Kenneth Udeh, Umuahia
By fulfilling the majority of his pledges made to their respective communities during the 2019 General elections, the Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has been described as a “Promise Keeper” by his constituents.
Scores of community dwellers at Abam wards in Arochukwu local government area and Itumbauzo, Bende Ward1 both in Bende Local Government area made the disclosure on Wednesday during Kalu’s legislative performance Town Hall meetings ,while attesting to projects expedited in the respective wards under his three year tenure.
In continuity of his Mid-Term constituency report tour, the Abia-North Senator and his crew turned up at ; Idima Abam, Ohafor Ward 2,Ndi Oji Abam and Ozu Abam wards of Arochukwu LGA including Itumbauzo and Bende Wards of Bende LGA.
At each meeting Senator Kalu explained that projects in each community were being executed in phases in accordance with how they were included in the national budget from 2019 – 2022.
While he sought the understanding of the constituents, Kalu enumerated a list of key ongoing and completed projects he had facilitated to their respective wards. Rather than use the Senate recess period to rest he decided to embark on the tour in order to interact with his constituents with a view of identifying their needs for input in the 2023 budget set to be Presented by President Buhari in September.
Speaking on behalf of the Community,President General of Itumbauzo Development Union, Mr. Iseh Daniel expressed gratitude to Senator Kalu with regards to ongoing construction of the “Itumbauzo – Ntalakwu” Road linking them to Akwa Ibom. According to Iseh the road is in fulfilment of the promise Kalu made to the community during the 2019 General elections.
“We all gathered here to thank you for the construction of Itumbauzo Ntalakwu Road which you promised in 2019, today work has commenced on the road , this shows that you’re a promise keeper just like you were as Governor of this state”, Iseh expressed.
Earlier, Kalu reminded the gathering that his election to the Senate afforded him the opportunity to continue the construction of the Ntalakwu Road which was abandoned since he left as Governor.
Homage was paid by Kalu and his team at the Palace of the Ezeogo of Idima Abam Chief Mba Kalu Ugbo. Kalu who was later joined by prominent politician and business Tycoon Chief Daniel Okeke proceeded to interact with residents of the community at the already jam-packed Amaogudu community hall where he was welcomed by the Elder Bassey Okorie and Mr. Mike Onwuchekwa the President Generals of Idima Abam and Atani Abam communities respectively.
During the interaction credit and laudation were given to Senator Kalu over the construction of the “Atani – NdiOji Road”, an appeal was however raised for the construction of the Idima Abam which is currently in a terrible condition.
On his arrival at Ndioji Abam ,Kalu paid a courtesy call to the Traditional ruler, H.R.H. Prof. Sunday Kalu Okpi who in turn appreciated Kalu for the nearly completed “Atani-Ndi Agbor road”.
Speaking at all the wards Senator Kalu assured the constituents that they wouldn’t be denied their Democratic dividends, stating that he is a working tool of God.
“This road can never be the same , I’ll make sure it is better. The road is not just for the community but for me and even my family members. I’ll make sure you get what is due for you at the Senate. As a Senator It’s not my constitutional duty to build roads and other utilities but I’m taking it upon myself to do them because we need one another”.
“More is still expected from us , other parts are getting it, we have not forgotten your locality, we all have to be patient, the 9th Senate will present their last budget. If by God’s grace I return with your mandate , I will follow up in the 10th Senate. I am diligent in all my workings and I am very disciplined, Senator Kalu noted.
Defying the dusk,constituents of Bende ward thronged in their huge numbers in carnival manners to receive Senator Orji Kalu. At each ward Kalu was accorded similar heroic receptions from gatherings while receiving assurances of their commitment to ensure that he returns to the Senate in 2023.