Senate President Godswill Akpabio has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his developmental strides and his decision to honour Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
He also hinted at offering Otti a grand celebration if he joins the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio made these remarks on Saturday during the 70th birthday celebration organised by the Abia State Government for Abaribe, a former Deputy Governor of Abia State. He described Otti as a generous leader whose goodwill is positively impacting the welfare of Ndi Abia.
“Otti’s decision to honour Abaribe despite political differences shows he understands politics and has endeared himself to the people of Abia,” Akpabio stated. “Governor Alex Otti is like me. He will be generous to the people of Abia because he has a kind heart.”
He further praised Otti’s political strategy, noting: “By honouring Abaribe, you are not just celebrating him, you are making a strategic political move. Through Abaribe, you have won the hearts of the people of Abia South. When you seek re-election, you will see that this was money well spent. If you realise how highly we regard Abaribe in Nigeria, you will know you are honouring a man you will never regret celebrating. Congratulations, my governor.”
Akpabio also took a lighthearted jab at Otti’s political affiliation, saying: “I have seen the good work you are doing, but I cannot publicly commend you because you are in the Labour Party — you are still labouring. The day you join the APC, you will hear my full praise and see how I will celebrate you.”
Speaking on Abaribe’s integrity, Akpabio recalled his bold decision to stand as surety for Nnamdi Kanu.
“Abaribe is a man of sacrifice, a true son of Ndi Igbo. When you signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, people were shocked. They asked why a senator would take such a risk. When I asked you, you said you believed so strongly in his cause that even if he fled, you were willing to go to prison on his behalf. Today, we celebrate a man of astute integrity and grace. God’s grace has brought him this far.”
He added, “This is why I am here — not necessarily for Abaribe. I have celebrated him in the Senate. But I came to join you, Otti, in giving glory to God for the life of a man worth emulating, a role model for Ndi Igbo and Nigerian youths, a man of great integrity.”
Governor Alex Otti, in his remarks, congratulated Abaribe on his milestone birthday, describing him as a fearless and courageous leader.
“This celebration is not politically motivated. I am committed to honouring Abians who deserve recognition,” Otti said. “We are here to celebrate a man of courage, selflessness, and truth. This is not a political gathering. Politicians think about the next election, but leaders think about the next generation. If you came here thinking about votes, keep your votes. I am not interested in them. By the way, have I told you I am running in 2027? I can return to where I came from. Some people claim I went to London for meetings — we have been holding meetings right here. They have simply run out of ideas.”
