From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The new Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President General, Sen. John Azuta Mbata has visited Governor Alex Otti with a promise to work closely with the Governors of the seven states that made up Ohanaeze to achieve set goals.
Mbata made the promise when he and his deputy, Prince Okey Nwadinobi paid a thank you visit to Governor Otti.
Mbata said he came to express his personal gratitude to Governor Otti for his support and that of other Governors which made their emergence in the recently conducted Ohanaeze Ndigbo election possible.
He said the Governors’ presence in the election of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Executives underscored the importance they place on the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization.
“We will come and pay an official visit with the new EXCO, but on a personal level, I thought that we should come and register our gratitude and tell you that we will consult, collaborate, and cooperate with you all the way.
“We are hoping that we would be able to tap into your wealth of experience as somebody well-grounded within the private and public sphere. Your approach and perspective to issues will be a lot more different.”
He commended Governor Otti for the great work he is doing in Abia State, saying that he expected nothing less having known him for a long time.
“I want to congratulate you on the excellent work you are doing. Abia State, in my view, is lucky to have somebody like you. Especially with the experience and history of governments that have not exactly met the expectations of the people.
“You have brought a magic wand and everybody is amazed at how the resources of the Government of Abia are being put to effective use to work for the people and everybody is seeing the results and people are happy.
“I have known you sufficiently to know that this is exactly what is going to happen. I didn’t expect anything less”, Sen. Mbata said.
Responding, Otti said his interest and that of his brother Governors from the States that made up the Ohanaeze Ndigbo was the development and unity of the people.
“You, President General, I have known you for decades. Just like you spoke kindly about me, I also know you. I know your capacity and know what you stand for. I have no doubt that in this role, you will continue to do what you have been known for, which is consistency, truthfulness, fairness, equity, and transparency.
“I can vouch for you. I was very pleased when you showed interest. My colleagues and I also looked at it, and we said if people like this are showing interest, they should be given an opportunity.”
The Governor thanked and congratulated Sen. Mbata for his emergence and assumption of office.