The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described the Senate Committee Chairman on Power and Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA), as “a risk taker for his people.”.
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Speaking at Abaribe’s 70th birthday celebration on Saturday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Akpabio commended the senator’s courage, recalling how he stood as a surety for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“When he signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, people wondered why he took such a risk. But he told me he was ready to go to prison on Kanu’s behalf,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President praised Abaribe’s fearless leadership and commitment to his people, describing him as a counselor, prophet, and lover of humanity who has sacrificed greatly for peace in Nigeria.
Akpabio, who attended the event with his wife, Unoma, and other senators, also acknowledged Abaribe’s support during his emergence as Senate President.
“My wife came with me because we are celebrating a man of astute integrity. Abaribe is a role model whose word is his bond. He has always been there for his people.”
He further noted that Abaribe’s reputation and service to the people have made him politically untouchable.
“Abaribe will win elections any time because his people are his party. He doesn’t need a political party to win.”
Akpabio also took the opportunity to invite Abia State Governor Alex Otti (Labour Party) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it would make his joy complete.
“The day you join the APC, you will see how I will celebrate you,” he told Otti.
He lauded Otti for organizing a state banquet in Abaribe’s honor, calling it a wise investment.
“When the Governor will be going for his second term, he will realize this was money well spent. Abaribe’s grace will rub off on you.”
In his speech, Governor Otti praised Abaribe’s contributions to Abia State and Nigeria, describing him as a distinguished son of Abia and a courageous leader unafraid to speak truth to power.
Addressing Akpabio’s call to join the APC, Otti emphasized that the event was about honoring distinguished Abians, not politics.
“This is not a political gathering. Politicians think of the next election, but leaders think of the next generation. I am only fulfilling the scripture that recommends honor for elders.”
Otti also dismissed recent claims that he was secretly meeting with a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in London.
“Someone said I want to join PDP. How? In the coming days, we will celebrate other distinguished Abians, including Senator Chris Adighije of APC, and music icons Bright Chimezie and Paulson Kalu. What we are doing is devoid of politics.”
He further emphasized that governance is his priority, stating that Abians are one people regardless of political differences.
Addressing the issue of Igbo marginalization, Otti urged the federal government to address the underlying causes of Biafra agitation.
“Abaribe told me he was ready to go to jail for Nnamdi Kanu. But the Biafra fight is not about Nnamdi Kanu—it is about the Biafra of the mind. We want to be equal citizens, to be treated alike. Our people are enterprising; all we need is equal opportunity, not even preferential treatment.”
In his response, a visibly elated Senator Abaribe expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for honoring him. He commended the governor’s developmental strides, particularly in improving healthcare infrastructure.
He also thanked Akpabio and other dignitaries for their presence and goodwill messages.
The event featured the unveiling of Abaribe’s new book, Unbundled. Among the prominent attendees were:
Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara
Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Peter Nwebonyi
Senator Victor Umeh
Former Minister for Power, Professor Bart Nnaji
Elder statesman Chief Onyema Ugochukwu
House of Representatives member Hon. Alex Ikwecheghi (APGA)
Ugochukwu commended Otti for fostering unity in Abia State by celebrating distinguished elders regardless of party affiliation.
Ikwecheghi described Abaribe as a dogged fighter and a hero of the Igbo nation, applauding his unwavering stand in defending his people.
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