PDP BOT Chairman, Sen. Wabara, Praises Gov. Otti Again, Declares Support for His Good Works in Abia
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Senate President, Distinguished Senator Adolphus Wabara, has once again commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, OFR, for his outstanding governance and developmental strides in the state.
Speaking at the 80th birthday celebration of Dr. Godswill Emelike Okoro at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, Senator Wabara emphasized that his allegiance to Abia State comes before his political affiliations, reaffirming his stance that good governance should be acknowledged beyond party lines.
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.
He further emphasized that politics should take a backseat after elections, and governance should be the primary focus.
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 added, praising Governor Otti commitment to the state progress.
In a lighthearted remark, he called on the PDP leadership in the state to go on air the next day to suspend Dr. Emelike Okoro, whom Governor Otti had come to celebrate, suggesting that appreciation of good leadership should not be limited by party loyalty.
Despite his strong political affiliations, Sen. Wabara vowed to continue supporting Governor Otti administration.
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 said.
Acknowledging that Governor Otti was not the preferred candidate of the PDP, he admitted that Otti is the one now “recovering the state from the ruins of bad governance.
The celebrant, Dr. Godswill Emelike Okoro, also praised the governor for his transformative projects, particularly the recent reconstruction of the Onuinyang-Oporoenyi Oboro Road, which connects Bende LGA in Abia North to Ikwuano LGA in Abia Central.
He recalled a conversation with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, where he declined to support Abaribe governorship ambition, insisting that he was searching for a breath of fresh air.
He further highlighted the governor accessibility, stating that Otti always answers his calls, a rare trait among politicians.
In his address, Governor Alex Otti congratulated Dr. Okoro on his 80th birthday, playfully referring to him as being 80 years younger.
He reiterated that his administration is built on inclusivity, stating that as long as one lives in Abia and fulfills civic duties, they are considered an Abian, regardless of political affiliation.
We are building a new Abia anchored on excellence, capacity, competence, and equity. Those who are still living on primordial sentiments should wake up and embrace the new era,Otti stated.
He also called for a return to the Igbo culture of respecting elders, warning those who insult elders in the name of politics to desist, as curses from elders have lasting effects.
It is in this spirit of respect that I attended the birthday celebration of Dr. Okoro, and I will continue to honor our elders irrespective of political affiliations,Otti added.
He further announced that he would return to the International Conference Center soon to celebrate:
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who turns 70 on March 1st
Senator Chris Adighije, who turns 80 on March 22nd
Governor Otti reaffirmed that his administration would remain focused on development, unity, and service delivery for the benefit of all Abians.
