…Says even the blind can see his giant strides

…Rates Enugu, Abia high in S’East

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA – Former Senate President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has revealed that efforts were being made  to woo Gov. Alex Otti back to the party.

Wabara made the revelation in his remark at the 80th birthday ceremony of a PDP chieftain and elder statesman, Dr Eme Okoro, held Sunday, at the International Conference Centre, ICC Umuahia.

The PDP BoT Chairman was alluding to last week’s botched attempt by a former Spokesman of the party, Elder Abraham Amah, to suspend him for alleged anti-party following his earlier complimentary remarks on Gov. Otti for awarding the construction of Port Harcourt Road Aba in 2023.

Wabara explained that his commendation of the Governor’s developmental strides in Abia was evidence-based, and devoid of party politics, adding that PDP would be happy to have Otti return to the party.

He said that besides politics, office holders should be commended for their genuine efforts to develop society, arguing that governance should be separated from politics.

Wabara further said he should rather be commended for his efforts to increase the membership of PDP by bringing in new members.

The PDP BoT Chairman explained that as and elder statesman, he would not shy away from speaking the truth not withstanding his party affiliation.

He said:”Politics ends after campaigns and elections, then governance begins. Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia.

” Since they said I was suspended for acknowledging the truth, maybe, they should now go on air and expel me. But I must speak the truth. Governor, continue to do well. Our ancestors in Abia are with you, and I want to believe that you are on constant touch with them for guidance. Every Abian is happy with you.”

Wabara noted that the developmental strides of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Gov. Otti in Abia, had been very outstanding in the entire South East.

” I came from Enugu two days ago and I saw the massive development by Governor Peter Mbah of the PDP. Even APC people are confessing that you and your colleague, Peter Mbah are pace setters.

” Nobody can sack me for speaking the truth. So, continue to do the good work you are doing in Abia. Even the blind man can see it. I’m one of those who will continue to appreciate you.

” I have never mentioned your party – the Labour Party. I have always said Gov Alex Otti is doing well. Nobody knows where he will swing in 2027. So, when these characters ( Wabara’s critics) are doing this and that, let them know I’m talking about Alex Otti. We are all wooing him. Governor, we are all wooing you”.

Wabara who hails from Abia, further commended Gov. Otti for according respect to elders of the state irrespective of their party affiliations.

” I want to appreciate you for attending my 76th birthday and you are here today to honour Eme Okoro at 80. You will also be here to honour my successor, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on March 1st. This has not happened before. So, we are wondering: where was this man? A man we never wanted to be Governor but he has been.

” When I say this some characters in PDP will say they are suspending me. But nobody can push me out of the PDP. Rather I will try my best to bring in quality people into the party. I remain in PDP and will continue to work for its growth.”

Senator Wabara hailed Dr Okoro on his 80th birthday, describing him as another courageous statesman who always spoke truth to power.

In his speech, Dr Okoro thanked all those who gathered to honour him at the event.

The former Secretary to State Government, SSG, Abia State, also commended Gov. Otti for his developmental efforts, declaring that ” he has no regrets supporting the Governor.

The elder statesman backed Senator Wabara in commending Gov. Otti for changing the narrative in Abia.

“When Senator Wabara spoke, I was touched. I’m interested in the kind of development Alex Otti is bringing here. PDP was not doing so well and some of us elders spoke up. But I will never regret speaking out. In 2022, I told Abaribe that I would not want him to be Governor. I asked him to return to the Senate and continue to be nmagha (the sword). I told him that as far as I’m concerned, I’m looking for a breath of fresh air. Alex Otti, you have provided that breath of fresh air. I don’t regret what I said. At 80, what is left for a man?

” Your Excellency, you have brought a fresh air in Abia. And I’m convinced that if you continue along these lines, you will leave a legacy that will be difficult to catch up with. I appreciate everything you have done so far, most importantly the opportunity you have given all of us to relate with you. But I want you to open up the space to absorb more of them. That will facilitate your development efforts”.

Dr Okoro who said he was instrumental to the development of over 30 varieties of cassava, specifically commended Gov. Otti for opening up strategic roads in the state particularly the Bende-Okporoenyi- Ikwuano road, which according to him will boost cassava, rice, cocoa and okra production in Abia State.

Speaking at the event, Gov. Otti commended Wabara and Okoro for their complimentary remarks on him, describing them as true elders and men of integrity.

He congratulated Okoro on his birthday ceremony, and thanked God for keeping him fit.

The Governor who said his administration was for all Abians, urged politicians in the state to eschews politics of rancour and  bitterness.

” I think we need to return to whom we used to be. Our people are people of excellence. But when you leave excellence and begin to pay attention to primordial sentimental reasons, you have left us.

” So, the new Abia we are building is an Abia that does not discriminate , an Abia that focuses on excellence and capacity.

” I want to advise our brothers who seem to have thrown caution to the wind to please return to who we are. In Igbo culture, you don’t disparage the elderly. They are respected, and if you are doubting, go and read about the ranting of an ant.

” I want to thank Sen. Wabara for not responding because if he pronounced a curse, it will happen. So, let’s learn to respect our father.

” Like Wabara said, once elections are over, political activities take the back seat, governance takes front seat. So, for us, its all about governance. We don’t want anyone to distract us.”

Otti who said Okoro had established a track record of excellence, challenged his children to strive to surpass their father’s achievements.

Earlier in his remarks, former Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr Ude Oko Chukwu, said Okoro had recorded milestone achievements in live

Similarly, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, described him as a true elder statesman who had boldly spoken truth to power.

Some of the dignitaries were Abia Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Senator Austin Akobundu, and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.

Others were the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, represented by Nzechi Chukwu; National President of Igbo Women Assembly, IWA, Lolo Nneka Chimezie,; former Nigerian Ambassador to Argentina, Chief Empire Kanu;and a host of others from far and near.