PDP Honours Adolphus Wabara
Saturday, June 1, 2024 was a memorable day in the life and political career of former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara and the entire PDP family as they rolled out the drums in honour of Senator Adolphus Wabara (GCON) following his appointment as the chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well as to celebrate his 76th birthday.
The epoch-making occasion took place at the popular Trade More Event Centre located in the heart of Umuahia – the capital city of Abia State.
The turn-out was unprecedented. The vast arena was full to the brim with the glittering presence of distinguished personalities, PDP chieftains, PDP past governors and deputy governors, former and serving BoT members of PDP, members of the National and State Assemblies (past and present), PDP faithful, top government officials among others.
In his welcome address, the Chief Host and Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah welcomed the huge crowd to the grand civic reception in honour of Senator Adolphus Wabara with great delight.
He described his choice as the chief host of the occasion as a great honour and appreciated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for honouring the illustrious son of Igbo Land who he said has contributed immensely to the growth and stability of the PDP since inception.
He urged all to join him to toast Senator Adolphus Wabara who he said held sway as the Senate President during the glorious era of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the nation.
He expressed optimism that the great son of Igbo Land would use his vast political experience to inspire the renaissance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the country in order to regain its pride of place in the nation’s political landscape.
He wished Senator Adolphus Wabara happy birthday, long life, good health and many happy returns.
Speaking the chairman on the occasion, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State expressed delight to be part of the joyous occasion and congratulated Senator Adolphus Wabara for all he has done for the party since inception as well as the nation.
Governor Seyi Makinde said that the Southeast zone of the nation is very important to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and regretted that Dr. Peter Mbah is the only PDP governor in the entire Southeast – a zone, he said PDP usually scored four over five in past governorship elections in the nation.
Nevertheless, he told the party members in the Southeast zone not to be discouraged no matter what they are passing through at the moment adding that the future of the party is very bright.
He said that the occasion has afforded them the opportunity as a party to come together and plan on the way forward, especially in the Southeast.
On behalf of the PDP Governors Forum and the entire PDP family, he wished Senator Adolphus Wabara happy birthday and many happy returns in good health and service to the PDP, Nigeria and humanity.
On his part, the Acting Vice Chairman of PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum described Senator Adolphus Wabara as a stabilizer, a pillar of democracy and a unifier who has done so much for the nation as a Senate President, diplomat and the PDP, which he has served in various capacities as the secretary, Board of Trustees (BoT) and the acting BoT chairman before his recent appointment as the substantive BoT chairman.
He urged him to bring his experience to bear in creating stability at various levels of the party across the nation.
In his remarks, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) whose presence at the grand civic reception was a surprise to many of the PDP members, congratulated former Senate President and PDP BoT chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara on his 76th birthday.
He described the celebrant as a good man, a true son of Abia State and a detribalized Nigerian who has served the nation and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faithfully.
He appreciated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for recognizing the sterling qualities of Senator Adolphus Wabara adding that the party did not make a mistake in choosing him as the BoT chairman.
Dr. Alex Chioma Otti said that his administration regards every person as one irrespective of state of origin, religion or party affiliation adding that his government appointed an Edo man as one of the serving permanent secretaries in the state civil service.
He stated that he is the governor of all Abians and all the residents in the state explaining that governance commences as soon as elections and litigations are over.
He regretted the ugly incident of Thursday, May 30, 2024 where five soldiers were killed by unknown gunmen at Obikabia junction, Aba and urged all to stand up for a minute silence in their honour.
Governor Alex Chioma Otti assured everybody living in Abia State and visitors alike that Abia is still one of the safest and most vibrant states in the nation and vowed not to rest until those behind the dastardly act are fished out.
He chided those who issued fake security alert about Abia State with the intention to disrupt the grand civic reception in honour of Senator Adolphus Wabara as enemies of PDP adding that they have been put to shame with the presence of so many PDP governors and other dignitaries from far and near.
He said that he was on his way to pay condolence visit to the families of the late soldiers and had to make out time to come and celebrate with Senator Adolphus Wabara on his 76th birthday and grand civic reception.
In his response, the celebrant, Senator Adolphus Wabara thanked all those present immensely for finding time to come and celebrate with him and the entire PDP family.
He appreciated the unflinching support of the Acting National chairman of PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, members of the National Working Committee, members of the Board of Trustees among others and promised to work very hard for the party to regain its supremacy in the political landscape of the nation come 2027 election.
