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By Kenneth Udeh
Former Abia State Governor and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that he would continue to remain a grassroots person. He said community activities as well as its development were major aspects of his life which he could not do without despite his many engagements
According to the Abia North Senator, beside executing his legislative duties, he has over the years, maintained a close relationship with his constituents to their various households through his active participation in traditional activities in the community and other household engagements.
Kalu stated this at the home of Mrs Frances Amaka Ikwechegh, where he paid her a courtesy visit to commemorate her age grade traditional retirement – “Igbotonma.” Speaking to newsmen, Kalu stressed that his close relationship with his people involves supporting the community by visiting their various households regardless of their social strata
His words: “I am a community man and I cannot live without being a community man. It’s going to send a bad signal to our community if they don’t see me during their community-based activities, because this has been my way of life right from my childhood days.
“The community grassroots is very important because whatever happens at the National level starts from our various communities. That’s also another reason I pay serious attention to issues in the community.
“Asides my parliamentary and business engagements, it’s my duty to come to the field and support the community and support the people doing something by going to their houses and making sure that we are with them.
“It is our tradition and I can’t run away from it. You can see for yourself that I’m very close to our community people. It’s a big day in our village. This ceremony is about celebrating people while they are alive, so it’s very important.
“My word for her is for her to continue being the community leader that she has been, a mother to all and for all of us. We will be looking forward to coming to serve her in every way she wants us to serve her as our mother, sister, wife and also a community leader.”
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, has over 50 ongoing and completed road projects in the constituency to his credit. He has also renovated and reconstructed schools, hospitals and provided motorised boreholes, agricultural implements, educational learning materials and other empowerment materials for members of his constituency.
