Exclusive [Aba North/South]: Abiriba People Did Not Endorse PDP Candidate 'Chimaobi Ebisike' " - Nwaka Inem

The demise of Honorable Prestige Chinedu Ossy vibrated the land. Aba people who he represented at the National Assembly were so pained. How did the news come to you and can you give us an insight into how Abiriba people felt?

The demise of Honourable Ossy was not only devastating, but a personal loss to me, as a friend, brother and political associate. The news to be candid was traumatic, given the short battle with the terminal illness that took everyone by surprise. Everyone was dumbfounded as he appeared with our Age grade in early July, 2020 for the IBURU OMU ceremony where we were ushered in as UKEJI AGBALA (ruling age grade). That unfortunately was his last public outing.

The burial rites of the late lawmaker have been released by the family, will you and age-grade participate?

Yes, Ossy being a front line member of our Age grade, will be honored fully with our participation. If you noticed, we played our role to receive his remains from Germany at MMIA Lagos, and we will accord him all the honour and respect in that regard throughout the funeral rites as announced by the family.

The bye-election for Aba north and south federal constituency where Prestige represented has been slated for 27th March 2021. Is your party the APC ready and do you think the party's candidate has a chance?

I have a different view about the bye election. I think it was very disrespectful and insensitive on the part of INEC to fix the election, when we were yet to bury Ossy. I am at loss to the fact that APGA leadership and other stakeholders did not protest to INEC, but jumped to start struggling for the seat. It is unfortunate how events can be at ones demise. I have records of all seats made vacant by one reason or the other, and I cannot remember anyone which the bye-election came up with such speed. Whatever that propelled the scramble, our God is on the throne.

They are rumors that your political leader Dr. Alex Otti OFR sponsored one Dr. Kalu that bought the form to contest for a ticket against Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu in your party APC? How true is that?

That is not correct. In fact, it is annoying and insulting to propagate such rumors as Dr. Alex Otti is not contesting for a Federal house sit nor sponsoring anybody. The truth of the matter, is that the aspirant in question in line with political tradition, called on Dr. Alex Otti and other stakeholders for support to contest, which he is ably qualified and is within his constitutional rights. It will be unfair and undemocratic to dissuade him because we heard another aspirant is contesting. I am sure Mascot is not expecting that he will not be challenged either as aspirant or candidate if he truly mean well. Dr. Alex Otti is eminently qualified to be consulted by all aspirants, as he himself consults stakeholders for his aspirations. He does not have anything against Mascot.After all, Mascot equally visited, Dr. Alex Otti consulting and seeking for support, and I can confidently tell you that their meeting was quite cordial, friendly and confidence boosting as against the rumors you are talking. One thing that is clear, is when a candidate emerges from a party, it follows that every disciplined and committed member will give his support. I can assure you Dr. Alex Otti is committed to the success of his party at all levels and all the times. Personally speaking on Mascot, he caught across as as humble , intelligent and well exposed personality with considerable experience. He is determined to contribute to the development of his constituency, the influence of his elder brother notwithstanding. In my interactions with him, he exhibited the ability to write his name on the golden side of history, and I will not hesitate to recommend him to the Aba people. Unfortunately, my vote is domiciled at Abiriba, I can only wish him the best on the election.

Finally, we gathered that Abiriba people in Aba have endorsed the PDP candidate for the bye-election, please how true is this?

There is nothing like that. What you heard is an expected endorsement of Abiriba PDP stakeholders not community endorsement. The Abiriba community cannot disrespect their son by sitting in a meeting to discuss his hurried replacement, when in fact, his body is still in the morgue. WE are still mourning Ossy Prestige.