Senator Adolphus Wabara also lauded the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti for gracing the occasion as well as for providing adequate security adding that the occasion would not have taken place if he did not provide security.
He expressed profound gratitude to God for keeping him alive to celebrate his 76th birthday and grand civic reception as the BoT chairman of PDP.
He described the PDP as a family that has grown into a dynasty stressing that as far as he is concerned every politician in Nigeria is a member of PDP.
He said that they are free to answer any name they like adding that those who are now leaving the party would all come back in the next two or three years.
He expressed immense gratitude and humility to God as he appreciated esteemed members of the PDP for bestowing on him the great honour and onerous responsibility of leading the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party.
He thanked the distinguished guests and his cherished supporters for finding time to grace his grand civic reception as the substantive chairman of the Board of Trustees of PDP as well as his 76th birthday.
He extended his deepest appreciation to the organizing committee headed by the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu for his resilience as well as all those who made the occasion possible through their financial contributions, support and guidance. He wished all journey mercies back to their various destinations.
The occasion was a huge success. Some of those present were Governor Obaseki (Edo), Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu), former Governor of Enugu State, Okwesirieze Nwodo (CON), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, BoT Secretary of PDP and former Governor of Kaduna State, PDP National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, High Chief Dr. Odefa Odefa (Southeast vice chairman of PDP), Barr. Chief Okechukwu Osuoha (Deputy National Legal Advisor), Amb. Amina Wali (CON), Hon. Mrs. Amina Darasimi D. Bryhm (National Woman Leader), Hon. Arch. Setonji Koshoedo (Deputy National Secretary), Hon. Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel (National Auditor), Hon. Ahmed Mohammed Yayari (National Treasurer), Amb. Taofek Oladejo Arapaja (Deputy National Chairman, South), Chief Acho Nwakanma (former Deputy Governor of Abia State), Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Senator Austin Akobundu, Hon. Uko Nkole, Rt. Hon. Dr. Allwell Asiforo Okere (Abia State chairman of PDP), Chief Obinna Nwachukwu (First Deputy Chairman of PDP, Abia State), Hon. Elder Abraham Amah (Vice Chairman/Acting Publicity Secretary of PDP, Abia State), Remi Kuku, Sir Chinedu Ugwuezi Ugoala (immediate past chairman of Isiala Ngwa North local government area), Chief Onyema Ugochukwu (CON), Senator Abdul Ningi (CON), High Chief Maxwell Okudoh, Senator Stella Omu, Dame Laurentia Mallam, Hajiah Hassan Diko, Dame Rita Mbah, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, Hon. Ukwu Rock Emma, Chief Emeka Stanley, Hon. Barr. Thomas Nkoro, Hyacinth Ogbonna, Chief Emmanuel Ibegbulam (former Commissioner for Finance, Abia State), Hon. Ngozi Ugboaja, Hon. Chimezie Osuagwu, Hon. Uchechukwu Nwandiuko, Okechukwu Onuh (Dutchman), Elder Sam Esindu, Hon. Chief Seth Agomuo, Dr. Eme Okoro among others.
At the end, all roads led to the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia for an unforgettable banquet organized by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti in honour of Senator Adolphus Wabara.
In a chat with newsmen, the following personalities bared their minds on the memorable occasion and other sundry issues affecting the party. Excerpts.
Era of god-fatherism is Over
-Chief Obinna Nwachukwu
(First Deputy Chairman, PDP, Abia State)
Sir, what is your party doing here today?
We are here to celebrate the 76th birthday of former Senate President and the BoT chairman of our great party, PDP, Senator Adolphus Wabara.
Sir, the feelers in some quarters is that PDP, Abia State chapter is dead following the exit of notable members of the party. What is your take on that?
That is a very funny thing to say. Just look around and see if there is anybody missing in PDP, Abia State chapter. Look at the galaxy of who-is-who in PDP, Abia State chapter present here today. So those that left the party are those who feel that they have no political future in the party again.
Are you saying that their exit from PDP would not affect the party’s chances in the 2027 election?
PDP is coming out much stronger in Abia State now because the people that left the party never wanted it to grow. They are the people that wanted to be seen as god-fathers. But I tell you that the era of god-fatherism, impunity or imposition is over. The grassroots should be allowed to choose their leaders. We have returned PDP to its original owners – that is the grassroots. Look at the number of people that graced the grand civic reception in honour of Senator Adolphus Wabara, you would know that PDP has come back to where it is supposed to be. Politics is a game of numbers. I believe what you saw here today is an eloquent testimony that the grassroots have taken over the party. So the PDP you know before is going to be a stronger PDP you would see tomorrow.
