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By Kenneth Udeh
Several wards in Isuikwuato Local Government Area have joined their counterparts in declaring support for the re-election of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District at the Senate.
Sunday Sun gathered that the electorate’s decision to back Kalu, who is the Chief Whip of the Senate, was hinged on his performance in his first term, which they described as “outstanding,” noting that his return to the 10th Assembly would guarantee the facilitation of more developmental projects in their areas in addition to the ones he had already executed in his first term.
Kalu had on Thursday commenced a campaign tour of the 103 wards in Abia North Senatorial District, to seek re-election to the Senate.
Kalu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) received the endorsements of his constituents on Friday, when he extended his campaign tour to seven wards in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, namely Nulya, Amaiyi, Obinaohia Ward 5, Mgbelu Umunnekwu Ward 11, Umunnekwu Agbo Ward 6, Eluama Ward 4, Obialiugo Ward 12, Otamba Ward 3 and Umuasua Ward.
At Nulya Amaiyi Obinaohia, scores of residents led by the ward’s APC Youth Leader, Uche Edom, acknowledged Kalu’s impacts on their community, stating that although the road leading to the community was yet to the constructed, they were, however, optimistic that Kalu’s re-election would guarantee its construction.
Similarly, constituents of Umunnekwu Ward 11 ratified Kalu’s re-election bid, stating that his election into the 10th Senate would give the lawmaker additional opportunity to consolidate on his infrastructural drive in their community.
Speaking at the gathering, Secretary of OUK Movement Umunnekwu, Nnamdi Aguoha, said that judging by Kalu’s exploits in his first term, they had seen the difference between the Senate Chief Whip and other past and current lawmakers.
He said: “You have opened our eyes to what we never knew was possible to be done by lawmakers; with what you have done in just two and a half years at the Senate, we are sure that your return will bring us more development.”
Speaking at Obialugo Ward 12, the President-General of Umuobiala, Chief Peter Onozie, said Kalu had become a household name as a result of the fulfilment his 2019 promise to construct their road.
On the community’s consensus to vote overwhelmingly for Kalu, Onozie said: “We are full of appreciation for the construction of this road; to say the least you don’t need to campaign because you’re like a good product that sells itself without advertisement.
“You came here in 2019 and promised to do this road and you didn’t disappoint. We are also pleased that you have disclosed that you’ll extend it from Amaise to Umuokogbo. We know no other candidate except you, and come 25th of February we shall cast our votes massively in your favour.”
It was not different at Eluama and Umuasua wards where the residents applauded Kalu for the projects he attracted to their communities, which included the construction of their rural roads, installation of solar street lights, sinking of water boreholes, renovation of schools and health centres, youths and women empowerment, business grants and so many other benefits.
Kalu pledged to persevere on actions that will improve the lives of his people and provide opportunities that will engender human capital development for the sustainable growth of Abia North Senatorial District, Abia State and Nigeria in general.
He described the numerous projects he attracted and executed as part of measures put in place to absorb the teeming youths of Abia North, Abia State and Nigeria in general and bring economic prosperity to the people.
He also promised more development projects in the senatorial district when re-elected in 2023. Kalu sought the understanding of the electorate, reminding them that prior to his tenure, nothing was in place. He said that more roads and other infrastructure would be extended to each community when he returned.
“Development is a continuous process; I will do more for Abia North and Abia State in general when I am re-elected.
“I am not here to tell stories, but to interact with you on more things we can do; you have seen for yourselves what I am capable of doing. Some are talking about the roads not being extended into their wards, but don’t forget that in 2019 there was nothing in place until I came.
“So, be rest assured that the road and other infrastructures will be expanded once I return to the Senate. We are not interested in telling stories, but matching words with action.
“Some of your former and existing lawmakers told you that parliamentarians don’t build roads, but you can see that I have been able to prove them wrong. The Uuru road has already commenced and we are also extending the road from Amaise to Umuokogba, and at Umuasua same thing will be done from Amukwu to Amaebo.”
