[OPINION] The Political Legacy Of Orji Uzor Kalu In Abia State, By Bernard Ogbe

In 1999, Nigeria ushered in a new era of democracy, and Abia State witnessed the rise of a young and dedicated governor, determined to deliver good governance to this one among the newly created states. Despite facing limited financial resources at the time, the governor, affectionately known as the “Action Governor,” worked tirelessly to uplift Abia State in every way possible.

As democracy dictates, a successor to Orji Uzor Kalu was inevitable. The search for his replacement led to the emergence of Theodor Ahamefula Orji, whose election victory occurred while he was held in custody by the EFCC, during a politically charged period under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

When T. A. Orji took office, there were high hopes that he would continue the legacy of Orji Uzor Kalu. However, Abia State experienced a setback in both infrastructure and human development under his leadership. Many began to point fingers at Orji Uzor Kalu, blaming him for installing his Chief of Staff. Abia State’s citizens felt the brunt of this decline, especially as Theodore Orji was succeeded by Okezie Ikpeazu, who left the state with little to be remembered for, ranking it last among Nigeria’s 36 states.

Amidst growing discontent among the people of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu decided to prove his commitment to better governance by nurturing a new generation of politicians from his senatorial district. In 2019, Orji Uzor Kalu ascended to a prominent position in the country’s government, in the National Assembly, under the All Progressive Congress (APC), in the company of promising young politicians from Abia North who shared his vision of making a difference.

Orji Uzor Kalu, Benjamin Kalu, and Nkiru Onyejeocha, along with other like-minded individuals from Abia North, were elected to bring about positive change. Together, they demonstrated what good governance truly meant to the entire Abia State.

Abia North became a benchmark for measuring good governance, as Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu guided Hon. Nkiru Onyejeocha, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and Hon. Chijioke Chukwu in delivering exemplary representations.

Hon. Nkiru Onyejeocha made significant contributions through human empowerment, infrastructure development, and employment opportunities, greatly enhancing her representation. She’s also the Honorable Minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Cabinet. Her commitment to public services made it so.

Hon. Benjamin Kalu, with the support of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, seized the opportunity to serve his constituents effectively, earning a second term as a Federal House Member and becoming the Deputy Speaker of the 10th National Assembly, a source of pride for the people of Abia North, particularly for Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu.

In doing so, he vindicated Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s choices for public service. It’s clear that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu can take pride in his associates’ accomplishments.

Moreover, while some politicians faltered in their duties in 2007, the story in Abia North today is different, thanks to the dedicated efforts of these leaders from Abia North.

Abia State, particularly Abia North, holds promising political prospects. If these leaders continue to hold sway in the corridors of power, it won’t be long before Abia North experiences a fulfilling political transformation, delivering the dividends of democracy through the capable minds of its collective representatives.