Are you not afraid of the Labour Party (LP) going by the overwhelming popularity and monumental achievements of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti within his one year in office?
Labour Party does not have any structure in Abia State. The party may end up collapsing into PDP. We do not have problem. No political party in the state can do what we did here today. You can also see the crowd, how organized and orderly they are. They are not rented crowd. They are the real party members and we are determined to ensure that every member of PDP is given a level playing ground. We will also make sure that the political ambition of every PDP member is determined by the people at the grassroots.
PDP is like Catholic Church
-Sir Chinedu Ugwuezi Ugoala
(Immediate past chairman, Isiala Ngwa North LGA)
Sir, can you tell us why you are here today?
We are here to celebrate one of our own, Senator Adolphus Wabara for his appointment as the BoT chairman of PDP as well as his 76th birthday. It is a great day and we organized a grand civic reception in his honour as a show of our love, appreciation and support.
What is your word to Abians concerning PDP?
My word to Abians concerning PDP is to remain steadfast in the party. Nothing has really happened. This is not the first time people are leaving the party. During the time of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, he left PDP with some people and formed PPA and at the end of his tenure they returned to PDP. So it is normal. Very soon all the people that left PDP and joined other parties mainly APC because nobody is going to Labour Party, would all come back like they did before. Nobody is afraid of them. PDP is a household name in Abia State and the entire nation.
But people describe the exit of notable political juggernauts from PDP as a devastating blow to the party.
How can anybody say that. Their exit is not a minus or a devastating blow in any way. It is of no effect. They have just gone there to take cover because the younger ones in their areas have grown up. PDP is just like the Catholic Church. Two or three members leaving the Church cannot affect it in anyway. Let me tell you, what actually happened in the last election was that some people after Isi- Court down to Arochukwu who call themselves the Old Bende people just took a decision not to support PDP. So they all voted for Labour Party candidates. That was just what happened. But they have now realized their mistake. Today, all of them are here. They have come back to their house. So it was the conspiracy of the Old Bende people that made PDP to lose the governorship election in Abia State in 2023. PDP remains the party to beat. When PDP was in power how much was a bag of rice sold, how much was a litre of fuel sold. It is only PDP that would rescue the nation from the long years of suffering and economic hardship in the nation and we are poised to regain our supremacy come 2027 election.
Politics is like Train
-Chief Emmanuel Ibegbulam
(Former Commissioner for Finance and Secretary, Elders Committee of PDP, Abia State chapter)
Sir, can you tell us what is going on here?
We are here to celebrate our BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara. We thank God for his appointment and we are confident that he would live up to expectation.
What is your take on the exit of some PDP members in Abia State to other political parties?
Physical movement is a natural thing. There is no compulsory station for anybody in politics. As people move out of the party, others also come in. PDP is a great party. So those that moved have granted us the opportunity to revive the party. So we are not angry that they left. Instead, we are happy that more people are coming in to re-brand the party.
Don’t you think that the exit of some political heavyweights from the party here in Abia State would affect its fortunes in the 2027 election?
Which heavyweights. Do not worry. Most of them would still come back and even if they do not come back, many other heavy-weights would come in and then we would get stronger and work harder. It would not affect us. In fact, many of them are dragging us back and when they left we moved forward.
Sir, don’t you think that the Labour Party would mar your chances in the 2027 election because of its monumental achievements in Abia State within one year in office?
There is always progress going on. When PDP started there was progress and in the middle of PDP there was progress. So there is always progress. Political power brings progress. When you find yourself in any position you have to look at what is available and what is most important and you do it. Nobody should condemn the good things we did in the past or say that we did not do anything. If you came in and started paying salaries does it mean that others did not pay salaries? So when you come into governance perform according to your environment and resources. When I was the commissioner for finance, our allocation used to be N65million. But today people get N5billion. So it depends on the time, the environment and the situation.
What is your parting word?
Politics is like a train. When you join a train from Port Harcourt to Kano, when you get to Aba some people would drop and others would also enter while some people who boarded it from Port Harcourt would eventually get to Kano. So it depends on human beings. Some people get old. Others become sick while the rest retire. Some have opportunities somewhere. So in all, I urge every politician to remain steadfast because nobody is inconsequential in politics.
