Abia-North: ‘Expect More Devt Projects’ Sen. Orji Kalu Tells Nkporo Community

Constituents of Nkporo in Ohafia LGA of Abia-North Senatorial District have been assured that more developmental projects will be sited  in their community within the 2022/2023 budget year.

The assurances were given by their Senatorial representative Senator Orji Uzor Kalu during his visit to the community on Saturday held at the Palace of HRH Eze Patrick O Ogbuagu , the Ezeaja of Nkporo Ancient Kingdom.

Kalu had last Friday led the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and other distinguished Senators to inaugurate some constituency projects which he facilitated to his Abia North Senatorial District. The projects were mainly intra- and inter-community roads constructed in Bende, Ohafia and Isuikwuato Local Government Areas. The completed road projects constitute the 53 community roads, amongst others attracted by Kalu within three years as a first time Senator.

During the interactive session with his constituents who gathered at the Palace, Senator Kalu conveyed his commitment to expedite more projects in the community. Speaking further the Senate Chief Whip beseeched the indulgence of the community over the absence of Ahmad Lawan and other Senators to visit them on Friday for the inauguration of the already constructed 7.5KM road project in Agbaja, Nkporo. The 7.5Km road was among the roads scheduled to be commissioned by Ahmad Lawan on Friday, however the Senate President wasn’t able to make it to the community due to other pressing engagements outside the state.

According to reports the community rolled out a line up of pomp activities in honour of Lawan and his entourage in appreciation of the projects sited in their community by their Senatorial representative Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. They were however left disappointed when they received the news that Lawan wouldn’t be able to attend the commissioning ceremony.

In his appeal the Senate Chief Whip explained that the Senate President was in a hurry to attend to other pressing engagements outside the country, kalu added despite him being the host, time didn’t even permit the Senate President to visit his hometown Igbere not talk of coming to his house.

“Lawan didn’t even visit my house, he was in a hurry. He didn’t even step into Igbere and also he is my Boss at the Senate. He is the first and I am the 4th in the hierarchy of the Senate. If it were to be a Governor I would have asked him to turn back because I was also a Governor 22 years ago. 

“The situation was totally out of my control, despite being my guest because I invited him and other Senators ,I didn’t even have the opportunity to even host them in my house. I understand how you all feel and the preparations you made to welcome us but , kindly accept our apology and we ask for your understanding,” Kalu said.

Giving an insight into the state of road projects in the community, the former Governor said that asides the 7.5Km road, the Etitiama elugwu Nkporo road will be extended.  He explained that the road ought to have been extended but due to the existing contract to a previous contractor who has threatened to institute legal action if the road project is re-awarded to a new contractor. Orji Kalu also mentioned that another Borehole water project will be built in Etitioma which will add to the 3 Boreholes already built in Agbaja,Amuri and Enugwu in areas of the community.

He said; “I am happy that I and the Senate President were not coming to make promises to build projects, we were actually coming to commission visible projects that had been completed. The road has not been completed because there is an existing contract for the construction of that road but I am discussing it with the Minister for works. 

“I have met with President Buhari to review the contract so we can extend the construction of the road. There is a contractor who was earlier awarded the contract and he has threatened to head to the court if the contract is re-awarded. Some communities have gotten Boreholes but now it is the turn of Etitioma.

In his response Ezeaja commended Kalu for the projects in his community, he added that Kalu expedited the projects as a result of his good heart.

“We are grateful to you for the wonderful works you are doing in your community, it’s not just  because it’s your duty but as a result if you are kind hearted.  I pray that God bless you more in your endeavours at the Senate.