Bishop Silas Eke of Kingly Assembly has commended Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for what he described as visible and far-reaching development efforts across Ohafia communities, assuring the former Abia State governor that the clan remains solidly behind him despite what he termed unnecessary political distractions.
Speaking in Ohafia, Bishop Eke said the numerous projects executed by Senator Kalu across different wards clearly demonstrate his commitment to grassroots development and his enduring bond with the people. He noted that interventions spanning education, road infrastructure, water supply, electrification and health have had direct impact on everyday life in the area.
According to the cleric, the renovation and construction of classroom blocks in several primary and secondary schools across Ohafia have helped to improve learning conditions for pupils and students. He also pointed to the provision of desks, distribution of school bags, textbooks and other educational materials, as well as the construction of hostels and school halls, describing them as timely interventions that have eased pressure on parents and school authorities.
Bishop Eke further highlighted the construction and rehabilitation of roads linking communities such as Isiugwu, Abia Ohafia, Ndi Uduma Awoke, Asaga, Okon and Amaekpu, saying the projects have improved accessibility and boosted local economic activities. He added that the provision of solar street lights and borehole water schemes across several communities has enhanced security and access to clean water.
Encouraging Senator Kalu to remain steadfast, Bishop Eke urged him to be strong and courageous, stressing that Ohafia sees him as one of its own. “Ohafia loves him. Ohafia sees him as one of us,” he said, advising the senator not to be distracted by the activities of what he described as a few selfish individuals attempting to cause crisis within the clan.
Recalling a historic moment in Ohafia’s traditional history, the bishop said as an elder, he clearly remembers how all the 26 villages in Ohafia gathered to confer on Orji Uzor Kalu the highest traditional title in the clan, naming him the Ikenga of Ohafia. According to him, the honour reflected genuine acceptance and appreciation for Kalu’s contributions. “That title was not given lightly,” he said. “It was the collective voice of Ohafia.”
Bishop Eke disclosed that he constantly prays for the senator, assuring him of divine support. He urged Kalu to ignore his distractors and remain focused on service. “God knows his love for Ohafia,” he said, “and God will not abandon him.”
The cleric also issued a strong caution to David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, Abia State Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and Sam Anya, warning them to desist from actions capable of overheating the polity in Ohafia. He accused them of manipulating and twisting non-existent events in an attempt to pitch Senator Kalu against the people. “You don’t create tension where none exists,” Bishop Eke said, adding that such actions only sow division.
According to Bishop Eke, while Orji Uzor Kalu is widely loved across Ohafia, attempts to exploit political differences to manufacture tension were unnecessary and unacceptable. He stressed that democracy allows for differing opinions and political views.
“This is democracy, people are free to hold their views. But
twisting stories to cause crisis is not acceptable.”
He concluded by reaffirming that the projects executed across Ohafia stand as lasting evidence of Senator Kalu’s bond with the people, expressing confidence that the community’s love for him remains strong.
“The works speak for him. Ohafia loves Orji Uzor Kalu, and that love is not going anywhere,” he said.
