President Bola Tinubu on Friday called on the South-East political class to emulate the brand of inclusive politics practiced by the late Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr Michael Okpara.
Tinubu gave the charge while inaugurating the renovated and retrofitted Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, Abia State.
Represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, the president described Okpara as a visionary leader who positioned the region at the centre of national politics.
He said: “The late elder statesman played to the centre and created a place for the South-East in the business of nation building.”
Commending the Abia State Government for transforming the edifice, Tinubu noted that the structure had become a modern landmark befitting Okpara’s memory.
The president further stated that he holds the South-East in high regard, adding that his administration’s inclusiveness in governance is aimed at fostering nation building and equitable socio-economic development across the country.
He explained that his visit to Abia was to inaugurate various projects designed to improve the well-being of residents.
“Some are federal projects performed by the Governor; others are state projects. But projects, whether they are federal or state, the important thing is to touch the lives of the people of our state,” Tinubu said.
In his remarks, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, said the auditorium had been abandoned for years before his administration commenced its renovation in late 2023.
“Today, it is a standing edifice worthy of beholding and by the time we make a step inside, Your Excellency, you will be happy with the quality of work that is done,” Otti said.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu; Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnya Abaribe; Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu; Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa; former Deputy Governor, Ude Oko-Chukwu, and other government functionaries.
