ALEX OTTI AND OBI AGUOCHA: The Names Glued To Every Lip
By Charity Uwakwe
The emergence of High Chief Obi Aguocha and Dr. Alex Otti as member-elect, House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency and Governor-elect in Abia State,
has erupted so much joy among the inhabitants of the State.
The duo of Otti and Aguocha (the Ogwumabiri Umuahia) contested under the famous Labour Party, (LP) and unflinchingly invaded the lion’s den, and rescued the captives from their captors.
Theirs is a resuscitation of dead hope for the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia and the entire people of Abia State.
This is because Abians generally, have over the years, been clamouring for a change of Government, in their quest for improved livelihood.
Indisputable remains the fact that, Abia State has evidently suffered a protracted backwardness as instigated by bad leadership. It is also alleged that the masses have in the past, had to put up with Governors apparently foisted on them.
As for the people of Ikwuano Local Government Area, they have suffered a near irreparable marginalisation, relegation and subjugation by their Umuahia counterparts who are also predominantly PDP.
Ikwuano people are basically agrarains and could pass for the food bane of the State yet lacks the least government presence up until this moment.
Conversely, both the people of Ibeku and Ikwuano have been holding services of songs both secretly and openly, in jubilation of the victory of the Ogwumabiri Umuahia over the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Engr.) Chinedum Orji, (aka. Ikuku) who also contested under the platform of the ruling party in the State. Also, Otti had defeated the Governorship candidate of the ruling party, Chief Okey Ahaiwe, a prominent son of Isiala- Ngwa.
Yes, Ikwuano/Umuahia has begun their celebration of a fresh breathe as the arrival of Aguocha, the immediate past President-general of Ohuhu Development Union, in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, presents an inevitable aura of hope and optimism to the two clans.
It will interest you also to know that the Honourable Speaker of the House, who is the first son of the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Ahamefula Orji, is a proud son of Umuahia extraction, precisely, Ibeku kingdom.
Moreover, is not news any longer that the State has suffered immensely for over 24yrs under the rulership of PDP, and is, hence it is rated the most underdeveloped when compared to other sister-states.
A typical example of such state is Ebonyi State which was massively transformed in the first administration of His Excellency, Engr. David Umahi, incumbent Governor of the State, thus turning the into a wonder.
However, the previously held election of February 25, as well as the just concluded March 18 gubernatorial election, have collectively brought about a new dawn in Ikwuano/Umuahia and the entire State, respectively.
Moreso, of great importance is the fact that, for the first time, in the history of the 32-years-old State, the people would be governed by their own choice of candidate and indeed a different party.
It could be recalled that the duo of Obi Aguocha and Alex Otti were the
most criticized of all the National Assembly and gubernatorial candidates, respectively, yet they were not deterred by their trolls.
This is glaringly because no one casts a javelin on a less fruity tree.
Rather than allow their opponents who acted in connivance with their supporters get them off their tracks, but just like the proverbial weather that gives not thoughts to criticisms, they walked courageously and unflinchingly up until they emerged winners of the contests by landslides.
I figured that they knew and understood the game best and they, with unwavering commitment, dedication and determination to salvage the piteous condition of the people, ‘took the bull by its horn’ discarding the prying eyes of their critics. They were on the biblical messianic missions. They would stop at nothing in actualising same!
Just like Dr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, the names ‘Obi Aguocha’ and ‘Alex Otti’ were permanently glued to the lips of all and sundry all through the electioneering period. Saying that the duo of Aguocha and Otti did not only pose a threat to the entire PDP household, but also turned their nights into mere broad daylight is an understatement.
They truly were the biggest and longest thorns ever in their flesh.
Indeed, Aguocha and Otti’s emergence was envisaged and as such, could not have been mistaken for a surprise. The people of Ikwuano/Umuahia and Abians knew it. The writing was glaringly inscribed on the walls. It was anticipated and the hope the masses was never dashed although there were hitches, as it were.
Having restored age-long lost hope to the dilapidated Ikwuano/Umuahia and State in general, Aguocha and Otti, to Abians and all people of conscience across the globe, are currently viewed as the Messiahs who came, saw and conquered.
Today, Ikwuano people and, of course, Abians all over the world could scarcely contain their overwhelming joy and happiness, as they feel glimmers of hope already.
The arrival of Chief Obinna Aguocha and Dr. Alex Chioma Otti is likened to the dawning of a new day in both Ikwuano, a forgotten clan and Abia in general, and for the first time since their origin, both have trended positively unlike the usual negative deeds.
Behold the most celebrated deliverers of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti and High Chief Obi Aguocha, Governor-elect, Abia State and Member-elect, House of Representatives, Ikwuano/ Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, respectively.
