Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that the Biafra agitation is no longer about secession but a fight for equal rights and opportunities for the Igbo people in Nigeria.
Speaking at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, during the 70th birthday celebration of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Otti clarified that the struggle transcends Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The Biafra fight is not about Nnamdi Kanu. If you read the book we unveiled today, you will understand what the struggle is truly about,” Otti stated.
He further explained, “The Biafra of old cannot happen anymore, but the Biafra of the mind. We want to be equal citizens; we want to be treated alike, and that is a challenge to Sen. Akpabio. So, what we just demand is equal opportunity, that is all.”
Praising Abaribe’s contributions to society, Otti described him as fearless and deserving of celebration, stressing that the event was not politically motivated.
“We are here to celebrate a man that is courageous, a man that is selfless, a man that is unafraid to say the truth to power. Sometimes, some of us were afraid for him, but God preserved his life up till today. It is not because of him, it is grace,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to honoring distinguished Abians, listing Senator Chris Adighije, Bright Chimezie, Paulson Kalu, and Jaja Wachukwu (posthumously) as future honorees.
In his response, Senator Abaribe expressed gratitude to God for His grace and credited his late father for instilling in him the values of honesty and courage.
“My frankness is a product of the virtues inculcated in me by my late father,” he said, thanking Otti for the honor.
The event featured the unveiling of Abaribe’s book, Unbundled, as well as a ceremonial cake-cutting, attended by dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who commended Otti’s developmental strides and recognition of Abaribe’s service.
