A Lagos based commercial banker and the Account Officer of the late House of Representatives member, Hon. Ossy Prestige has narrated how former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu came to the aide of the late lawmaker when he needed assistance most.
The first generation banker who pleaded anonymity for fear of being sacked, saying he does not have the permission of his employer to disclose such information.
He said while the late Hon. Prestige’s health deteriorated in London hospital late September last year, he was to be transferred to Germany hospital for proper attention.
This however became difficult as a result of paucity of funds.
The Germany hospital had demanded an initial deposit of $35,000 or equivalent before treatment could be commenced.
The late lawmaker according to the banker reached out to Sen. Kalu, the Senate Chief Whip who was also in constant touch with him since he took ill and hospitalized.
According to him, few hours after the Abia North Senator received the appeal, he instructed a top management staff of his shipping company in Apapa Lagos to make available the sum of $50,815 to enable late Ossy Prestige commence his treatment in the Germany hospital and take care of his personal needs.
The banker who said he personally processed the transaction said the late Ossy Prestige was surprised to receive the said amount from Sen. Kalu, saying the Abia North Senator and the Speaker House of Representatives were the only politicians that came to his assistance when he was in need.
According to the Ngwa born banker, a popular Clergy, Pst. Oracle of the Christ Embassy in Lagos was one of those who witnessed the transaction.
He said the late Ossy Prestige told him in confidence that politicians like Sen. Kalu who do not bear grudges against people are few and should be respected.
Recall that the late Aba North/South federal constituency representative had in 2019 contested under the platform of APGA against a younger brother of Sen. Kalu, Mascot Uzor Kalu of the APC.
On why he is revealing this information, the banker said he is disappointed that the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has suddenly decided to make a pledge of N10m for the education of the son of late Ossy Prestige when he did not show similar concern to their father while he was battling to save his life.
While expressing scepticism as to whether the Governor will fulfill his promise, he described the gift as belated and hypocritical.
He called on the Governor to utilise the opportunity he has to provide the right leadership for Abians, maintaining he will be remembered for the kind of leadership he provided when he leaves office.
