As reactions continue to trail the dislodgement of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State by Dr. Alex Otti of the Labour Party, LP, after holding sway for 24 years, former Senate President and the Chairman, PDP’s Board of Trustees, BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has regretted that those at the helm of affairs of the state ignored the wise counsel of elders.
The former Senate President, who had consistently advocated a power shift to Abia North in 2023 in line with the Abia Charter of Equity that recognized power rotation, noted with pain that PDP had learnt its lesson the hard way.
Senator Wabara said he was not surprised that his party lost Abia because when the warnings were coming those in charge did not pay heed.
“We advised the PDP but the powers that be didn’t listen.
“We predicted what has happened to Abia PDP but some of us were abused and ruthlessly removed from office but we have since moved on,” he said.
Senator Wabara, who congratulated Otti on his resounding victory, commended Abians for making their choice.
“I want to appreciate Abians for their choice, and also congratulate Otti who has really put up a spirited fight.
“Expectations are high on him. Abians now want to see what he can see differently, and he must not betray the confidence of the people,” said Wabara.
The former Senate President passionately appealed to all those who lost at the election to jettison the idea of resorting to any legal battle so as not to waste their resources and distract the governor-elect.
“I commend Professor Greg Ibe of APGA and others who had called to congratulate Otti even before the result was announced. These are really statesmen who think and wish Abia well.
“Abians have spoken and their choice must be respected. They should give peace a chance so that Otti can hit the ground running from day one,” he added.
Similarly, the immediate-past Secretary to State Government, SSG, who served under Ikpeazu’s first tenure, Dr Eme Okoro, described the party’s performance at the polls as “disastrous”.
The former SSG who was among the few elders of the party that spoke out against PDP’s disregard for Abia Charter of Equity in the choice of its governorship ticket, said he was not surprised the ruling party suffered great misfortunes at the polls.
“No person anywhere in the world should attempt to play God. And if you become Governor, you are not God.
“If you become a Speaker of a House of Assembly, you are not God. If you become President, you are not God,” he said.
The former SSG who also congratulated Otti on his emergence, said that the eruption of wild jubilation across the state that greeted Otti’s declaration as the Governor-elect was a confirmation that he was the choice of the people.
[Vanguard]
