Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Saturday formally received the former Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Sir Ude Okochukwu, into the Labour Party, describing his defection as a “bold and weighty political move”.
Okochukwu, who recently resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), few weeks ago, joined the Labour Party alongside many PDP faithfuls and his political structure, the Abia Vision Rangers.
Speaking at a grand reception in his hometown, Nkporo, Ohafia LGA, which attracted a mammoth crowd of party leaders and supporters, Governor Otti assured the former Deputy Governor of fair treatment and equal opportunities within the Labour Party.
“This is a party that does not discriminate, there is no difference between him that is joining today and some of us that joined earlier. As soon as you are a member of the party, you have equal rights and opportunities”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor described the former Deputy Governor as a long-standing friend who consistently demonstrated fairness and respect, even when they were in opposing political camps.
He said; “Rt Honourable Ude Okochukwu has been my friend and my brother even when we were in different camps. He is one official of government that will give you your dues and your respect, even as deputy governor.
“In those days, there’s no way he would see me and would not recognise me. And I remember he would always introduce me as his friend and his elder brother”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor revealed that Okochukwu had privately pledged his support during the 2023 elections despite remaining in the PDP at the time.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment to quality infrastructure, Governor Otti, used the occasion to announce that the Itu Nkporo Road had been awarded for reconstruction, stressing that Abians are entitled to good roads.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the people of the area for their support, which he said enabled the Labour Party to secure a resounding victory in the 2023 general elections.
In his remarks earlier, the former Deputy Governor said his decision to abandon the PDP was informed by Governor Otti’s transformational leadership in the State and commended the Governor for his unprecedented reforms and people-focused development initiatives in less than two years in office.
Rt Hon Sir Okochukwu who recalled the challenges he faced accessing Umuahia -Uzuakoli- Akara-Ohafia road during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the State, lauded the Governor for prioritizing instructor and addressing the long-neglected project.
He assured that his supporters would align fully with the Labour Party under Governor Otti’s leadership.
