Pastors and other leaders within Christendom are now bearing the brunt of what appears to be a deliberate policy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of Abia State, led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, to impoverish public servants in the state, particularly teachers who are owed many months of salary arrears.
During a campaign stop in Amuda, Isuochi, and Umunneochi Local Government Areas of Abia State on Wednesday, the LP candidate for governor addressed a small group of local church leaders. He was replying to a critical remark made by a clergy member of the Assemblies of God Church about the economic hardships his parishioners, some of whom are teachers, are experiencing owing to nonpayment of their salary.
In an impassioned speech, the clergyman described how the Church has consistently provided for members who can no longer afford to take care of themselves and their families because the Abia government has failed to pay them what is owed, despite still receiving billions of Naira in revenues from Federal Allocation and internally-generated revenue.
"As a pastor to certain educators, I have learned that their salaries have not been paid. Keep in mind that if we elect you to office, you will experience the same fate as Peter Obi in Anambra. You will incur enormous amounts of debt.
"Government of Abia does not pay instructors. I was informed of this by one of the teachers, an assistant headmaster. Now that a teacher is owed back pay, he is hungry, and I expect him to pay tithe, sow seed, and give offering in church. Is that achievable? Obviously, this is not conceivable, bemoaned the minister.
Otti responded, "I can relate to what you're saying, since if you are pastoring teachers who are not being compensated, how can they maintain themselves? Therefore, Church leaders like yourselves will be the ones to encourage the teachers.
"If a teacher comes to you today and says, 'Pastor, my family has not eaten,' even if you only have N500 in your pocket, you must give it to him; you are now paying tithes to him. Indeed, that is the case."
The top banker and respected economist reaffirmed that his desire to lead Abia State was not motivated by a desire for personal gain, but rather by a sincere desire to rescue Abia from the PDP vampires, who have continued to feed on the state's abundant wealth at the expense of its residents.
Earlier, Otti, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; running mate, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; State Campaign Council Coordinator, Hon Iheanacho Obioma; Abia North Senatorial candidate, Nnamdi Iro Oji (Opotoyom); Isuikwuato-Umunneochi Federal Constituency candidate, Amobi Ogah and Um
The delegation then travelled to the palace of Eze Ernest Onwuka, Ikpa (I) of Aro-Ikpa, for a courtesy call on the traditional rulers of the communities for approbation.
Otti and his team outlined the Labour Party's ambitious intentions to build Abia State, create jobs, wealth, and a conducive environment for Abians to succeed through the provision of basic infrastructure and payment of outstanding salaries, pensions, and gratuities.
(Source: hallmarknews.com)
