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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has blasted a faction of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State over its recent attack on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
Senator Kalu had last week, while addressing some members of his pro group and APC leaders at his home in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, condemned political thuggery and violence, orchestrated by some Government actors, which he regretted is creeping back into Abia politics.
He warned that since no one has the monopoly of violence, that the ugly debacle should stop as APC would not sit idly and watch her members being unduly attacked or harassed.
A day later, LP in Abia came up with a statement, attacking Sen Kalu and falsely accusing him of saying APC members will unleash violence in the state in 2027.
However, in a release signed by the state publicity secretary of APC, Uche Aguoru, the party said it was unfortunate that LP in the state decided to twist Sen Kalu’s statement in order to attack his person rather than engage the critical issues he raised.
“Ordinarily, as a leading political party, we would not concern ourselves with faceless and fragmented groups parading as representatives of a faction whose legitimacy remains unrecognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and which, in the eyes of the law as it stands, does not exist, unless the Supreme Court decides otherwise, if such an opportunity ever arises.
“However, we are compelled to respond because their statement, rather than provide answers to the substantive issues raised by Senator Kalu in Igbere, descended into needless innuendos, name-calling, and personal attacks, completely ignoring matters of urgent public concern.
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“Senator Kalu raised fundamental and widely acknowledged issues, including the rising cost of education in Abia State, the poor welfare conditions of lecturers in state-owned tertiary institutions, and the continued neglect of teachers in primary and secondary schools.
“These are not speculative claims; they are realities known to the people. Yet, instead of addressing these concerns, the faction resorted to attacking his person and family.”
The release added, “He further highlighted the absence of new infrastructure development by the current administration, noting that what is being showcased are rehabilitated projects initiated by past governments, including those executed during his tenure between 1999 and 2007. And being rehabilitated at an embarrassingly humungous cost. Once again, no factual rebuttal was offered, only abuse.
“More concerning is his warning about the emergence of political violence and what may rightly be described as political banditry, developments previously alien to Abia’s political landscape but now emboldened by the utterances of those in power in the state and their supporters.
“These are serious citizens’ concerns that demand thoughtful engagement, not emotional outbursts, not intimidation, not blackmail as we have seen in the release by the factional group.”
Aguoru said to dismiss such weighty issues the former Governor raised as mere “fear” reflects a lack of patriotism and disregard for the genuine concerns of the Abia people.
APC said Senator Kalu’s call on the Government to prioritize the welfare of Abians and ensure the prudent use of public resources was a patriotic and statesman-like intervention, one that deserves commendation from all well-meaning citizens.
The release advised LP in the state to abandon the path of personal attacks and instead demonstrate a little sense of responsibility by addressing the issues Senator Kalu raised.
