Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Managing Director of Diamond Bank and Labour Party governorship aspirant in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has congratulated former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi on his emergence as the Labour Party presidential candidate in the party’s presidential primaries held in Asaba, Delta State.
Otti, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, poured encomiums on Obi, saying that “the excitement, support and solidarity which his presidential ambition has elicited across political, ethnic and religious lines are a clear manifestation that honest Nigerians of all classes cherish excellence whenever and wherever they see it.”
According to Otti, “Okwute is a national asset, a beacon of hope, and a colossus of high proportion whose administrative skills, managerial acumen and honourable disposition in leadership have contributed immensely in resetting and reshaping the hitherto pervasive mindset of mediocrity and profligacy in public service.”
The ex- bank Chief Executive expressed joy that his “June 8, 2020, article published in my Backpage column in ThisDay Newspapers captioned ‘The Triumph of Profligacy Over Prudence’ dedicated to Mr. Obi, which x-rayed Obi’s leadership excellence and accomplishments anchored on cost cutting, is being made manifest today as many Nigerians have begun to see the genius in the man I have known for years.”
Otti further explained that “the mere fact that another accomplished and iconic Nigerian, Prof. Pat Utomi, found Mr Obi worthy enough of being stepped down for, in the presidential primaries, spoke eloquently about how highly placed and revered Obi is in the Nigeria of today.”
The governorship hopeful also commended Professor Utomi, who was the sponsor of his wedding close to 30 years ago, for his sacrifice for good governance in the country.
Otti thanked Labour Party leaders and members for finding Obi worthy of flying the party’s flag in 2023 and prayed that God would give Obi the strength and wisdom to pursue his presidential contest smoothly and emerge victorious.