By Ifeanyi Okali
In recent times, some critics have turned every challenge faced by our people into a tool for propaganda and political mischief. The latest target is erosion – a natural disaster – which some have unfortunately twisted into a weapon to score cheap political points.
Let’s be clear: Erosion is a natural phenomenon affecting communities across the entire South East, including places without any roads at all. To suggest that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) is somehow responsible for erosion is not just unfair – it is pure mischief and an attempt to deceive the unsuspecting.
The road in question currently circulating online is the Umuenyere–Alayi road, which was constructed around 2002/2003 during OUK’s tenure as Governor – almost 25 years ago.
In developed nations, road maintenance is carried out every 2–3 years. The fact that this road lasted nearly a quarter of a century before erosion cut off a section is proof of the quality of work delivered at the time. Should OUK now be blamed for nature taking its course after 25 years?
MY PERSONAL FINDINGS: I have personally investigated several erosion sites across Abia North – in Igbere, Bende, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, Ohafia North/South, and even the trending site in my own community, Ebem Ohafia. Just yesterday, I did a live coverage of the Abia State Government’s intervention at the Ezukwu erosion site in Ebem Ohafia, showing that work is ongoing. These experiences have convinced me that erosion is a challenge that requires partnership between communities and government, not propaganda.
As Governor, OUK tackled several erosion sites and built numerous link roads that transformed communities. As Senator, though it is not his constitutional duty to build roads, he continues to attract federal projects to Abia North.
It’s important to note that erosion control is not part of normal road contracts. Funds for erosion control come from the Ecological Fund, managed by State Governments under NEWMAP (Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project). Despite this, OUK has consistently pushed for Abia North erosion sites to be captured and funded in Abuja.
For the record, I am not OUK’s spokesperson. However, I believe we owe it to the public to take time to investigate, verify facts, and make findings before coming to the public with accusations. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.
OUK may not be a saint – no leader is. Criticism is welcome, but let it be based on facts, not propaganda. I am not one to speak carelessly on social media, but I will always stand for the truth.
As 2027 approaches, let’s focus on real solutions and genuine dialogue, not envy-driven noise. Abia North knows the difference between propaganda and performance, and history will favour leaders with a track record of results.
Easy comes, easy goes – let us respect ourselves. Criticise, yes, but with facts, biko nu.
….The mouth that spoke evil will one day speak good. And when wealth finishes, the pride of the toad is reduced.
Ifeanyi Okali writes from Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia LGA of Abia State.
16th September 2025
