Governor Alex Otti has lauded Abia-born United States Marine Kelechi Ndukwe who was recently promoted to the rank of Commodore in the US Navy.

Commodore Ndukwe was also elevated Commander in charge of U.S. Destroyer Squadron 60 and Commander, Task Force 65 in Rota, Spain.

This is even as Governor Otti has remembered another Abian, late pro-democracy crusader and activist, Chima Ubani, who died 20 years ago in autocrash while fighting for the rights of Nigerian workers.

In a statement signed by the special adviser to the Governor on media and publicity, Governor Otti described Commodore Ndukwe’s promotion as a deserving reward for hard work wrapped in excellence and faultless professionalism.

“Commodore Ndukwe’s deserving promotion is a testament to his hardwork wrapped in excellence and faultless professionalism.

“His trajectory of consistent great accomplishments speak eloquently about his skills, professionalism and commitment to carving a niche for himself in the military while serving with uncompromising patriotism.”

Otti said for Commodore Ndukwe to be found worthy of the honour is to be outstanding in all aspects, staying it was not for nothing he enjoys this rare privilege of being the first Nigerian to command a US warship.

Meanwhile, Otti has described late Ubani as a rare gem, a hero, and a courageous champion of democracy and good governance, whose death has continued to hurt 20 years after his demise in an autocrash while fighting for the rights of Nigerian workers

In a message Governor Otti poured encomium on the late activist, remembering his worthy and noble virtues which stood him out in many ways.

“Today, like every other year, reminds me of a disaster that brought distraught and psychological devastation to many. Knowing Chima Ubani meant loving him sincerely. We were brought together by common quest for education as students and bonded by our positions as student leaders; little did we know that both his father and mine were not just clergymen in the same church, but close friends who trusted and respected each other.

Chima yielded himself to the nation- serving humanity with courage, candour and compassion-sacrificing his comfort and freedom. With deep rooted spirit of altruism, Chima displayed inexplicable tenacity that are only seen in true comrades, all for humanity.

Chima didn’t die while on a business trip, but in a horrific motor accident along Potiskum road, Maiduguri, during a nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), leaving humanity shocked and shaken”, Otti recalled.

Governor Otti used the occasion of the remembrance and celebration of the 20th anniversary to remind his former colleagues that it would be a betrayal of Chima’s spirit if those noble virtues he upheld and the struggles they embarked upon collectively are abandoned midway. (Daily Sun)