In a rare demonstration of the spirit of sportsmanship, Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has congratulated the Labour Party candidate in last Saturday’s governorship election, Dr Alex Otti, on his victory at the poll.
Ikpeazu, who said the victory deserves commendation given Otti’s resilience, having “fought a long battle over a very long period of time,” advised the Governor-elect to see his victory as a “higher call to service”.
Ikpeazu’’s message was contained in a statement issued Wednesday evening by his media aide, Onyebuchi Ememanka.
“Since we have come to the logical end of this battle, it is appropriate to congratulate the winner, Dr Alex Otti, on his hard-fought victory. In every battle, there will always be a winner and in the spirit of sportsmanship and love for our state, the Governor-elect must see his victory as a higher call to service to the people of Abia State,” the governor said.
Also, the State chapter of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has congratulated Otti on his “resounding victory” in the March 18 governorship poll.
APGA whose candidate, Professor Greg Ibe, came 4th at the poll, described Otti’s emergence as divine.
“Indeed, Your Excellency, your victory and declaration as the Governor-elect of Abia State, are divinely-ordained, thus, the liberation of Abia State and her citizens from the shackles of poverty, impunity and economic strangulation of over 24 years, is assured in a new Abia under your leadership,” APGA said in statement jointly signed by its State Chairman, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere; and Secretary, Elder Sunday Onukwubiri.
APGA urged Otti to rebuild Abia “from the worst State in Nigeria to the most viable and sustainable state in Nigeria in terms of rapid and mega economic development.”
The statement reminded the Governor-elect that expectations from him are much “in terms of reclaiming the lost glory of Abia State”, while praying God to shower him with the grace and wisdom to deliver.
Similarly, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, described Otti’s election victory as well deserved.
The Speaker stated this in his congratulatory message to Otti after his declaration as the winner of the March 18 governorship election in the State.
While wishing the Governor-elect a peaceful and successful reign, Orji urged him to see Abia as one constituency, and spread his developmental ideas across the State.
He also enjoined all Abians to cooperate and support the incoming government of Dr Otti to enable his implement his ideas without any form of encumbrance.
Finally, the Speaker prayed for Abia to experience progress and prosperity under the governorship of Dr Alex Otti.