Stakeholders in Abia North Senatorial district, under the auspices of United Progressives Frontiers (UPF) have condemned a statement credited to a faceless group “Abia North Restoration Movement “with the theme “near silence of North Senatorial district in the ninth Senate” as reported in an online news platform, stressing that the statement is laughable, irresponsible, unwarranted, malicious and childish.
Describing the statement of the group as a calculated and desperate attempt to rubbish the giant strides and accomplishments of the Senate Chief Whip, the leaders emphasized that Kalu has been a blessing to the people of Abia North Senatorial district and beyond.
Speaking on Monday through their representative Chief Ikenna Charles, the stakeholders berated the paid group for making a false statement against who they described as “as an astute businessman, consummate politician and philanthropist of repute.
While maintaining that Nigerians have been calling on Kalu to throw his hat into the presidential ring in the 2023 general elections, Charles stressed that Kalu has not declared his intention, adding that the former Governor is not distracted with presidential ambition but rather focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents.
He said, “former Governor of Abia and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu has been a strong voice in the Senate in a bid to give the people of his responsive, quality, robust and unbiased representation.
“Since his resumption in the red chamber, he has deployed human, financial and other resources to attract the construction, re-construction, rehabilitation of roads, hospitals and key infrastructure across Bende, Ummuneochi, Ohafia, Arochukwu and Isuikwuato local government areas.
“He has sponsored many bills and motions aimed at ameilorating the suffering of the people.
“For anyone who is not economical with the truth, the projects thus far attracted by Kalu are impressive, historic and unbeatable.
“The list of Kalu’s facilitated projects are endless including construction of 2KM Nneato junction – Aroikpa road, construction of 7KM and 2KM rural roads with drainage and asphalt at Akanu Ukwu, construction of 5KM (Phase 1: 2KM) with drainage and asphalt at Isiugwu, construction of road with drainage and asphalt from Umuobasi-Amankalu, construction of 3.2KM road with drainage and asphalt at Ata Ihechiowa, construction of 7.9KM Okpor-Arochukwu road, construction of 4KM (Phase 1: 2KM) rural road with asphalt and drainage along Alokwe-Amokwe-Item-Uzor Rubbe main road, erosion control project at Ochiagha boulevard, Igbere, rehabilitation of Umusi and Onuibina erosion sites along Bende-Ohafia road, drilling and installation of motorised boreholes, renovation of blocks of classrooms and rural electrification projects.
“Aside from these projects, Kalu as the Chairman of Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation has consistently empowered indigents across Abia state most especially artisans comprising youths and women. The foundation has sustained its free medical outreach, self-interest loans and other initiatives.
“For the paid agents of political jobbers, who are desirous to drag Kalu’s name in the mud, it can be clearly seen that the good works of the Senate Chief Whip cannot be rubbished with cheap blackmail and character assassination.
“We advise the enemies of progress, to face reality, by acknowledging the giant strides of Kalu in politics, business, humanity and leadership.
“The time is now for the sponsors and cohorts of the orchestrated agenda to repent’.
The stakeholders while passing a vote of confidence on Kalu, urged the former Governor to sustain his good works.
