The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Senate President, and one-time President of the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Adolphus Wabara, has once again commended Governor Alex Otti, OFR, for the transformational work his administration is doing in Abia State.
Speaking at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, on Sunday, February 16, during the 80th Birthday Celebration of Dr. Godswill Emelike Okoro, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the first tenure of the immediate past Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Wabara expressed his admiration for Governor Otti’s leadership and governance style. He emphasized that, before his political affiliations with various parties, he was, first and foremost, an indigene of Abia State, and his love for the state transcended partisan politics.
In his words, “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, after 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 now expel me.”
With a tone of conviction, Senator Wabara reaffirmed that he would not be deterred from speaking the truth, even if it meant facing disciplinary actions from his party. He reiterated his stance that no one in the PDP could suspend him for acknowledging the positive changes happening in the state under Governor Otti’s administration. He further declared, “But, having said so, sir, continue with the works; our ancestors in Abia are with you.”
In a moment of lighthearted banter, the former Senate President playfully called on the PDP leadership in the state to go on air the following day and announce the suspension of Dr. Emelike Okoro, who was being celebrated at the event, simply because Governor Otti attended his birthday celebration. His remarks drew laughter from the audience, but they also underscored a deeper message about putting the interest of the state above party politics.
Senator Wabara made it clear that he would continue to appreciate Governor Otti’s remarkable governance, insisting that his commendation was based on visible achievements rather than party affiliation. “I will be one of those who will continue to appreciate you. I have not mentioned Labour Party; I have always mentioned Governor Alex Otti. We are all with you,” he stated.
He acknowledged that despite initial opposition to Otti’s governorship bid, it is now evident that he is the leader Abia State needed to pull it out of years of stagnation and mismanagement. He pointed out that Otti, whom they once resisted, has become the beacon of hope, ushering in a new era of infrastructural development and good governance.
The celebrant, Dr. Godswill Emelike Okoro, in his own remarks, showered praises on Governor Otti for bringing a “breath of fresh air” to the state. He specifically lauded the Governor for his recent flag-off of the reconstruction of Onuinyang-Oporoenyi Oboro Road, a critical infrastructure project that cuts across Bende Local Government Area in Abia North Zone and Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia Central Zone. He highlighted the economic importance of the project, stressing that it would significantly enhance agricultural activities in the region and improve the livelihoods of farmers and traders.
Dr. Okoro recounted a conversation he had with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who had sought his support for a governorship bid. According to him, he had advised Abaribe to remain in the Senate, where he had earned the title “Nma Agha ndi Igbo” (the sword of the Igbos), instead of running for governor. He revealed that his desire at the time was for a new kind of leadership—one that would genuinely uplift Abia State. “Looking at the Governor, I can say without hesitation, Alex Otti, you have brought a breath of fresh air,” he affirmed.
Dr. Okoro further expressed his admiration for the Governor’s accessibility, noting that Otti is always willing to listen and respond to calls from citizens, a trait that is uncommon among many political leaders. “One of the things that amazes me about Governor Otti is his accessibility; he always answers my calls,” he said, emphasizing that true leadership is about being available and accountable to the people.
In his speech, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, congratulated Dr. Emelike Okoro on reaching the milestone age of 80, humorously remarking that the elder statesman had turned “80 years younger.” He expressed deep respect for the celebrant and acknowledged that their relationship goes beyond politics, describing him as both a father figure and mentor.
Governor Otti used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, stating unequivocally that there is no place for segregation in Abia State. He emphasized that all residents of the state, regardless of their backgrounds or political affiliations, are equal stakeholders in the New Abia vision. “So long as you live in Abia and do the things expected of a citizen, you are from Abia,” he asserted.
The Governor further described Abians as a people of excellence and called on those still clinging to outdated political and ethnic sentiments to embrace the progressive changes his administration is bringing to the state. “Those living on primordial sentiments should wake up and embrace the new Abia that we are building. Our administration is anchored on excellence, capacity, competence, and equity,” he declared.
Governor Otti also stressed the importance of upholding the traditional Igbo value of respect for elders. He warned against the rising trend of younger individuals publicly insulting elders in the name of politics or personal grievances, cautioning that such actions attract curses from the elders, which could have lasting consequences. “It is in the spirit of respecting our elders that I am here to celebrate Dr. Okoro, and I will continue to honor elders irrespective of their political affiliations,” he noted.
He went on to announce that he would return to the International Conference Center in the coming weeks to celebrate two other distinguished Abians—Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who turns 70 on March 1st, and Senator Chris Adighije, who will be celebrating his 80th birthday on March 22nd.
The event at the International Conference Center, Umuahia, was more than just a birthday celebration; it was a testament to the growing consensus among key political figures in Abia that Governor Alex Otti is delivering the much-needed transformation that the state has long yearned for.
Senator Adolphus Wabara’s consistent commendation of the Governor’s efforts signifies a shift in Abia’s political landscape, where governance is increasingly being judged based on performance rather than party allegiance. Likewise, the words of Dr. Emelike Okoro and Governor Otti himself reinforced the message that leadership should be about service to the people and not personal or party interests.
As Governor Otti continues to steer Abia towards a new era of excellence and development, it is becoming increasingly clear that his administration is gaining broad-based support from both within and outside his party. The call for unity, respect for elders, and a collective vision for a better Abia resonates strongly, as the state moves forward under a leader committed to genuine progress and inclusive governance.