Abaribe surprised me by standing surety for Nnamdi Kanu – Akpabio

Abaribe surprised me by standing surety for Nnamdi Kanu – Akpabio

 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.”

 

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.

 

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.

Source: Abaribe surprised me by standing surety for Nnamdi Kanu – Akpabio

 - NigerianEye
Invest in US dollars: https://hashflare.io/r/CF2F6691