When Okezie Ikpeazu assumed office as the Governor of Abia State in 2015, he faced challenges like court cases, insecurity, decayed infrastructure, amongst others, but it is fair to say that he overcame. Nevertheless, he may face some more challenges before his tenure expires in 2023.

In Ikpeazu's first year in office, he admitted that kidnapping was the greatest challenge of the state, as it was losing investors due to inadequate security.

The other challenge the governor faced was decayed infrastructure. It was as though his administration had been voted in to rescue what was left of the state.

It was difficult to find a major road or street that had tar on it. Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state was cut off from neighbouring cities. Trees grew on roads, refuse littered corners of roads yet the governor prevailed.

Less than two years to the end of his term, Ikpeazu continues to assure Abians that he will not leave office without writing his name in the annals of history.

Beyond challenges the governor has faced and surmounted, there are two more challenges he may face before he leaves office in 2023. How he handles these issues will speak volumes about the type of man he is.

1. Choosing a successor

Last week, Ikpeazu said whoever will succeed him will have "to carry their cross". In order words, the person will have to do things on their own, as he will not interfere in the selection process.

That was the second time the governor made such statement. However, it is one thing to say something, it is another to actually do it.

It would be difficult or almost impossible for the governor to stay out and not interfere throughout the selection process of his successor because at some point, there will be pressure from different quarters. There may be in-fighting where he would be expected to intervene.

For instance, the Abia Charter of Equity imbroglio. The Ukwa la Ngwa people say rotation of the governorship seat is between Old Bende and Old Ngwa zones, while many believe that it is between the three Senatorial zones of the state.

Ikpeazu himself, a product of the Charter of Equity, cannot turn a blind eye in a situation where his kin want the Ngwa people to retain power, while others from the divide say it should return to Abia North Senatorial district.

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