The Senate Presiden, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has lauded the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for celebrating Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on his 70th birthday Anniversary, describing the gesture as a testament to true leadership that transcends political party differences.
Speaking at the event held at the International Conference Center, organized by the Abia State Government in honor of the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Akpabio, further described Governor Otti as a generational Leader on a mission to serve his people.
The Senate President also commended Governor Otti for setting aside political affiliations to honor Abaribe, who belongs to a different political party, noting that such a move demonstrates the Governor’s deep understanding of leadership and governance.
Sen. Akpabio emphasized that the Governor’s decision to celebrate Abaribe will further endear him to the people of Abia.
“Governor Alex Otti is like me. He will be generous to the people of Abia State because he is a man who is generous in his heart .
“I want to urge Governor Alex Otti, who has decided to honour you (Abaribe), that you (Otti) are not just honouring him, you are doing good politics, because through Abaribe, you have won your heart in the whole of Abia South Senatorial zone.
“When you are going for your second term, you will see that this was money well -spent .
“What you are doing today, What you are doing today, oh my God! If you know the way we rate Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe in Nigeria, you would know that you are celebrating a man that you cannot regret.
“This is why you see me here today, not necessarily for Abaribe, I have celebrated Abaribe in the Senate but I came to join you (Otti) to give glory to God for the life of a man that is worth emulating , for a role model of Ndi Igbo and the youths of Nigeria for a great man of integrity,” Akpabio declared.
Sen Akpabio who described Abaribe as a man of grace whose life reflects resilience and dedication to the Igbo people and Nigeria at large, lauded the celebrant for his integrity and courage.
“Abaribe is a man who loves his people and is willing to take risks for them.
“When he signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, many were shocked and questioned why a senator would take such a risk. But he stood firm, believing that even if it meant going to prison on Kanu’s behalf, he was ready because of what he stands for”, Akpabio stated.
Also speaking, Governor Otti while congratulating Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe for the milestone, described the Senator Abaribe man of courage, fearless, open to the truth and defender of the Igbo nation.
He equally described Senator Abaribe as a selfless leader whose character is worthy of emulation and thanked God for keeping him for more services to humanity.
Governor Otti while explaining that the celebration of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has no political attachment,vowed that he will continue to celebrate Elders who make the state proud,noting that he would host similar ceremony for Bright Chimezie, on 22nd April, Paulson Kalu November, a posthumous birthday for late Jaja Nwachukwu among others.
The Governor who said that the struggle for Biafra today is not about anybody but an agitation agitation for Ndigbo to be recognized and giving equal treatment and opportunities like others.
In his remarks, the Celebrant Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe while thanking God for His uncommon Grace upon his life, said his frankness was a product of the virtues inculcated in him by his late father.
He stressed the need for those in position of trust to strive to put in place favourable policies and programmes that would raise the living standard of the people and increase life expectancy.
The event which featured a church service at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, presentation of a book written by the celebrant, was attended by top political figures, business leaders, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the senator’s legacy and contributions to Nigeria.
