It was an epoch making event, as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, hosted a civic reception in honor of the former Senate President, Sen Adolphus Wabara.
The reception which was held at the Trade More Event Centre, Umuahia, was well attended by PDP faithful and had political juggernauts across party lines and nation, converging to celebrate an icon and pillar of democracy in the South East region and Nigeria at large.
An array of dignitaries who graced the occasion, were the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, his Enugu State counterpart, Dr Peter Mbah and the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.
Others were former Governor Okwesirieze Nwodo of Enugu State, former Governor of Kaduna State and Secretary, PDP BoT, Ahmed Makarfi,PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu and the immediate-past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu.
Former Chairman of Nigeria Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central at the Senate, former House of Representatives member who represented Arochukwu/ Ohafia, Hon Uko Nkole, former Abia State Secretary, Dr Eme Okoro and South East Vice Chairman of PDP, Ali Odefa, among a host of others.
In his remarks, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagum, described Sen Adolphus Wabara as a stabilizer and a pillar of democracy, who had brought his experiences to bear , creating stability of the party at various levels.
He said the reception of the political icon from South East was apt, as it would further resonate hope and breed oneness among PDP faithful.
The Acting National Chairman noted that the South East used to be the stronghold of the PDP through the efforts of the likes of Sen Wabara, expressing confidence that the party would bounce again, taking it’s pride of place, adding that those exiting the party would all return before 2027.
He said the party is ready to take over what belongs to it, maintaining confidence that those who temporarily defected from the PDP will come back before 2027, reaffirming that the party would take over what belongs to them.
The PDP Acting National Chairman, however, urged PDP members in the Southeast to remain resolute and give their support continuously to the party, expressing optimism the party would come back sound and victorious.
Equally the Governor of Enugu state, Peter Mbah, recalled the sterling leadership qualities of Sen Wabara, particularly his days as the Senate President, adding that he succeeded in putting the South East region at the front burner with his style of leadership.
Mbah while wishing the ex Federal Lawmaker a happy 76th birthday,prayed God to grant him long life in good health, maintaining that Sen Wabara is capable of reviving the party to victory come 2027.
Earlier, the chairman on the occasion and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said he was very optimistic that the PDP would return to power at the centre in 2027.
He described Senator Wabara as a true democrat who had sacrificed so much to build Nigeria, adding that his emergence as the BoT Chairman of the PDP would help reposition the party for greatness.
Makinde, however, disclosed that Wabara had already restored hope in the BoT as a true conscience of the party, adding that PDP’s brighter days were ahead.
He further described Wabara as a great asset to both the country and the PDP and wished him more strength and sound health to deliver.
Meanwhile,the Governor of Abia State,Dr Alex Otti, who devoid party sentiment to join in the celebration of the political icon, described Wabara an elder statesman and a true son of Abia.
Gov Otti said he had already made up his mind to attend the event even before he was invited officially, noting that the man being celebrated has impacted and advanced the political system of Nigeria, therefore, the celebration should cut across party lines.
He said the era of politics was over and that as the Governor of the state, he should not discriminate against anybody because of party affiliations.
“Our government is a government without discrimination. After election, governance starts. I’m the Governor of all Abians, whether PDP, Labour Party, APC or any other party”.
Gov. Otti, said that Sen Wabara is a good man, with zero percent tribalistic sentiment,adding that the PDP did not make any mistake in choosing him as its BoT Chairman.
Responding, Sen Wabara appreciated the PDP for organizing such a glamorous event in his honor and for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead the BoT of the party to noble heights.
He noted that their support and trust meant the world to him and pledged to uphold the values and principles that the party stands for.
Highpoint of the occasion was a banquet organized by the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti to mark the 76th birthday anniversary of Sen Adolphus Wabara.
