It was a harvest of political party members as thousands of stakeholders, ward chairmen and other faithful of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Isialangwa South LGA joined Hon. Rowland Chinwendu Dennis to defect formally to the ruling Labour Party.
Receiving the new members to the Labour Party fold at the formal reception ceremony in his honour, held at the Group Primary School, Umuoba Isialangwa South LGA, Governor Otti while welcoming them, described the Labour Party as an inclusive platform open to all Nigerians and committed to good governance.
“Honourable Ceaser Rowland, we are glad to have you join our party and we thank you for bringing this multitude of people that you brought with you including leaders.
“In Labour Party, we do not discriminate, so, if you’re joining today, you will be given the same status with those who have joined a long time ago.
“I want to say that I’m happy to receive you and it is my pleasure to now call on the chairman of the Party to hand-over the flag to you.
Governor Otti assured the new entrants of full Integration and equal treatment within the party, citing his own political journey as proof of the Labour Party’s fairness.
“I joined the party in 2022, and was given the ticket to contest the governorship election in 2022, and today, I am Governor. If there was discrimination, I wouldn’t be here,” the Governor stated.
The Governor also expressed gratitude to traditional rulers and party stakeholders who came out in large numbers to witness the event, as well as members of other political parties who have decided to join the Labour Party.
The Governor emphasized that his administration is focused on serving the poor and less privileged by delivering democracy dividends to the people.
“Our government is for the people, especially the less privileged. We have come to serve them, and we will not be distracted,” Governor Otti declared.
He highlighted the transformation taking place under his leadership, stating that the State has become “a construction site” with numerous development projects underway.
Governor Otti who dismissed speculations that Hon. Dennis’ defection was linked to the 2027 elections, said that he (Otti) is not concerned about future political contests but remains dedicated to fulfilling his mandate.
“I cannot be blackmailed with the 2027 elections. I am focused on serving the people who gave me their mandate. When the time comes, they have the power to renew it if they so wish,” Gov. Otti stated.
Speaking, the new entrant to the Labour Party and member representing Isiala ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu Dennis said that he was attracted to join the Labour Party because of good governance being demonstrated by Governor Alex Otti in Abia. He said that the Governor is fixing roads in all the 17 LGAs, doing great in the healthcare sector, paying pensioners and active workers on the 28th of every month among other things.
He assured the Governor that with the crop of individuals that joined him to the Labour Party, Isialangwa South is ready for 2027 and would show him great support as the major stakeholders are now in one camp.
In their separate speeches, Senator Darlington Nwokocha and the member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Honourable Ginger Onwusoibe said that political parties operate on free entry and free exit and thanked the Governor for accepting members of the opposition into the ruling party.
They urged the people of the area to appreciate the developmental strides of Governor Alex Otti in their area and sustain their support for him, saying that there is no vacancy in Abia Government House in 2027.
The event which attracted many top Government officials saw the Labour Party Chairman of Isialangwa South, Mr. Smart Ogbonna presenting LP flag to the new entrants.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
28 – 02 – 2025.
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