Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as a courageous leader who takes risks for the good of his people.

Speaking at Abaribe’s 70th birthday celebration on Saturday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, Akpabio commended the senator’s boldness, particularly recalling his decision to stand as a surety for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“When he signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, many questioned why he would take such a risk. But he told me he was prepared to go to prison on Kanu’s behalf,” Akpabio said.

He praised Abaribe’s steadfast leadership, calling him a “counselor, prophet, and lover of humanity” who has made significant sacrifices for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

Akpabio, who attended the event with his wife, Unoma, and several senators, acknowledged Abaribe’s role in his emergence as Senate President.

“My wife and I came to celebrate a man of integrity. Abaribe is a role model whose word is his bond. His unwavering commitment to his people has made him politically untouchable,” Akpabio stated, adding that Abaribe’s grassroots support ensures he remains a formidable political force.

During the event, Akpabio also extended an invitation to Abia State Governor Alex Otti to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying, “The day you join the APC, you will see how I will celebrate you.”

He commended Otti for organizing a state banquet in Abaribe’s honor, calling it a wise investment.

“When the Governor seeks re-election, he will realize this was money well spent. Abaribe’s grace will rub off on him,” he added.

In his remarks, Governor Otti praised Abaribe as a fearless leader who has made significant contributions to Abia State and Nigeria. However, he made it clear that the event was not about politics.

“This is not a political gathering. Politicians think about the next election, but leaders think about the next generation. I am simply fulfilling the scripture that calls for honoring elders,” Otti said.

He also dismissed recent speculations that he was secretly negotiating with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in London, affirming that his focus remains on governance.

“Someone claimed I want to join the PDP. How? In the coming days, we will celebrate other distinguished Abians, including Senator Chris Adighije of APC and music legends like Bright Chimezie and Paulson Kalu. What we are doing transcends politics,” Otti explained.

Addressing broader issues affecting the Southeast, Otti called on the federal government to tackle the root causes of agitation in the region.

“The Biafra struggle is not just about Nnamdi Kanu—it is about the Biafra of the mind. Our people seek equality, not preferential treatment. We are enterprising and only ask for fair opportunities,” Otti stated.

A visibly elated Senator Abaribe thanked Governor Otti for the honor, acknowledging the governor’s strides in healthcare and other sectors.

The event also marked the unveiling of Abaribe’s new book, Unbundled, with several dignitaries in attendance, including:

• Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara
• Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Peter Nwebonyi
• Senator Victor Umeh
• Former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji
• Elder statesman Chief Onyema Ugochukwu
• House of Representatives member Hon. Alex Ikwecheghi (APGA)

Ugochukwu commended Otti for fostering unity in Abia by celebrating distinguished individuals beyond party lines. Ikwecheghi described Abaribe as a “dogged fighter and hero of the Igbo nation,” applauding his unwavering commitment to defending his people.

Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has claimed that politicians with enough financial resources can manipulate Nigeria’s electoral process by buying key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the army to secure electoral victories.

Speaking on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs political podcast, Udenwa lamented that Nigerian voters no longer scrutinize the character, track record, or integrity of those seeking political office.

“Unfortunately, our society has reached a point where, if you ask for votes, people no longer question your background, capabilities, or character. Even if the electorate refuses to vote for you, you can still buy your way through—if you have the right amount of money,” he said.

When asked if politicians could outrightly purchase electoral bodies and security forces, Udenwa responded emphatically, “You can buy everybody.”

The former governor expressed concerns over the deep-rooted influence of money in Nigerian elections, warning that unless the trend is curbed, the country will continue to struggle with electing the right leaders.

On the internal crisis plaguing the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Udenwa, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fueling the discord.

While acknowledging that the PDP has internal challenges, he insisted that external forces—allegedly linked to the APC—are working to destabilize the party from within.

“There are external hands trying to destroy the PDP through internal sources. We are still battling the problem, and I believe PDP will not be destroyed,” Udenwa stated.

Although he refrained from naming individuals allegedly used by the APC to undermine the PDP, he asserted that the party is aware of the ruling party’s interference and remains committed to resolving its internal conflicts.

…Gov. Fubara Set To Commission 10 New Projects

The Supreme Court’s recent verdict, which affirmed Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly alongside 26 other lawmakers, has left the state in a state of anticipation.

The judgment also nullified the state’s budget, halted revenue allocations from the Federation Account, and declared last year’s local government elections invalid, effectively sacking all chairmen and councilors.

Despite the political implications, Rivers State remained peaceful over the weekend as stakeholders monitored Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s next steps, which many believe will shape the state’s political direction.

Amid the legal and political turbulence, Governor Fubara has lined up 10 key projects for commissioning, starting March 3.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, the government reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure development and public service improvement.

The projects scheduled for inauguration include:

• Government House Staff Quarters
• State Fire Service Headquarters & Firefighting Vehicles
• Handing Over of a Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force
• Borokiri and Rumuodonmaya Fire Service Stations (Obio/Akpor LGA)
• Construction and Furnishing of the Akpor Monarch’s Palace & Residence
• Judges’ Quarters
• Bori General Hospital
• Okrika Grammar School
• Furnishing and Equipping the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus

The statement emphasized that these projects align with the administration’s vision for sustainable development, security, and improved public service delivery across Rivers and Bayelsa states.

Reacting to the judgment, Senator Magnus Abe dismissed any further legal contest, stating that the ruling was clear and required no further interpretation.

“The Supreme Court has settled the matter once and for all. There can be no more litigation regarding the status of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he asserted.

He further emphasized that the ruling explicitly prohibits both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing funds to the state government without a budget duly passed by the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

Abe noted that while Governor Fubara had an opportunity to negotiate earlier, his options were now limited.

However, he pointed out that a window for resolution still exists, citing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s statement discouraging immediate impeachment proceedings against the governor.

In light of the Supreme Court ruling, the Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) has called for calm and reconciliation.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Obinna Ebogidi urged all political actors to prioritize peace over conflict.

“This is a defining moment for Rivers State. We must not allow political divisions to tear us apart. Our state is bigger than any individual or group,” Ebogidi said.

He warned that prolonging political strife would only deepen the crisis, urging leaders to embrace dialogue and unity.

“To the political leaders, your actions today will determine whether Rivers State moves forward or remains trapped in endless conflict. Now is the time to put the people first,” he added.

Ebogidi also called on security agencies to maintain law and order while urging the youth to resist being used as instruments of violence.

“You are the future of Rivers State. Don’t allow political anger to drag you into chaos. Stand for peace, unity, and progress,” he advised.