The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has once again praised Governor Alex Otti for his commendable work in Abia State.
Wabara made the statement on Sunday at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, during the 80th birthday celebration of Godswill Okoro, former Secretary to the State Government under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s first tenure. Wabara emphasized that he was first a citizen of Abia before becoming a member of the PDP.
This praise comes amid controversy after the Abia State chapter of the PDP suspended Wabara for allegedly endorsing Otti for a second term in office in October 2023.
However, during the event, Wabara stood by his statement, declaring that politics ends after campaigns and elections, after which governance takes precedence.
He 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, 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 expel me.”
Wabara continued to express his support for Governor Otti’s good works, noting that Otti is recovering the state from the ruins of bad governance.
He also reassured Otti, saying, “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.”
Dr. Godswill Okoro, the birthday celebrant, also commended Governor Otti, describing him as a breath of fresh air for Abia State. He specifically praised Otti for the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Onuinyang-Oporoenyi Oboro Road, which will significantly boost the agricultural sector in the state.
Governor Otti, in his speech, congratulated Okoro on his 80th birthday and highlighted the depth of their relationship, which goes beyond politics.
Otti described Okoro as a father and mentor to him, reiterating his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness in governance.
He emphasized that his administration does not tolerate segregation, stating that anyone who contributes to Abia’s growth is considered a part of the state, regardless of their background.
The governor also called for a return to the culture of respect for elders, a core value of the Igbo people. He warned against insulting elders for political gain, stressing that such actions bring curses that can have real consequences.
As a testament to his respect for elders, Otti confirmed his attendance at Okoro’s birthday celebration and pledged to do the same for future celebrations, including those of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who turns 70 on March 1, 2025, and Senator Chris Adighije, who will celebrate his 80th birthday on March 22, 2025.
This event highlighted the unity and mutual respect that transcend political affiliations in Abia, as leaders continue to focus on the state’s development and progress.
