Governor Alex Otti has won the admiration of Senate President Godswill Akpabio for organizing a grand celebration in honor of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s 70th birthday. Akpabio lauded Abaribe’s courage and Otti’s political wisdom, predicting that his generosity will strengthen his leadership. Get the full details!
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for hosting a grand 70th birthday celebration in honor of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, describing the gesture as a sign of true leadership and political maturity.
Speaking at the event organized by the Abia State Government, Senator Akpabio extolled Abaribe’s unwavering courage, integrity, and selfless service to the people of Abia South Senatorial District and the entire Igbo nation. He recalled Abaribe’s bold decision to stand as a surety for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, despite the risks involved.
“Abaribe is a man who can sacrifice. He is a man who loves his people, Ndi Igbo,” Akpabio said. “When you signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, people were shocked and questioned why a senator would take such a risk. But when I asked you why you did it, you said you strongly believed that even if he ran away, you could go to prison on his behalf because of what he stood for.”
The Senate President emphasized that Senator Abaribe’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy are invaluable, describing him as a man of grace and integrity whose leadership qualities remain a model for the younger generation.
Governor Otti’s Political Maturity Applauded
Akpabio further praised Governor Otti for recognizing Abaribe’s contributions despite political differences, stating that such actions demonstrate Otti’s deep understanding of politics and governance.
“Governor Alex Otti is like me. He will be generous to the people of Abia State because he has a generous heart,” Akpabio said. “His decision to honor Abaribe is a smart political move. Through Abaribe, he has won the hearts of the entire Abia South Senatorial Zone.”
Akpabio noted that by celebrating Abaribe, Otti has positioned himself favorably for future political victories, emphasizing that acknowledging worthy leaders fosters unity and good governance.
“What you are doing today, Oh my God! If you know how highly Senator Abaribe is regarded across Nigeria, you would know that you are celebrating a man whose legacy is undeniable. This is why I am here today—not necessarily for Abaribe alone but to support a leader like you (Otti), who recognizes the worth of great men,” Akpabio added.
Governor Otti: We Must Celebrate Our Own
In his remarks, Governor Alex Otti expressed appreciation for Abaribe’s contributions to Abia and Nigeria, emphasizing that the celebration was not politically motivated but a recognition of exceptional service.
“We are here to celebrate a man that is courageous, a man that is selfless, a man who is unafraid to speak truth to power,” Otti stated. “Sometimes, some of us were afraid for him, but God preserved his life to this day. It is not because of him alone but because of grace.”
Otti reaffirmed his commitment to honoring distinguished Abians who have positively impacted society, listing upcoming celebrations for notable figures such as Senator Chris Adighije, Bright Chimezie, Paulson Kalu, and a posthumous recognition of Jaja Wachukwu.
The governor also addressed the long-standing agitation for equity and justice for the Igbo people, clarifying that the struggle for Biafra is beyond any individual.
“The Biafra fight is not about Nnamdi Kanu alone. If you read the book we have unveiled today, ‘Unbundled,’ you will understand what the struggle truly means,” Otti explained. “The Biafra of old cannot happen anymore, but the Biafra of the mind exists. We want to be equal citizens, treated the same as others. That is the challenge for Senator Akpabio and the entire government.”
Abaribe: We Must Work for a Better Nigeria
In his appreciation speech, Senator Abaribe thanked God for His grace in his life and credited his late father for instilling in him the values of courage and sincerity. He called on public officeholders to focus on policies that uplift the people and improve living standards.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for recognizing his contributions and celebrating him in such a grand manner.
Event Highlights
The celebration, which drew dignitaries from all walks of life, featured the unveiling of Abaribe’s book, Unbundled, and the cutting of his birthday cake. A sermon delivered by Pastor Chimezie Iheoma of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church emphasized Abaribe’s enduring relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape due to his service and commitment to truth.
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