National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chibuzor Alli |
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Senate President and President of the National Assembly, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has praised Governor Alex Otti for his achievements in Abia State.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Ukoha, Senator Wabara made these remarks on Sunday, February 16, at the International Conference Center in Umuahia during the 80th birthday celebration of Dr. Godswill Emelike Okoro.
Dr. Okoro is a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) who served during the first tenure of the immediate past governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
Speaking at the event, Senator Wabara said, “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 and elections, then governance begins. 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 good works; our ancestors in Abia are with you.”
He humorously urged the PDP leadership in the state to announce the suspension of Dr. Emelike Okoro, whom Governor Otti came to celebrate.
Senator Wabara vowed that no one in PDP could suspend him for speaking the truth and insisted that he would continue to acknowledge the governor’s good works.
“I will be one of those who will continue to appreciate you. I have not mentioned the Labour Party; I have always mentioned Governor Alex Otti. We are all with you,” he stated.
Senator Wabara noted that despite efforts to prevent Governor Otti from assuming office, he is the one now working to restore the state from the effects of poor governance.
Dr. Emelike Okoro, the birthday celebrant, also commended Governor Otti, stating that he has brought a fresh perspective to governance in Abia.
He praised the governor for flagging off the reconstruction of the Onuinyang-Oporoenyi Oboro Road, which connects Bende LGA in Abia North and Ikwuano LGA in Abia Central.
He emphasised that this project will significantly benefit the state’s agricultural sector.
Dr. Okoro recalled his conversation with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe when he sought support for his governorship bid, stating that he advised Abaribe to return to the Senate as the “sword of the Igbos” instead.
He said he was looking for a fresh perspective in governance and expressed satisfaction that Governor Otti has brought that change.
He also lauded the governor’s accessibility, noting that he always responds to calls.
Governor Alex Otti, in his speech, congratulated Dr. Okoro on his 80th birthday, describing him as “80 years younger.”
He highlighted that his relationship with Dr. Okoro goes beyond politics, considering him a mentor and father figure.
The governor reiterated that his administration does not support segregation, stating that anyone who resides in Abia and fulfills their civic duties is considered an Abian.
He urged those holding on to old political sentiments to embrace the new Abia, which his administration is building on the principles of excellence, competence, equity, and capacity.
Governor Otti also called for a return to the Igbo tradition of respecting elders, warning against insults directed at them in the name of politics.
He stressed that such actions attract curses, which, if pronounced by elders, can be powerful.
As part of this respect for elders, he said he attended Dr. Okoro’s birthday celebration and would continue to honor such occasions regardless of political affiliations.
He announced his plans to return to the International Conference Center soon to celebrate Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s 70th birthday on March 1 and Senator Chris Adighije’s 80th birthday on March 22.
