Biafra struggle now about equal rights, not secession — Otti
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has asserted that the call for a sovereign Biafra extends beyond Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Otti emphasised that the ongoing agitation is fundamentally about securing recognition and equal opportunities for Ndigbo within Nigeria.
He made these remarks at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia during the 70th birthday celebration of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
According to Otti, the Biafra struggle today is deeply ingrained in the quest for fairness and justice for the Igbo people.
“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 clarified, “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.”
Otti also used the occasion to commend Abaribe’s courage and contributions to society.
Describing Abaribe as fearless and worthy of celebration, he noted 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,” Otti said.
He added, “When I’m celebrating people that are worthy of being celebrated, I am not interested in politics, I am not even a regular politician anyway.”
The governor also revealed plans to host similar celebrations for other distinguished Abians, including Senator Chris Adighije, Bright Chimezie, Paulson Kalu, and a posthumous birthday for Jaja Wachukwu.
In response, Senator Abaribe expressed gratitude to God for His grace and acknowledged his late father for instilling in him the values of honesty and courage.
He urged those in positions of authority to implement policies that would improve the living standards of the people and increase life expectancy.
Abaribe said, “My frankness is a product of the virtues inculcated in me by my late father.”
He also thanked Otti for the honour.
Earlier, in a sermon, Pastor Chimezie Iheoma, the Abia North Central Conference President of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, praised Abaribe’s political relevance and exceptional service to the state and the nation.
The event, which attracted numerous dignitaries, featured the unveiling of a book titled “Unbundled” written by Senator Abaribe, and the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, commended Otti for his developmental strides in the state and for celebrating the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial Zone, Enyinnaya Abaribe.
