Festivity enveloped localities in Ohafia Local Government Areas of Abia-North in Abia State as throng of dwellers converged in their respective wards to host the Senate Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the Abia North Senator proceeded to their various communities to give account of his achievements as well as challenges within his tenure at the Senate.
The High spirited residents in response to Kalu’s legislative impact assessment tour, assembled in carnival-like forms on Wednesday to welcome Orji Kalu and his team as they arrived in their various communities.
Accompanying Orji Kalu to the town hall engagements were the; Managing Director and Chief executive Officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Commissioner Public Complaints Commission Dr. Maduka Ukaegbu, former Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Chief Arua Arunsi amongst others.
Communities visited by Orji Kalu include; Okon-Aku Ohafia, Asaga Ohafia, Abia Ohafia and Akanu Ohafia. In each community Kalu’s procession was heralded by a rousing ovation presided by Leaders and notable stakeholders they include; President General of Okon-Aku, Dr. Kalu MC. Umeh ; Eze Emmanuel Kalu Kalu Onugu the Ezieogo of Asaga and HRM. Ezieogo Okerekeji the Mba Odo, Odu Ugwuonyirie Gbe Mbazu.
At Okon-Aku being Kalu’s first port of call, the former governor enumerated the list of projects executed for the community as captured in the 2019-2021 appropriation bill.
Accenting on public utility, Orji Kalu mentioned that he will rehabilitate the now abandoned Asaga, Okon-Aku, Ama Nde Ibe, Amuma, Ufiele link Roads which was constructed under his administration as Governor 23 years ago.
According to Kalu the ongoing town hall meetings shouldn’t be misconstrued for a political campaign but rather a Town Hall meeting to engage the community on their basic needs and give a report to the people on his Senate activities. The need to foster peace and eschew violence was also stressed by the Abia-North Senator.
Kalu emphasised “I embarked on this tour to meet and to also know how you are faring with regards to what I have been able to do for you people. We must strive to live in peace and we can achieve that by forgiving one another.
“Violence does not pay, we have more to gain when we live in peace and it’s the duty of everyone regardless of age or status to ensure that we achieve peace in our various communities.
In a previous address Chief Peter Eke Onoh, the president general of Ohafia Community Development Association appreciated the senator’s visit in the community, praised him for the developmental projects he’s currently embarking on.
“He has built the road to a certain stage. The third phase is what we are pleading with him to complete. Without him, we don’t have roads, without him, we don’t even see light,” Chief Onoh said.
He also pleaded for the assistance of Sen. Kalu to fully restore electricity to the community after a havoc following a heavy downpour. According to Chief Onoh, 20 electricity poles recently collapsed, causing a blackout in the community.
He said about N5 million is what is needed to complete the ongoing restoration efforts being put in place by the community for the power supply, appealing for Sen. Kalu’s assistance.
Shortly after departing Okon-Aku, Kalu and his entourage proceeded to Asaga Ohafia where he was briefly hosted by the Town’s council chiefs at the village square presided by HRH. Eze Emmanuel Kalu Kalu Onugu the Ezeogo of Asaga Ohafia.
In the summarised address Eze Emmanuel thanked Kalu for living up to the expectations of his constituents through the provision of infrastructure which no legislator had ever provided since the existence of the community.
The Traditional ruler noted that the only existing infrastructures were those built by Kalu during his tenure as Governor and now as a Senator. On behalf of the community Eze Emmanuel pledged their support to the second term Senate bid of Orji Kalu.
Minutes after the reception, Orji Kalu headed to the public town hall where he was welcomed to a jubilant crowd of women and youth groups eagerly seated and waiting for his arrival.
At the Asaga community hall, Kalu who earlier described himself as the “working tool of God”, said that plans to enhance the development of Ohafia will never be jettisoned. Kalu also encouraged the residents to remain hopeful stating that the era of Free education which he implemented as Governor will return.
At Akanu Ohafia while appreciating Kalu for his sterling achievements, the community in address beckoned the Senator to assist with funds to fence the newly approved school sited in their community.
Acknowledging their response, Kalu hinted that works will begin on the now completed Akanu road to be extended to the Abia community road which is also currently undergoing construction.
A major climax of the legislative engagement was the presentation of farm produce of food items by the Bianko women Age Grade to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu after which Kalu departed the communities amidst cheers and Jubilation.
