What Abaribe told me about standing surety for Nnamdi Kanu — Akpabio
By Jeffrey Agbo
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed what Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South, APGA) told him about standing surety for leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Akpabi spoke at Abaribe’s 70th birthday celebration at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Umuahia, Abia State capital on Saturday.
He said Abaribe, the Senate Committee Chairman on Power, was “a risk taker for his people.”
“When he signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, people wondered why he took such a risk. But he told me he was ready to go to prison on Kanu’s behalf,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President praised Abaribe’s fearless leadership and commitment to his people, describing him as a counselor, prophet, and lover of humanity who has sacrificed greatly for peace in Nigeria.
Akpabio, who attended the event with his wife, Unoma, and other senators, also acknowledged Abaribe’s support during his emergence as Senate President.
“My wife came with me because we are celebrating a man of astute integrity. Abaribe is a role model whose word is his bond,” said Akpabio.
He further noted that Abaribe’s reputation and service to the people have made him politically untouchable.
“Abaribe will win elections any time because his people are his party. He doesn’t need a political party to win,” he said.
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Akpabio also took the opportunity to invite Abia State Governor Alex Otti (Labour Party) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying it would make his joy complete.
“The day you join the APC, you will see how I will celebrate you,” he told Otti.
He lauded Otti for organising a state banquet in Abaribe’s honour, calling it a wise investment.
“When the governor will be going for his second term, he will realise this was money well spent. Abaribe’s grace will rub off on you,” he said.
In his speech, Governor Otti praised Abaribe’s contributions to Abia State and Nigeria, describing him as a distinguished son of Abia and a courageous leader unafraid to speak truth to power.
Addressing Akpabio’s call to join the APC, Otti emphasised that the event was about honouring distinguished Abians, not politics.
“This is not a political gathering. Politicians think of the next election, but leaders think of the next generation. I am only fulfilling the scripture that recommends honour for elders,” he said.
Otti also dismissed recent claims that he was secretly meeting with a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in London.
The event featured the unveiling of Abaribe’s new book, Unbundled.
Among the prominent attendees were former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, Senator Victor Umeh, former minister for Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, House of Representatives member Alex Ikwecheghi (APGA).
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