Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has received the member representing Ukwa East State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Lewis Obianyi, alongside Hon. Paul Taribo and other prominent political stakeholders from Ukwa East Local Government Area into the Labour Party (LP).
The reception took place on Saturday at Government House, Umuahia, where the defectors formally declared their decision to join the ruling party in the state.
Hon. Obianyi, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said his defection was driven by Governor Otti’s all-inclusive and result-oriented governance model, which he described as impactful and verifiable.
He recalled that as far back as September last year, he had informed the Governor of his intention to join the Labour Party, commending him for the warm reception he received at the time.
According to the lawmaker, the visit was in line with their earlier discussions and to formally present himself and other decampees ahead of their official reception in Ukwa East.
“Abians are now seeing tangible projects and not just promises. What we see are infrastructures that can stand the test of time,” Obianyi stated.
He added that the Governor has laid a solid developmental foundation for the state, expressing confidence that whoever succeeds him after 2031 would find it easier to build on the existing achievements.
“We are not just looking for a political platform; we are looking for good governance. Today, you have provided leadership, and that is why we have come to align with you,” he said.
Among those received into the Labour Party are Hon. Paul Taribo, former Deputy Majority Leader of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly and PDP Campaign Director-General for Ukwa East in the 2023 general elections; Chief Bright Benson, former YPP House of Representatives candidate for Ukwa East/West Federal Constituency; and Lady Chinedu Brown, a two-time former Commissioner for Women Affairs.
Others include Hon. Hyacinte Iheanacho, PDP Chairman of Ward Chairmen in Ukwa East LGA; Prof. Kamalu of the University of Port Harcourt; retired Superintendent of Police, Barr. Ben Ogbonna; Mrs. Esther Bright, Coordinator of Women Traders in Politics, Ukwa Chapter; Chief (Lolo) Theresa Aja, PDP Woman Leader in Ukwa East; Elder Israel Bethel, former Special Adviser on Agriculture; and Dr. Felix Idah Waboso, Chairman of Ijaw National Congress, Ndoki Clan.
Introducing the decampees, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara, said the stakeholders, drawn from various opposition parties, had resolved to join the Labour Party and were awaiting a date for their formal reception in the local government area.
Responding, Governor Otti congratulated the new members on their decision and assured them that a date would soon be fixed for their official reception in Ukwa East.
“The most important thing is that we belong to one political party called Abia State. Everything we do is to promote the welfare and happiness of our people,” the Governor said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends across the state and announced that the proposed general hospital for Ukwa East would be completed before the end of the year.
Governor Otti explained that after discovering there was no general hospital in the entire Ukwa East LGA, he approved the establishment of one. When the initial site was found to be inadequate, he directed that an alternative location be secured.
He disclosed that an Ndoki indigene donated a larger parcel of land, which was handed over to the contractor on Friday, adding that work would commence immediately.
“I have given the contractor till the end of the year to deliver a state-of-the-art general hospital for our people,” he said, noting that the flag-off ceremony could coincide with the formal reception of the new Labour Party members in Ukwa East.
The Governor also appreciated the delegation for presenting him with Akwete cloth, stating that his administration, through the Office of the First Lady, has been promoting the indigenous fabric beyond Nigeria, including at the United Nations General Assembly.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, was among top government officials present during the reception.
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