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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia ex-Councillors have hailed Governor Alex Otti for the commencement of the payment of their arrears of salary and other allowances which accumulated over the past 20 years.
This is even after the ex-councillors have endorsed the Governor for a second term and a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Dr. Chima Anyaso for the Bende Federal Constituency seat in 2027.
The seat is being presently occupied by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu.
The former Councillors elected from 1999 to 2022 in the state, made the commendation and endorsements when they paid courtesy visit on Dr. Anyaso at his country home in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The coordinator of the ex-councillors forum, Tony Agbanyim told their host of how they have suffered over the years as a result of non payment of their wages until Otti came to their rescue.
“We have lost over 50 of our members to avoidable deaths occasioned by hardship as a result of non payment of our wages.
“Each administration came and went without looking our way, but Governor Otti and looked our way and we are very grateful about that.”
Agbanyim said his members did not decide to support Otti because he has started paying them their entitlements, but because he is doing well for the state.
He said the former Councillors have anonymously endorsed Anyaso for the House of Representatives seat in 2027 and promised of their maximum support because of what he has been doing for the people of the state.
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Anyaso, the former Abia Deputy Governorship candidate of Young People’s Party (YPP), in the 2023 election, responding, commended the former elected Councillors in the state for their support for Governor Otti.
Anyaso who is now a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), equally commended the ex-councillors for endorsing Governor and himself for the Governorship and House of Representatives seats in 2027.
He expressed joy that the former Councillors have formed a movement for Otti for 2027, “Otti or Nothing”, stating that they will collaborate with his own movement, “Otti Again” to work towards the re-election of the Governor.
Reminding the former Councillors of why their support for Otti is apt, Anyaso said, “The Governor has brought hope to the people of Abia State, and he has brought back good governance.
“People from other states are beginning to talk about Abia in a very positive way and that’s because of the good works of the Governor.
While commending Otti for commencing the payment of arrears of salary and gratuity owed the former Councillors by previous administrations in the state, Anyaso regretted the death of over 50 of their members as a result of non payment of their salaries and allowances over the years.
“I commend the Governor for looking the way of the former Councillors, for doing what others before him could not do. It is important we support him so that we will continue enjoying the goodies of democracy.”
Speaking on his endorsement by the former Councillors, Anyaso said, “I accept the call to represent my people in the House of Representatives in 2027.
“This time is my turn, and I know my people will support me, I have nothing to worry about.
“I didn’t contest the House of Representatives seat in 2023, because I wanted equity to prevail, but now, I am ready to go and represent my people.”
