From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The entire structure of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Abia State have collapsed into the Labour Party (LP). This followed the defection of the leadership and stakeholders of NNPP into the ruling party in the state.
Speaking while formally receiving the defectors to the Labour Party, the leader of LP in Abia and Governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti assured them of equal rights and privileges with other members, noting that the Labour Party does not discriminate against anybody.
“We don’t discriminate in Labour Party just like we don’t discriminate in Government, everybody is equal.
“So, that you are joining today doesn’t make you inferior to those that have been in the party before you, otherwise people like us could not have been able to fly the flag of the party. So, Labour Party treats everybody equally.”
Governor Otti while thanking the 2023 Abia Guber Candidate of NNPP, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai for his continued support to his administration, informed that he was focused in attending to the welfare of Abians who have suffered untold hardship due to mal-administrations of the past.
The Governor announced that he has commenced the payment of arrears of salary amounting to almost N18b owed some institutions in the state by previous administrations, explaining that the arrears will be defrayed through the monthly release of N1.5b which started this month and would be completed within one year.
“We will remain focused , we will not be distracted. The important thing for us is the welfare of the people not welfare of big men, not welfare of politicians”.
In their speeches, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma and Acting State Chairman of Labour Party, Sir Emmanuel Oti said that Governor Alex Otti has through purposeful leadership made the Labour Party an ideal party for all, adding that Abians now raise their shoulders high wherever they find themselves.
The leader of NNPP in Abia, Dr. Ukpai and the State Coordinator of the Party Mr. David Urum said they came to formally collapse the leadership and structure of the NNPP in Abia State to the Labour Party.
They noted that Governor Alex Otti has redefined governance in the State and that they have been endeared to the party as the Governor’s leadership style has put smiles on the faces of Abians.
“It is not an ordinary defection , it’s a move that is well calculated . We are convinced that it is the right thing to do, joining forces with Dr. Alex Otti to move Abia forward” Ukpai said.
