•I was surprised you stood surety for Kanu, says Senate President
The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, the Senate President, Goodswill Akpabio and other senators have congratulated the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who turned 70 on Saturday with a lavish party held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the state capital.
The birthday party held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia,had in attendance the Senate President, Akpabio, in the company of his wife, Ekaette, Senators Victor Umeh, Austin Akobundu, Chris Adighije and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara.
Others include Onyema Ugochukwu, and other top state dignitaries, immediate past Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and Orji Uzor Kalu delivered their goodwill messages virtually.
Otti, who announced that the celebration of Abaribe has no political attachment, disclosed that he is committed to celebrating Abians who are worthy of being celebrated.
“We are here to celebrate a courageous man, a selfless man, a man that is unafraid to say the truth to power. I believe that people who are worthy of being celebrated should be celebrated and Abaribe is worth being celebrated.”
Otti used the occasion to remind the Senate President that Ndigbo want to be equal citizens and be treated alike. According to Otti, the struggle for Biafra is all about agitation for Ndigbo to be recognised and given equal opportunities like others, stating that this is in the heart of an average Igbo man.
The highlight of the celebration was the public presentation of the book titled, “Unbundled,” which was written by Abaribe.
On his part, Akpabio commended Otti for celebrating Abaribe at 70, describing him (Abaribe) as a man of integrity who loves his people and can take risks for them.
Addressing Abaribe, the Senate president said: “When you signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, people were shocked and questioned why a Senator would take such a risk.
“When I asked you why you did it, you said that you believe strongly that even if he runs away, you can go to prison on his behalf because of what he stands for. We are celebrating a man of astute integrity. We are celebrating a man of grace. It is God’s grace that has seen him through.
