Akpabio, Otti, others applaud Abaribe at 70

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has extended his felicitations to the Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

At the ceremony in Umuahia, Abia State, the Senate President commended Abaribe for his courage and sacrifices in pursuit of peace in the country. He recalled how Abaribe stood as a surety for one of the South East leaders and leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, when Kanu was accused of terrorism.

A former Attorney General of Imo State and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Chukwuma Machukwu-Ume, described Senator Abaribe, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, as fearless, resilient, and committed to the welfare of his people.

While paying tribute to Abaribe, Mr Machukwu-Ume also praised the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, for organising a state banquet in his honour. He noted that Governor Otti had revived the spirit of development championed by Dr Michael Okpara by ensuring a 24-hour electricity supply in Abia State.

In his speech, Governor Otti lauded Abaribe’s contributions to Abia State and Nigeria, describing him as a distinguished son of the land and a courageous leader who is unafraid to speak truth to power.

In response, Senator Abaribe expressed his gratitude to Governor Otti for the honour and commended the governor’s developmental efforts, particularly in improving healthcare infrastructure.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s new book, titled Unbundled.

Dignitaries at the occasion included a former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara; Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Peter Nwebonyi; a former Minister for Power, Professor Bart Nnaji; elder statesman, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; and Senator Victor Umeh.

By Ifeoma Nwovu