By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
An Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Igbo Union Ndi Igbo Worldwide, has announced plans to honour the wife of the Senate President, Dr Mrs Unoma Ekaite Akpabio, in recognition of what it described as her support for Igbo interests.
The group also commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his engagement with the South-east, noting that his relationship with the region has contributed to ongoing interactions between the South-east and South-south.
In a statement signed by its National Convener, Prince Elias Odoemena, and made available to journalists in Abuja, the group said the planned honour is intended to acknowledge contributions it associates with the Akpabio family’s connection to Igbo communities.
It noted that Mrs Akpabio, who is from Enugu State, has maintained ties with the region, which the group said have been reflected in initiatives and engagements linked to her husband’s political career.
The organisation also referenced projects it attributed to the Senate President, including infrastructure and appointments, which it said have benefited some parts of the South-east, while helping to strengthen relations between neighbouring regions.
“He has become a bonafide Igbo man not only by his marriage to our daughter and sister, Unoma, but for the uncountable dividends of democracy he has brought to Igbo land, right from his days as governor of Akwa Ibom State to his present position as number three man in Nigeria. Akpabio has exhibited statefastness, loyalty and love to our people,” he said.
According to the statement “Senator Akpabio has continued to use any avenue available to him to cement the relationship between Igbos and their brothers and sisters from the old Eastern region, by building bridges across the people’s of South South and South-east both politically and economically.”
