Ex-lawmaker, youths warn over smear campaign against Senator Kalu

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

A former member of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu has warned desperate politicians to refrain from trying to pull down Senator Orji Uzor Kalu or engage in acts that could destabilise the political environment of Abia North.

This is even as some youths in Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State cautioned certain government actors against manipulating public perception and falsely portraying their personal agenda as the collective voice of the Ohafia people.

Hon Uchendu, who noted that Senator Kalu is widely regarded as a leader who has done so much for his state and his zone in general, revealed that reckless utterances, sponsored protests, and calculated misinformation against him are dangerous tools that ultimately harm the state and its people. “His commitment to public service has consistently translated into visible projects and opportunities that have improved the lives of ordinary people. These achievements stand as evidence of purposeful leadership and cannot be wished away by political propaganda.

“Beyond his accomplishments, Senator Kalu has remained a strong voice for unity and progress, advocating dialogue and cooperation across political and ethnic lines.”

Meanwhile, youths in Ohafia have condemned sponsored attacks on the person of Senator Kalu.

In a statement, the youths said, “The attention of concerned youths of Ohafia land has been drawn to a carefully orchestrated and politically motivated protest sponsored by certain known government actors and persons of interest who are attempting to manipulate public perception and falsely portray their personal agenda as the collective voice of the Ohafia people.

“Credible information shows that, following a closed-door meeting with a few selected individuals parading themselves as “youth representatives,” we’re told and paid to mobilise unsuspecting youths and Labour Party members under the pretence of attending a government empowerment programme in Umuahia.

“They were instructed to assemble at the Labour Party office in Ebem Ohafia, where buses and logistics were already arranged by the political sponsors. Upon arrival in Umuahia, these unsuspecting participants are to be handed placards and directed to engage in a protest purely scripted to satisfy the media optics of their sponsors.

“We have also observed that the primary objective of this entire sponsored outing was to attack and demean the person of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, using innocent Ohafia youths as instruments of political propaganda. This is unacceptable and strongly condemned.

“It is particularly disturbing that one of the said government political actor is widely known for repeatedly making headlines around communal tensions and crises in Ohafia land. Ohafia will not be dragged into avoidable conflict again, and the community does not want to lose any of its youths again to politically engineered confrontations or provocations.

“‎This act is deceptive and a gross abuse of the trust, innocence, and economic vulnerability of our youths and women. Ohafia people are known for dignity, hospitality, courage, and integrity; we cannot and will not allow a few desperate political actors to misrepresent our collective character before the public for selfish political gain.

“The Udumaeze of Ohafia has already issued a clear warning that no individual or group should use the name of Ohafia or any arm of its traditional, social or community structure for personal political purposes. The institution has disassociated the community from the said protest and cautioned those behind it to desist immediately.”

The statement warned that the community will not be used as a theatre for political desperation or as a platform for character attacks against any individual.