By Ugochukwu Alaribe

UMUAHIA – Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has vowed to continue praising Governor Alex Otti for his achievements in Abia State, daring the PDP to expel him from the party.

Wabara, who was suspended by the Abia State PDP executive committee last week, insisted that no one can silence him for speaking the truth about the Governor’s performance.

Speaking at the 80th birthday celebration of former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Eme Okoro, held at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, Wabara described Otti as a performing Governor who is transforming Abia State.

“Before becoming a PDP card-carrying member or even an NRC member, I was first and foremost a citizen of Abia,” Wabara declared.

He continued: “Politics ends after campaigns and elections—then governance begins. Even a blind man can see what is happening in Abia. If they have suspended me for saying the truth, maybe they can now expel me. But I will continue to commend the Governor’s good works.”

Wabara also challenged the PDP leadership to suspend Dr. Okoro, whom Governor Otti came to celebrate. He insisted that his praise for Otti is based on the Governor’s performance, not party affiliation.

“I will be one of those who will continue to appreciate you,” Wabara said, addressing Otti. “I have not mentioned the Labour Party—I only speak of Governor Alex Otti. We are all with you.”

He further stated that Otti, whom some political forces opposed, is the leader now recovering Abia State from years of bad governance.

In his remarks, Dr. Eme Okoro commended Governor Otti for bringing a breath of fresh air to Abia State. He praised the Governor’s recent flag-off of the Onuinyang-Oporoenyi Oboro road reconstruction, which connects Bende in Abia North Zone to Ikwuano in Abia Central Zone, describing the project as a boost to the state’s agricultural sector.

Okoro also revealed that he had advised Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to abandon his governorship ambition and remain in the Senate to continue advocating for the Igbo people.

“One thing that amazes me about Governor Otti is his accessibility—he always answers his calls,” Okoro added.

In his address, Governor Alex Otti congratulated Dr. Okoro on his milestone, describing him as a father figure and mentor beyond politics.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equity and inclusivity, stating that every resident of Abia who contributes positively is regarded as a true Abian.

“Abia is a state of excellence. I urge those still clinging to primordial sentiments to embrace the new Abia anchored on competence, capacity, and fairness,” Otti said.

The Governor also emphasized the importance of respecting elders and warned against the disrespect often shown in the name of politics.

“We will always respect our elders. That is why I am here today, and I will continue to honor them regardless of political affiliation,” he added.

He concluded by promising to return to the International Conference Center in 2025 to celebrate the upcoming milestones of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who turns 70 on March 1st, and Senator Chris Adighije, who will mark his 80th birthday on March 22nd.