A socio-political group, Abia North Peace Foundation, ANPF, has cried out over who its called a case of mistaken identity by some Nigerians.
The group is worried that some Nigerians are mistaken Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate and former governor of Abia State between 1999-2007 to Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji who succeeded him in office.
According to the group, Theodore Ahamefule Orji whose son, Chinedum Orji is the incumbent Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly is different from Senator Kalu.
The group in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Precious Okorie, explained that Senator Kalu left office in 2007 as one of the best governor since the return of democracy in 1999.
According to the group, Kalu, who is now the Chief Whip of the Senate, did exceedingly well when he was governor.
The group said, “Orji Kalu was the governor when Abians had free education and medical care. He was the governor when the State was highly celebrated by all and Aba was called the Japan of Africa. Orji Kalu was governor when Enyimba football club won the CAF Champions league and the Nigerian premier league for a record time.
“Orji Kalu was the governor who ensured third term agenda died a natural death. He was the governor that constructed Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, Built roads across the three senatorial districts and paid salaries, gratuities and pensions as at when due.
“Senator Kalu is not the former governor Orji that handed over power to Ikpeazu and made his son the Speaker of the House
“It is important for Nigerians to note that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was the former Abia governor that Ohanaeze Ndigbo endorsed as their sole candidate in 2007 presidential election.
“Mistaken him for Theodore Ahamefule Orji is unfair and embarrassing. Kalu is a champion of development and a progressive minded Nigerian who has affected the lives of many positively.
“It is important for Nigerians to know that Kalu who is a national figure, excelled as a businessman, entrepreneur, technocrat and philanthropist at a youthful age before venturing into politics.
“Nigerians are advised to do their research work properly before they laying claims Kalu’s developmental strides is evident even till date. No wonder he was able to deliver Abia North for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Since he was elected as the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, he has attracted not less than 33 rural roads in Abia North. Thousands of students are enjoying his annual scholarships and grants.”
