It was a moment of pain and bitterness,as the member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Ossy Chinedu Prestige,began his final journey.
The funeral service which was held at the Ahakaba stadium,Abiriba,in Ohafia Local Government of Abia state,had in attendance dignitaries,businessmen, political bigwigs including the Governor of the state,ably represented by his Deputy,Rt. Hon Ude Oko Chukwu,the two-time APGA guber candidate,Dr Alex Otti, Members of the Federal House of Representatives, among others.
In his sermon,The Bishop of the Presbyterian Church, commended the life lived by Hon Prestige, though short but was impactful.According to him,the deceased was able to touch lives, leaving legacies that are worthy of emulation.
The clergy further highlighted the elements of the joy of true leadership, to be resourcefulness, community, perseverance, contribution and knowing God,stating that Hon Prestige exhibited these five elements in his leadership style and that was why,he was able to affect lives positively
He said the late lawmaker did not just win his elections because of the strength of his party but because he was resourceful, he loved his community and would always seek ways to add value to the society.
The Clergy, however,enjoined leaders to pursue after these elements,think ways to contribute to the society, love the people they lead,so that their leadership can be joyful.
In an interview with attendees,the former Abia Gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 election,Dr Alex Otti,described Hon Prestige as a political genius,whose leadership style was people centric, praying God to confort his family.
The member representing Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia House of Assembly,Hon Mandela Obasi, expressed bitterness over the death of Hon Prestige,describing him as a friend and brother, a great politician,whose contributions in politics was largely felt.
Obasi stated that the late lawmaker would always provide the dividend of democracy to his constituents, describing his death as a great loss to the Abiriba community and the entire state, assuring that his successor, Hon Chimaobi Ebisike, would follow the footsteps of Prestige, interms of quality representation.
In their separate speeches, the President Aba Sports Club,Chief Jerry Kalu and a former commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,Dr Agbai Eke Agbai, registered their pain, disclosing that Prestige was a lover of his people,a man that transcended politics.
They pointed out that the late lawmaker used the resourcefulness in his office to affect lives positively as he didn’t see leadership as an avenue for consumption,but a time to contribute to the society. They prayed God to console the family and grant them the grace to bear the irreparable loss.
Prof Greg Ibe, Chancellor Gregory University,was well represented by his team,’Friends of Greg Ibe’.The Leader of the team,Prince Emeka Okafor, commiserated with the family, stating that Hon Prestige did not play politics of acrimony,but represented his constituency diligently.
Also,his business colleagues,the Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Mobilization,Hon James Ochukwo,the President, Association of International Traders Aba Importers,Prince Edmond Igwe and the President Ultimate Importers Association of Aba,Chief Iroegbu Agwu,disclosed how they brought business to Aba together with Hon Prestige and lamented that now the business is booming, Prestige is nolonger there to reap his labour.
They described the deceased as a man of peace and impeccable character,a giant of endurance and a reference point, urging the family members to hold on to those legacies their father propagated.
Hon Ossy Prestige died at age 56 after a protracted illness,he survived by a wife and beautiful children.
