Abia State Governor says Abia people and government are proud of the former Senator that represented Abia Central Senatorial District, Dr. Chris Adighije, and described him as a man with a track record of performance.
Governor Otti was speaking at the 80th birthday celebration ceremony organised by his government in honour of Senator Chris Adighije at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. He said that he was happy hosting Senator Adighije, whom he described as his father.
“I am happy to be here hosting my father, not just my father, but our father, who turned 80 today. When I came in contact with him several decades ago, I read about him and I convinced myself that this is the man to follow.
“Not just because he is a humble person, but he has a track record of performance. This is a brilliant man, but most importantly, people have talked about his goodness.
“For me, he is more than a good man. He is a man who will put his life on the line for you if he believes in your cause, and that is why, when I came out to contest in 2014, it didn’t matter to him that we are not in the same party, but he supported me publicly. We are very proud of you,”.
“So, all the support he has been giving me as a person and as a son, this is just a little way to say thank you,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor saluted Senator Adighije for his unwavering support of him and wished him a longer life and prosperity.
“I want to thank you for all the support. I want to pray that God will continue to keep you. You are a very good man. What you say in the morning is what you say in the night.
“Your words don’t change. You are not God, but you don’t play pranks, and what you don’t agree with, you say I don’t agree. Thank you for all that you’ve done,” Gov. Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive used the opportunity to announce that on Tuesday next week, he would be flagging off the reconstruction of about 9 kilometres of Orpet – Umuafai – Lodu – Ahiaeke Road, including Ahiaeke – Okwuta – Bende road in Umuahia North LGA.
He also revealed that having completed the reconstruction work of the 45 kilometres Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Akara – Alayi – Abiriba Road, he has given the contractors the mandate to begin the installation of street lights on the road starting from next Monday. He revealed that on the 2nd day of April, the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, would commission the Road.
Also speaking, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said that Senator Adighije is a man of wisdom and intelligence and described him as “one of our brightest, a trailblazer with vast knowledge of Nigeria.”
He appreciated Governor Alex Otti for hosting the elder statesman and wished the celebrant the best.
In their goodwill messages, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edu, described Senator, Sir Chris Adighije as a great leader and mentor, a man of great accomplishment, and congratulated him on his birthday anniversary.
Also in their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the occasion and former Senate President, Senator David Mark, with Senator Adolph Wabara, Senator Nkechi Nworgu, Senator Tunde Ogborha, and Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), among others, described the celebrant as a man with a good heart and a good adviser and wished him well.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chaplain of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Rev. Ernest Onyeukwu, who spoke on the topic “What Are You Known For? admonished everyone to strive to do good all the time, bearing in mind that all that one has in this life is given by the Almighty God.
The man of God, who thanked Governor Otti for the good works he is doing in Abia State said that one of the things Governor Otti would be remembered for is the works he is doing in various sectors of the economy including prompt payment of workers’ salaries without discrimination, payment of arrears of pensions owed by previous administrations and subsequent regular and full payment of monthly pension.
While acknowledging that the leadership of the pensioners is wrong in their positions, Rev. Onyeukwu pleaded with the Governor to apply mercy instead of judgment and revisit the issue of the agreement signed between his government and the leadership of the NUP.
He described Senator, Sir Chris Adighije, as a good man, a man who has affected the lives of many positively, and prayed God to keep him to see more birthdays.
In his response, the celebrant, Senator, Sir Chris Adighije thanked Governor Otti whom he described as his son and informed the audience that he is publicly supporting Governor Otti for a second term in office and invited him to APC if he cares, saying that whether or not APC, he would support his reelection.
Many dignitaries from all walks of life, including the representative of the Enugu State Governor and the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chinedu Onyia, were present at the event.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
22 – 03 – 2025.
Leave feedback about this