Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has inaugurated the Labour Party Campaign Advisory Council in the state on Sunday, appointing former Deputy Governor, Chief Ude Oko Chukwu, as chairman.
Governor Otti said the council was carefully constituted to bring together respected personalities from Abia State and beyond, including individuals who are not members of any political party and others who consider themselves apolitical.
He explained that the major consideration in selecting the members was their shared commitment to good governance and the development of the state.
The governor also disclosed that some additional members of the council, whose names were not publicly announced, would equally participate in the assignment.
Congratulating Chief Ude Oko Chukwu on his appointment, Otti expressed appreciation to him for accepting the responsibility, expressing confidence in his capacity to provide the necessary leadership and guidance for the Labour Party’s electoral campaign.
He subsequently performed the formal inauguration of the council in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Otti clarified that the mandate of the Campaign Advisory Council would not be restricted to the governorship election but would cover all elective positions in the state, including senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly contests.
He urged members of the council to make themselves available to provide strategic advice, guidance and support to all Labour Party candidates as they prepare for the forthcoming elections.
The governor thanked the members for accepting to serve, expressing the hope that God would grant them the wisdom, strength and good health required to successfully discharge their responsibilities.
He also acknowledged the presence of presidential candidates and other political stakeholders at the event, urging all Labour Party candidates to give their best and expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects.
Otti thereafter announced the commencement of the presentation of party flags to candidates contesting various elective positions under the Labour Party.
He explained that the party’s national leadership would first be given the opportunity to return to their seats, after which senatorial candidates would receive their flags, followed by candidates for the House of Representatives and House of Assembly.
The governor further indicated that the presentation exercise would be followed by the inauguration of the party’s Campaign Advisory Council.
He expressed appreciation to distinguished guests, party leaders, candidates and other members for attending the occasion before inviting them to return to their seats.
Meanwhile, the National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, who represented the party’s National Chairman, presented the party’s flag to Governor Alex Otti, describing it as a symbol of confidence in his leadership and the achievements recorded under his administration.
Speaking during the presentation, the party chieftain said the flag represented the confidence and trust the Labour Party had reposed in the governor, noting that it was an endorsement of his leadership and political accomplishments in Abia State.
He urged political opponents and other contestants to respect the democratic process and be prepared to accept its outcome peacefully, stressing that those who lose should graciously accept defeat.
The National Vice Chairman commended Otti for what he described as his selfless sacrifices, commitment and outstanding stewardship in the state, adding that he felt fulfilled and proud to present the party’s cherished symbol to the governor.
He expressed confidence that the achievements recorded by the Labour Party-led administration in Abia would resonate beyond the state and attract the attention of voters across the country.
The party official further reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to the continuation of the Otti administration, declaring support for another four years in office under the slogan, “Abia State, Four Plus Four.”
He also expressed optimism that the party’s political influence would eventually extend to the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, indicating its ambition to strengthen its presence at the national level.
The National Vice Chairman thanked Governor Otti for his leadership and described the presentation of the party flag as a demonstration of the Labour Party’s appreciation for his administration and its confidence in the political direction of Abia State under his leadership.
