Opposition Lawmaker Hon. Obianyi Leads Ukwa East Stakeholders to Labour Party

The member representing Ukwa East State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Lewis Obianyi, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP), citing Governor Alex Otti’s inclusive, impactful and verifiable governance as his motivation.

Hon. Obianyi did not defect alone. He was accompanied by key political stakeholders from Ukwa East Local Government Area, who also declared their allegiance to the Labour Party. Among them are Hon. Paul Taribo, Chief Bright Benson, and Lady Chinedu Brown, among others.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti, OFR, on Saturday, Hon. Obianyi recalled that he had informed the governor as far back as September last year of his intention to join the Labour Party. He expressed appreciation for the warm reception he received at the time.

He explained that the visit was in fulfilment of an earlier agreement, during which he promised that the defectors would formally present themselves to the governor ahead of an official reception in Ukwa East.

According to Hon. Obianyi, the governor’s tangible achievements across the state were the major factors that attracted him and other stakeholders to the Labour Party. He pledged their full support for Governor Otti’s administration.

“Abians are now seeing tangible developments. What we see today are not audio infrastructures, but projects that can stand the test of time,” he said.

“As of today, Your Excellency, you have laid a solid foundation. A foundation that will make it easier for whoever takes over after 2031 to take Abia State to greater heights.

“That is why I have chosen to follow you. We are not looking for a party for its own sake; we are looking for good governance, and today you have provided leadership for us,” Hon. Obianyi stated.

In his response, Governor Alex Otti congratulated Hon. Obianyi and the other stakeholders on their decision to join the Labour Party. He assured them that a date would soon be fixed for their official reception in Ukwa East, as requested.

The governor said his involvement in politics is driven solely by the welfare and happiness of the people.

“The most important thing is that we all belong to one political party called Abia State, and everything we do is to promote the welfare and happiness of our people,” Governor Otti said.

He further announced that the general hospital approved for Ukwa East would be delivered this year, noting that the flag-off ceremony for the project would take place soon.

“When I discovered that there was no general hospital in Ukwa East, I approved its construction last year,” he explained. “Although the initial site was found to be unsuitable, an Ndoki son generously donated a larger parcel of land, which was handed over to the contractor on Friday.”

Governor Otti disclosed that he had given the contractor a deadline of the end of the year to deliver a state-of-the-art general hospital, adding that construction work would commence immediately.

The governor also thanked the delegation for presenting him with Akwete cloth, noting that his administration, through the First Lady, has been promoting Akwete cloth locally and internationally, including at the United Nations General Assembly. He added that Dr. Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili has also supported the promotion of the cultural fabric.

Governor Otti assured the Ndoki people of his administration’s commitment to commercialising Akwete cloth to make it more accessible and affordable.

Earlier, the Mayor of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Chibunna Akara, while introducing the defectors, said the delegation comprised leaders from various opposition parties who had now joined the Labour Party. He added that they were awaiting the governor’s approval of a date for their official reception in Ukwa East.

Those who declared for the Labour Party include Hon. Paul Taribo, former Deputy Majority Leader of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly; Chief Bright Benson, YPP candidate for the House of Representatives in 2023; Lady Chinedu Brown, a two-time former Commissioner for Women Affairs; Hon. Hyacinth Iheanacho, PDP ward chairmen leader in Ukwa East; Prof. Kamalu of the University of Port Harcourt; Barr. Ben Ogbonna, retired Superintendent of Police; Mrs. Esther Bright; Chief (Lolo) Theresa Aja; Elder Israel Bethel; and Dr. Felix Idah Waboso, Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress, Ndoki Clan.

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and a son of Ndoki, Prince Okey Kanu, was also present at the visit.