.

He dismissed what he called distractions from “noise makers and naysayers,” accusing some individuals of ignoring his developmental strides only to cast unwarranted blame on him.

“If somebody’s pot of soup sours, they will blame Okezie Ikpeazu as being responsible for it,” he remarked, lamenting what he described as unfair criticisms targeted at him.

The former Governor maintained that unity and loyalty were crucial for the PDP’s resurgence both in Abia and at the national level. He charged party leaders in the zone to strengthen the party’s structures through regular meetings, while assuring them that no external force could defeat the party once members stood together.

“Loyalty to the party is the ultimate sacrifice we owe to ourselves and to the people we serve. Once we remain united, no external force can defeat us,” Ikpeazu added.

In his contribution, the PDP Vice Chairman for Abia South, Enyinnaya Appolos, described the meeting as an avenue for leaders to exchange ideas and receive direction from the former Governor, whom he recognized as the leader of the party in the state.