Abia state Governor Dr. Alex Otti has called on present and future leaders to draw inspiration from the former Governor of old Imo state, the late Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe who played a pivotal role in advancing the infrastructure and development of the Eastern region.
Governor Otti stated this when he paid a visit to the residence of the late Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, popularly known as Dee Sam at Avutu- Obowo, Imo State.
The late Mbakwe who served as the Governor of the old Imo State from 1979 to 1983 is widely remembered for his significant contributions to the development and progress of the region.
Governor Otti who was received by the 87-year-old widow of the late political icon Lady Victoria Ahuikpeghe Mbakwe described the late Mbakwe as a political icon who left indelible imprints on the sands of time especially in leadership and development of the Old Imo state and entire South East region.
The Governor noted that the late political icon left lasting legacies of development and progress in the Eastern region and added that his legacy continues to influence the political landscape of Imo State, the entire South East geopolitical zone and beyond.
He emphasized that some of the quality roads built in Aba and other parts of the eastern region during the administration of the late Mbakwe are still standing today.
Otti said; “Dee Sam Mbakwe was our leader, if you go through his record you will understand that he was a great leader, his achievements have not been equalled by anyone talk of surpassing him”
“If you go through roads in Aba today, you remember when he was Governor of old Imo State, the roads built several years after him have all disappeared, he showed he was a great leader and did very well in the old Imo which included Abia State”.
He thanked God for blessing the deceased widow with long life and good health and assured that he would abide by her advice in offering selfless service to humanity.
Earlier the Widow of the late Sam Mbakwe, Lady Victoria Ahuikpeghe Mbakwe while thanking the Governor for the visit, congratulated him on his inauguration as the 5th democratically elected governor of Abia state.
Lady Mbakwe said the personal visit by Governor Otti depicts the value and importance he places on the Mbakwe family and humanity and prayed God to protect the Governor as he steers the ship of the state to attain the success her husband made while alive.
She noted that Governor Alex Otti is the first sitting Governor to personally visit the family since the demise of her husband and called on the Abia people to sustain their support for the governor to enable him succeed.
Governor Otti, was accompanied by the the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Ikechukwu Uwana, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu,First Deputy Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa among others.
