The leadership, stakeholders and entire structure of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Abia State have collapsed into the ruling Labour Party (LP).
Speaking while formally receiving the defectors to the Labour Party fold, the leader of the Labour Party and Governor, 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” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti while thanking the 2023 Guber Candidate of NNPP, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai for his continued support to his administration, added that he is focused in attending to the welfare of Abians who have suffered untold hardship due to maladministrations of the past.
The Governor, who announced that he has commenced the payment of arrears of salary amounting to almost 18 billion naira owed some institutions in the state by previous administrations, explained that the arrears will be defrayed through the monthly release of 1.5 Billion naira which started this month as the payment will be completed within one year.
“Previous administrations were not paying various institutions, the bill was a little less than 18 Billion Naira and we’ve taken the bull by the horn and we are paying N1.5 Billion every month starting from this month.
“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.
In their remarks, the 2023 Abia State Gubernatorial Candidate of the NNPP, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai and the State Coordinator of the Party Mr. David Urum said that 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 said that they have been endeared to the party as the Governor’s leadership style has put smiles on the faces of Abians.
In his words particularly, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai emphasised that,
“Governor Alex Otti understands governance and I have been following and supporting him but today, I have come to consolidate that support”.
“We are more than excited in making this move. NNPP in Abia State has moved into Labour Party in Abia State”, Dr. Ukpai declared.
“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 stressed.
The event which featured the presentation of Labour Party flag to the new members attracted government officials and Candidates of NNPP for various positions at the 2023 general elections.
Divine Nwankwo
Govt. House Press, Umuahia.
14-09-2024.
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