Between Otti and Wabara’s Truth
Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D
The recent commendation of Governor Alex Otti by Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has once again brought to the fore the question of truth and governance in Abia State. Speaking at the 80th birthday celebration of Dr. Godswill Emelike Okoro, Wabara commended Governor Otti for his good works in Abia State, saying that he was a citizen of Abia State before becoming a member of the PDP.
This statement underscores Wabara’s commitment to truth and his willingness to speak the truth, even if it means going against his own party. Wabara’s praise of Governor Otti is not new, as he has consistently commended the governor’s transformation programmes and purposeful leadership in the state. Despite being a member of the PDP, Wabara has maintained that governance takes place after elections, and he cannot dismiss the good work of Governor Otti because of party differences.
In fact, Wabara has admitted that his party, the PDP, failed the expectations of the people, which gave Governor Otti and the Labour Party the opportunity to take over the governance of Abia State in the 2023 general election. This admission is a rare display of honesty and accountability in Nigerian politics, where politicians often deny or rationalize their party’s failures. Wabara’s willingness to confront the truth about his party’s shortcomings demonstrates his commitment to integrity and transparency.
Governor Otti’s achievements in Abia State have been impressive, to say the least. Some of his notable achievements include the construction of critical infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and the reconstruction of the Onuinyang-Oporoenyi Oboro Road. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as many Abians and Nigerians have expressed their gratitude and appreciation for Governor Otti’s efforts to transform the God’s own State.
Wabara’s commendation of Governor Otti has not gone unnoticed as some members of the PDP purportedly suspended him for saying the truth. However, Wabara has insisted that nothing will stop him from speaking the truth about Governor Otti’s performance. This stance explains Wabara’s courage, patriotism, and conviction.
The purported suspension of Wabara by some members of the PDP raises questions about the party’s commitment to truth and accountability. If a party leader can be suspended for speaking the truth about a governor’s performance, it suggests that the party is more interested in maintaining a facade of unity and loyalty than in promoting good governance. This approach can only undermine the party’s credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
It is also worth noting that Wabara’s purported suspension has been widely criticized by many Nigerians, who see it as an attempt to stifle free speech and silence a vocal critic of the party’s failures. This criticism underscores the importance of promoting good leadership in Nigerian politics, where party leaders and politicians are often held to a lower standard of accountability.
Lastly, the commendation of Governor Otti by Senator Wabara is a testament to the governor’s commitment to good governance and his willingness to work across party lines to achieve the best interests of Abia State. Despite the purported suspension of Wabara by some members of the PDP, his commitment to truth and his willingness to speak the truth remain unwavering. As Governor Otti continues to work towards the development of Abia State, it is clear that his achievements will continue to attract recognition from many Abians and Nigerians, including Senator Wabara.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is SSA to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.
