Aftermath of Abia guber poll: Harvest of accolades for Otti
. Deputy gov, Ohuabunwa, Rep Onuigbo, Wachuku pledge support
By Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As the emergence of Dr Alex Otti of the Labour Party as Abia Governor-elect continues to generate reactions, Abia Deputy Governor and chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, has congratulated him on his resounding victory.
Similarly, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa who contested the Abia North senatorial race on the platform of the PDP, has described Otti’s emergence as heroic and God’s will.
In the same vein, the All Progressive Congress, APC senatorial candidate for Abia central and member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Hon. Sam Onuigbo; and his Young Peoples Party, YPP, counterpart, Chief Chuku Wachuku, have pledged their support for the Governor-elect.
Abia Deputy Governor in a congratulatory message personally signed by him described Otti as his brother, hailing him for his consistency and resilience which have paid off.
“With profound gratitude to Almighty God, I write to sincerely congratulate you on your electoral victory and emergence as the Governor-Elect of Abia State in the gubernatorial election which held on Saturday 18″ March, 2023”, he wrote.
Sir Oko Chukwu further who noted that God’s time is the best, commended Otti for “his consistent attempts, resilience and doggedness in the electoral battle over the years.”
The Deputy Governor however, tasked Otti on inclusive Government.
“As I join Abians and all people of goodwill to celebrate your electoral victory, I pray God to avail you, all that you may need to run an ail- inclusive Government for the common good of all in God’s Own State.”
He assured Otti of his support for the success of his administration.
Senator Ohuabunwa who described Dr Otti as a dogged fighter and a go getter, also commended him for his resilience and good fighting spirit which he said had finally paid off.
The former Leader, ECOWAS Parliament, urged the Governor -elect to remain focused on his manifesto and agenda for NdiAbia, and refuse to be carried away by the sycophancy of praise singers.
Senator Ohuabunwa who said he had no doubts about Otti’s preparedness and competence to add his quota to the developmental trajectory of Abia advised the Governor -elect to consolidate on the gains of his predecessors and improve on their weaknesses for the good of all.
He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for insisting on the data contained in the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS machines in determining the actual number of accredited voters.
Ohuabunwa expressed optimism that the electoral umpire would take similar position in every category of the election, saying that introduction of BVAS was meant to eliminate manipulation of election results.
He urged all those who lost at the poll to rally round Otti and help him move the state forward.
Pledging support for the Otti, Senator Ohuabunwa prayed for God’s wisdom , knowledge and enablement upon the Governor -elect to pilot the affairs of the state.
Similarly, Rep Onuigbo said Otti’s victory at the poll, was symbolic of the desire of Abians to seek new vistas.
The House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Climate Change, described Otti’s victory as “the dawn of a new era in Abia State, and a testament to the overwhelming desire of the people of Abia State to change the downward trajectory of the State, and seek for new vistas under a visionary, people-centered, accountable, and committed leadership.”
He reminded the Governor-elect that his “mandate is therefore an important call to service, the placement of hope and visions of a brighter future on the shoulders of a man whom the people believe will champion their welfare.”
Onuigbo who pledged his total support for the Otti administration urged all Abians “irrespective of party affiliations to work with our incoming Governor to achieve the greatest happiness for the highest number of our people who have suffered bad governance for nearly a quarter of a century.”
The APC chieftain pleaded with Otti not to dash the hope of Abians who expect so much from him.
In his congratulatory message, Chief Wachuku described Otti’s victory as a deserving reward for doggedness and persistent pursuit of one’s vision.
The pioneer Executive Director of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, said he had no doubts that Otti would work hard to develop Abia.
“You have earned this victory from Abia masses as a reward for your doggedness and persistent pursuit of your vision for our State.
“From my personal knowledge of and interactions with you, I’m confident that you will work diligently for all ndi Abia”.
I congratulate you warmly”.
The YPP senatorial candidate commended other governorship candidates for their spirited fight at the poll, and urged them to rally behind Otti “now that the elections are over”.
Chief Wachuku also appealed to all Abians across party lines to embrace the new dawn and support the Governor-elect.
