Stakeholders across Abiriba Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State have endorsed the re-election of the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, citing his record of development, longstanding relationship with the community and quality representation in the Senate.
The endorsement came as Kalu toured all the wards in Abiriba in continuation of his ward-to-ward engagements across Ohafia Local Government Area, with community leaders, APC stakeholders, women and youths turning out in large numbers to receive the former Abia State Governor.
Kalu, who was accompanied by the APC candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa, began the Abiriba leg of the tour with courtesy visits to His Royal Majesty, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachioken of Abiriba Kingdom, and Eze Nwami, Chief Mrs. Ute Okocha K. Uba, at Obi Eze Ndi Iyom.
The traditional institutions received Kalu and his entourage and commended his longstanding relationship with Abiriba and representation of the people. They noted that Kalu, who holds a traditional title in the ancient kingdom, remains a beloved son of Abiriba.
After the royal visits, Kalu proceeded to the wards, where he and Ukwa thanked residents for coming out en masse to receive them.
Addressing the people, Kalu recalled his interventions in Abiriba during his tenure as Governor of Abia State, including the construction of ring roads and the appointment of several Abiriba sons and daughters into his administration.
“My relationship with Abiriba did not start today. When I was Governor, we constructed roads here and gave Abiriba sons and daughters the opportunity to serve in our government. People like Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, Chief George Nnanna Kalu and many others played important roles in our administration,” Kalu said.
“You have supported me right from my days as Governor, and I have continued to stand with Abiriba. Today, as your Senator, we are still bringing roads, schools and other projects to our communities. I am grateful for the support you have given me over the years, and I assure you that we will do even more.”
Kalu said his experience and position in the Senate would continue to be deployed in the interest of Abiriba and other communities in Abia North.
“I know the needs of our people. We still have roads to build, schools to improve and health centres that need attention. I am not coming here to make empty promises. You know my record. By the grace of God, we will continue to work and deliver for our people,” he said.
At Ugwu Nchara, Kalu announced that construction of the farm road leading to Ogo Ubi would commence by June next year.
“By June next year, we will begin the construction of the farm road leading to Ogo Ubi. After the 2027 election, we will also continue with more roads, primary schools and health centres. Abiriba has supported me, and I will continue to reciprocate that support with development,” he said.
Speaking during the tour, former Abia State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Chief George Nnanna Kalu, recalled his time in Kalu’s administration, saying the former governor gave him the necessary approvals and support to execute road projects and provide other basic infrastructure in Abiriba.
According to him, Kalu’s contributions to the community were visible and provided sufficient reason for Abiriba people to continue supporting him.
Also speaking, APC chieftain Hon. Ikechi Anya said Kalu’s status as a ranking Senator had placed him in a stronger position to attract development and provide an influential voice for Abia North in the National Assembly.
Anya urged the people to support the former governor for another term, arguing that retaining an experienced and ranking lawmaker would serve the interests of Abiriba and the entire senatorial district.
Chief Prince Uba Obasi E. expressed satisfaction with Kalu’s representation in the Senate and urged members of his community to support his re-election to enable him to continue his good works.
A former Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe, also threw his weight behind Kalu.
Ukiwe thanked the Senator for consistently identifying with the people of Abiriba and recalled the opportunities given to Abiriba sons and daughters to serve in government during Kalu’s tenure as governor.
He urged the community to stand solidly behind the Senator in 2027 to enable him to continue attracting development to the area.
For Mr. Okocha Urum, the relationship with Kalu was also personal. He recalled how Kalu sponsored him to China for further technical training, describing the opportunity as an intervention that contributed to his personal development.
Chief Edward Okocha said the people of Abiriba were solidly behind Kalu and other APC candidates, including Hon. Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa and Hon. Robinson Otuwe Kalu, expressing confidence that the community would work for their victory at the polls.
Addressing the gatherings, Ukwa thanked the people for the reception accorded him and Kalu.
He said that despite not currently holding elected office, he had facilitated and installed hundreds of solar-powered streetlights in Abiriba and provided educational materials to pupils and students in the community.
Ukwa promised to expand his interventions if elected to represent Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, saying he would reciprocate the support and affection shown to him by the people of Abiriba.
Throughout the tour, Kalu thanked Abiriba people for their years of friendship and support, describing his relationship with the community as one built on mutual trust and development.
“Abiriba has been with me for many years. I will never take your love and support for granted. This is a relationship we have built together, and it is a partnership that works. We will continue to move forward together,” Kalu said.
The Senator was accompanied on the tour by Hon. Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa, High Chief Uche Ogboso, Hon. Chief Mba Ukaha and Prince Emma Nwosu, among other party leaders and stakeholders.
Prominent Abiriba APC chieftains and stakeholders who joined the tour included Engr. Chief George Nnanna Kalu, former Abia State Commissioner for Works; Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe, former Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area; Chief Ndubuisi Eme; Hon. Ikechi Anya; Chief Edward Okocha; Chief Prince Uba Obasi E.; and Mr. Okocha Urum, among others.
