Follow Us on Google
From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Community stakeholders, party faithful, and even the clerics have all thrown their weight behind senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, for his empowerment initiatives, reminding detractors that no amount of political blackmail can silence a legacy deeply rooted in tangible service.
Across the five local government areas that make up Abia North – Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi – rural farmers were excited to receive thousands of bags of fertiliser, improved agro-chemicals, pest control solutions and weed management products provided directly by Sen Kalu.
Elder Onu Nwosu, farmer in Ohafia, who was among the first to receive the new supplies, said: “At a time when the price of fertiliser has hit the rooftop, our senator didn’t forget us. He knows that when you empower farmers, you feed families. Let those fighting him talk; we know who is standing by us.”
Scores of farmers across Abia North echoed similar sentiments. From palm fruit growers in Umunneochi to cassava farmers in Isuikwuato, the distribution of Nuva Tree Guide agro-inputs, insecticides to tackle devastating pests and specialised weed-control chemicals is already generating fresh optimism for a productive harvest season.
“Food security is the real fight,” said Ngozi Onuoha, a young female farmer from Abiriba. “People can do all the politics they like but Kalu is fighting poverty in our farms. He is our voice.”
The empowerment initiative comes against the backdrop of a renewed smear campaign allegedly orchestrated by a self-proclaimed ‘Coalition for Equity and Justice in Abia North Senate,’ a group whose members have held press briefings attacking Kalu’s plans to seek re-election in 2027.
The plot, according to stakeholders, is rooted in envy and fear that Kalu’s visible record of roads, water projects, schools, youth training and massive agricultural support is a stark contrast to what they failed to deliver during their years in public office.
Speaking at a special church service in Ogudu Asaa, Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Reverend Uche Emenike of the Methodist Church warned that the spiritual consequences of such attacks could be dire.
“Heaven will not be happy if anyone rises to oppose Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in 2027,” Rev. Emenike thundered to a packed congregation. “This is a man rebuilding communities, not just talking politics. From Umunneochi to Arochukwu, from Bende to Isuikwuato, the roads are there. The farmers are smiling. The youth are being trained and empowered. You cannot fight God’s favour and expect to succeed.”
Turning to Chima Agbaeze, one of Kalu’s loudest critics, Rev. Emenike described his actions as an “insult to the will of the people and the hand of God,” urging him to publicly apologise to both Kalu and the communities in Abia North.
“Anyone who spits on the hand that is building their future is not only ungrateful but invites divine wrath. Our people must not be deceived by this sudden pretence at moral outrage. Senator Kalu has given hope to the hopeless,” he added.
Other News
Also, the Abam bloc of the All Progressives Congress (APC) condemned the smear campaign against Kalu, describing it as the last resort of political opportunists, who once had power but failed to deliver anything close to Kalu’s record.
“Let it be known: You don’t silence legacy with blackmail,” the Abam leaders said. “These so-called champions of equity were nowhere to be found when mediocrity ruled our constituency. Now that OUK’s legacy of over 50 constituency projects, roads, schools, rural electrification and youth training stands tall, they are uncomfortable.”
They reminded the public that there is a clear precedent for a three-term senator, citing the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije who served Abia North for three terms without controversy.
“So, why the noise now? The answer is simple, OUK’s impact exposes their emptiness.
The politics of handouts is dead. The people want roads, they want training for their children, they want farming support and that is what OUK is delivering.”
The stakeholders warned that any attempt to hijack the narrative with sponsored press conferences and social media slander would fail, insisting that the real verdict lies in the hands of the people.
“This is not about one man’s ambition. It is about the people’s right to freely choose who truly represents them. Abam is watching. Abia North is watching. And in 2027, the decision will be made at the polling units not on the pages of paid statements.”
The gathering, described by observers as a show of political strength, saw leaders openly declare that the smear tactics of desperate opponents would not derail the push for continuity, good governance and national unity.
“Our people know the truth,” said one of the OUK Movement leaders from Bende. “It is not about slogans and new coalitions. It is about what you have done. From his days as governor to the senate, OUK has never abandoned Abia North.”
However, Senator Kalu also welcomed Kalu Uduma Igu, former member of the House of Representatives, into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Political analysts consider Igu’s defection as a sign that the senator’s camp remains the rallying point for credible, experienced leaders determined to build a stronger Abia North.
