A chieftain and leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Abia State, Sir Marc Wabara, has assured that the people of Ukwa Federal Constituency are solidly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and would support his second-term bid.
He gave the assurance on Sunday at his country home in Ohambele, Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, while playing host to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu said he considered it important to visit Wabara, whom he described as one of the respected leaders/elders of the APC in Abia State. He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had mandated him to work closely with party elders to build a united, strong, and virile APC in the state.
Kalu emphasized that party unity could only be achieved through collaboration and partnership, noting that a ruling party with 28 governors nationwide must advance with confidence and courage.
He described the APC as a “beautiful bride” that should be wooed, not the other way round, stressing that only a united party can win elections. He also underscored the need for the APC to record electoral victories across all parts of Abia State, not only Abia North Senatorial Zone.
The Deputy Speaker urged the people of Ukwa Federal Constituency to support President Tinubu massively and leverage their advantage of having a federal legislator to strengthen the APC’s presence in the area. According to him, negotiation power at the federal level is tied to electoral strength, adding that increased votes would enhance Abia State’s chances of attracting federal appointments and projects.
Kalu further appealed to APC elders in Abia State to unite, harmonise their positions, and engage directly with President Tinubu, noting that such strategic engagement would yield significant political benefits for the party.
Responding, Wabara reaffirmed Ukwa’s loyalty to the APC-led federal government and praised President Tinubu’s leadership. He also commended the Deputy Speaker for his achievements both at the federal and state levels.
He particularly highlighted Kalu’s pivotal role in the initiation and successful passage of the bill establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC). He also expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for facilitating the appointment of the lawmaker representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Chief Chris Nkownta, as Chairman of the House Committee on the SEDC.
“We are happy with what you are doing,” Wabara told the Deputy Speaker.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Deputy Speaker’s legislative scorecard to Sir Marc Wabara.
The Deputy Speaker was accompanied by former Speakers of the Abia State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, and Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, as well as his Chief of Staff, Dr. Sam Hart, and other APC chieftains.
Among those that joined Sir Marc Wabara in receiving the Deputy Speaker included former YPP Vice Presidential candidate, Dr. Kasarachi Enyinna; former ASOPADEC Chairman, Hon. Emeka Stanley; former Abia State House of Assembly member, Hon. Paul Taribo; Chief Chijioke Wabara; Chief William Nwanguma; Ukwa East APC Chairman, Chief R. N. Anyamele; Secretary, Peter Akarahu; Darlington Iwor; Comrade Stanley James; former Abia State APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ben Godson; Arc. Ngozi Ezi; and Chief ThankGod Ntaku.
