By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has visited the wife of the revered former Governor of Old Imo State, late Sam Onunaka Mbakwe, Mrs Victoria Sam Mbakwe, at their hometown, Avutu, in Obowu Local government Area in Imo State.

Speaking during the visit on Saturday, the highly elated Abia Governor poured deserving encomiums on the late Mbakwe, describing him as a great and visionary leader whose achievements in the old Imo State remain unequalled.

Governor Otti restated his resolve to advocate for and embrace the proactive leadership style of the Late Iconic former Governor which saw him visiting different parts of his state, including project sites personally and having firsthand knowledge of the challenges confronting the people which guided most of his actions in executing projects that people still make reference to till today.

The Abia Governor thanked God for keeping Mrs Mbakwe alive and in good health and prayed that she would remain alive to continue to offer sound pieces of advice to the younger generation, explaining that he thought it wise to visit the 87-year old widow of the visionary leader, as a mark of honour to the Late Dr. Sam Mbakwe.

Responding, Mrs Victoria Mbakwe expressed joy and thanked Governor Otti for deeming it fit to visit her, and explained that she cherished the visit so much because it was the first time a sitting Governor was visiting her personally since the death of her husband.

She commended the Governor for the noble job he was doing in Abia State already, and stated that it was an indication that he would work like her late husband and encouragedthe Governor to always make out time to go round to see things for himself like her late husband used to do.

Mrs Mbakwe further called on Abians to continue with their massive support and prayers for the Governor to succeed.

First son of late Sam Mbakwe, Mr. Alex Mbakwe, received Governor Otti and his entourage, and conducted them round the compound, including the mausoleum of late Sam Mbakwe.

In the Governor’s delegation were the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu and his Justice counterpart, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, the first Deputy Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, among other top government functionaries.