(SPECIAL REPORT) ABIA 2019: PENSIONERS, TRADITIONAL RULERS CALL ON OTTI TO RESCUE THEM

The people made their position known during Dr. Otti's Campaign tour of the Local Government.

Dr. Otti who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, met a crowd of passionate and supportive Umunneochi people who did not hide their feeling of joy and excitement, as they followed Dr. Otti and his entourage round the LGA.

Receiving Dr. Otti at his palace on behalf of the Umunneochi Council of Traditional Rulers, the Digbo 1 of Umuaku, Umunneochi, and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze Prof. S. I. Nwankwo thanked the APGA candidate and his team for being the first set of political groups that would visit his domain. He praised Dr. Otti for his doggedness and for sticking to his party, APGA, unlike some politicians who easily change parties when things do not go their way.

He recalled that the people of Umunneochi voted for APGA in the gubernatorial election in 2015 and assured that they were going to do the same again knowing very well that Dr. Otti would emerge the governor.

Eze Nwankwo told his visitors that the traditional rulers were suffering and pleaded with Dr. Otti not to forget them on assumption of office in May 2019.

The revered Eze also recalled how Dr. Otti was instrumental to the establishment of the only First Bank branch in Umunneochi, a gesture he expressed gratitude to. The royal fathers later poured their royal blessings on Dr. Otti and members of his team.

Joining others in solidarity to welcome Dr. Otti, some Pensioners led by Elder S. O. Onwudinjo, who spoke for himself and others in the local government amid tears, made it clear that they are grieving due to Ikpeazu led government's insensitivity and lack of empathy, and disclosed that the last time gratuity was paid to retiring civil servants in Abia State was in the year 2001ÔÇØ. He assured Dr. Otti that they were going to vote for him and APGA, with the optimism that he would take care of their welfare.

In his contribution, the son of Late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, and the APGA House of Assembly candidate, for Umunneochi state constituency, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, insisted that Dr. Otti is the only way forward for Abia state as he is the most competent for the job of governorship, insisting that the near 20 years of circle of mediocrity in Abia must be brought to an end.

Addressing the very enthusiastic crowd that over-ran the venue of the rally, Otti told them that the problem ravaging Abia is traceable to the imposition of greedy few and brigands as leaders, who after destroying the state would turn back to impose their godsonsÔÇØ.

The financial expert made it clear that it was such pathetic stories as told by the dying pensioners and millions of other Abians that propelled him to quit his job and venture into the mucky waters of Abia politics, and assured the very expectant people of Umunneochi, that Ikpeazu and his godfathers would become history starting from May.

The APGA chieftain wondered why governor Ikpeazu would contemplate presenting himself for second term when he could not pay ordinary salaries, even after plunging the state into unprecedented debt, and urged the people of Umunneochi to join the league of other progressives and sweep away the incompetent government of Okezie Ikpeazu and his godfathers.

Dr. Otti was joined on the campaign tour by his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Alex Otti, his running mate, Dr. Mrs. Uche Eme Uche, the APGA Senatorial candidate for Abia North, Chief David Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex), the Party House of Representatives Candidate for Isiukwuato /Umunneochi Federal Constituency, the Director General of the Alex Otti Campaign Organization for Abia North and South respectively, Hon. Nnanna Ngwu and Chief Dan Imo, leaders and members of the Alex Otti Campaign Council, State Party leaders and stakeholders etc..