The Chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has again praised Governor Alex Otti, for his remarkable achievements in Abia State.
Recall that the State Chapter of the PDP had recently suspended Sen Wabara, for endorsing Governor Otti for a second tenure barely five months into the governor’s administration in October 2023, disturbing the move as anti party activity.
But Wabara who spoke at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, during the 80th Birthday Celebration of Dr. Eme Okoro, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who served under the first tenure of the Immediate past Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, emphasized his identity as an Abian before his political affiliations.
In his words, “Before becoming a PDP card-carrying member, before becoming an NRC card-carrying Member in this State, I, Adolphus Nduneweh Wabara, was first and foremost a citizen of Abia.
“Politics ends after campaigns, after elections and then you start thinking of governance. Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia! And, I am saying it again! Maybe now since they said I was suspended, they can now expel me.
“But, having said so, sir, continue with the works; our ancestors in Abia are with you”.
He humorously called on the PDP leadership in the State to go on air the next day to suspend Dr. Eme Okoro, whom Governor Otti came to celebrate.
Sen. Wabara firmly stated that no one can suspend him from the PDP for speaking the truth, stressing that he would continue to recognize and appreciate Governor Otti’s contributions.
“I will be one of those who will continue to appreciate you. I have not mentioned Labour Party; I have always mentioned Governor Alex Otti. We are all with you,” the BOT chairman of PDP declared.
He further noted that Governor Otti, whom they initially opposed, is now the one salvaging the State from the ruins of bad governance.
In his remarks, the celebrant, Dr. Eme Okoro, applauded Governor Otti for bringing a “breath of fresh air” to Abia State.
He particularly commended the Governor for initiating the reconstruction of the Onuinyang-Oporoenyi Oboro Road, which connects Bende LGA in Abia North Zone to Ikwuano LGA in Abia Central Zone, pointing out that the move would enhance the agricultural sector’s potential in the region.
Dr. Okoro revealed that he declined to support Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s Governorship ambition, advising him to continue serving in the Senate as “Nma Agha ndi Igbo” (the sword of the Igbos).
He praised Governor Otti for his accessibility and for the positive changes he is bringing to Abia.
In his speech at the event, Governor Otti, congratulated Dr. Eme Okoro on his 80th birthday, saying that he has turned “80 years younger.”
He explained that his relationship with Dr. Okoro transcends politics, and described the celebrant as a father and mentor.
Governor Otti reiterated that his administration died not tolerate any form of segregation and emphasized that anyone living in Abia and contributing to its growth is considered an Abian.
He called for an end to primordial sentiments, urging all to embrace the “new Abia” built on excellence, capacity, competence, and equity.
Governor Otti, who called for a return to the culture of respect for the elders, which the Igbos are known for, warned those insulting the elders in the name of politics or whatever reason to desist from doing so as such, has curses, which, if pronounced by the elders become effectual.
Governor Otti stated that it in line with his cultural values of respecting the elders, he attended the Birthday celebration of Dr. Okoro and will continue to do so irrespective of party affiliation.
He further announced his intention to attend upcoming celebrations for Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who turns 70 on March 1st, and Senator Chris Adighije, who will be 80 on March 22nd, both at the International Conference Center.
