A Cleric and Indigene of Umuahia, Rev. Chucks Alonzie, has credited former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu , with laying a solid foundation for infrastructural development in the state, particularly in the area of road construction, noting that many of the projects executed during Kalu’s tenure remain durable and visible to this day.
Rev. Alonzie, who emphasized his deep ancestral roots in Umuahia, stated that during Kalu’s first tenure as governor between 1999 and 2003, Umuahia was transformed into a well-planned and organized capital city. According to him, the period marked a significant improvement in urban infrastructure and environmental conditions.
He recalled that major arterial roads in Umuahia, including Okigwe Road, Niger Road, Enugu Road, Aba Road and Azikiwe Road, were constructed during earlier administrations, while the Kalu administration focused extensively on urban renewal, street paving, drainage systems and erosion control measures that helped stabilize the city.
Rev. Alonzie listed several roads constructed under Governor Kalu’s administration across areas such as Over Rail and New Layout, including Ekwuruke Street, Obowo Street, Cameroon Street, Oboro Street, Oji River Street, Afara Street, Ogbulafor Street, Uwalaka Street, Orlu Street and Igbere Street. He noted that prior to 1999, many of these streets were muddy, dusty and environmentally unfriendly.
“Governor Orji Uzor Kalu relieved residents of immense hardship by ensuring that most of these streets were tarred without unnecessary publicity,” he said, adding that a majority of the roads constructed between 1999 and 2003 remain structurally strong till date. He also acknowledged that several road projects were executed in Aba and across rural communities in the state during the same period.
Rev. Alonzie recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during his first official visit to Abia State, described Kalu as the “Action Governor,” a title he said reflected the former governor’s proactive leadership style. He further highlighted Kalu’s popularity among Ndi Abia and his modest approach to governance, noting that he reportedly moved around without a bullet-proof vehicle and often used a coaster bus for official engagements.
The cleric cautioned against what he described as attempts by successive administrations to downplay the contributions of past governments, warning that such narratives are divisive and undermine the principle of continuity in governance.
“No government can sustainably claim it built a state alone while others did nothing,” he said, stressing that governance is a continuum and that every administration contributes to state development.
Drawing comparisons with Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Alonzie pointed out that successive governors in that state have consistently acknowledged the efforts of their predecessors, describing such an approach as healthy for corporate leadership.
He expressed concern that Abia State is becoming increasingly polarized due to political rhetoric, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritize unity, civility and collective development over partisan interests.
“Abia State will remain while governments come and go,” he said. “Every government has helped build Abia State in one way or another, including the present administration, whose contributions should also be appreciated.”
Rev. Alonzie concluded by calling on Ndi Abia to place their shared identity above political differences and to continue building the state in love and mutual respect.
Long Live Abia State.
