20th June, 2024
The Leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State have described Abia-North Senator Orji Kalu as a “priceless asset” to the party.
The party made the declaration through its state chairman Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu on Thursday during a “unification” party meeting held at Camp Neya, Igbere, home of Kalu.
The meeting which was hosted by Senator Kalu had in attendance local government and ward executives including loyalists of the party’s 2023 Governorship candidate, Ikechi Emenike.
The state party chairman highlighted the indelible impacts of the former Abia Governor in moving the party forward which he described as “indispensable”.
Ononogbu explained that Kalu’s influence has ensured that the party remains a force to reckon with in the state specifically narrating the comforting fatherly role Kalu played when he made up his mind to resign his Chairmanship position due to infractions within the party.
Ononogbu recalled how Senator Kalu encouraged him to remain resolute and resolve all issues, this is just as he declared Kalu’s home the fortress of the party in Abia State.
Addressing a gathering of Local government and ward executives, Ononogbu bemoaned how lack of unity among the stakeholders has caused the party losses especially in the last general elections.
He urged the members to unite; “ I have been working with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and he has been very supportive to the party.
“I am specially happy for this meeting because it’s the right thing to do for our party as brothers and sisters. Not being together as a party has caused us a lot and it’s time we realize we can achieve more with unity”.
“Myself , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Hon Benjamin Kalu and Minister are all from Abia North, Bende to be precise and We have all we need to make Abia APC stronger . If Abia North is not strengthened in unity, it won’t be good for the state.
“Let me say this publicly for the first time to thank Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for his guidance. When I first came on board there were a lot of troubles from different stakeholders which made me want to quit, Senator Kalu was the one who told me that I cannot quit. “He discouraged me from resigning and insisted I remain chairman.
“Most of our foot soldiers are the cause of the problems, the go round spreading rumours, they meet us separately and tell us rumours that will pitch us against one another.
“I have been seeking his opinion, there was no time he turned his back on me and a lot has been achieved. Let me put it on record that Ikechi Emenike has always told me that Senator Orji Kalu remains the only two time Governor of our party and no matter the dispute he cannot be ignored.
Another appeal by the Chairman was for the party leaders to work in unity so that we can win other Senatorial zones and the Governorship seat for our party in 2027.
Ononogbu called on the leaders;
“We are going to work together as a starting point because, ‘I am a builder not a spoiler’, when I became chairman I was told that there are different groups but I made sure I identified with all of them.
“We should gradually create a template that will make us work together until Congress comes then everyone can male their choices and we have achieved that unity.
“If we work together we can take over Abia-Central and Abia-South and if we get it right we can win any election. “These quarrels have not gotten us anywhere, we have to come together so we don’t lose again.
Former Party Chairman of the party in the state Chief Donatus Nwankpa declared that the APC is longer factionalised in Abia. Nwankpa who currently serves as the National Welfare Secretary of the ruling Party urged the Ononogbu not to align with any faction but rather reach out to all stakeholders of the party.
Nwankpa expressed confidence in Ononogbu; “There are no more factions in Abia APC, I advise the Chairman to reach out to all the leaders, you have the courage and capacity. One tree cannot make a forest. When other leaders invite you make sure you attend and don’t discriminate.
Nwankpa also commended Kalu’s representation at the Senate; “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is the most performing Senator. He is a grassroots and charismatic Senator. If APC does not produce the governor in 2027 we have failed. In my tenure I produced APC Senators , House of Representatives Members and House of Assembly members, now the current Chairman is supposed to produce the next APC Governor of this state.
“Leadership is not imposed but earned. I have not come to praise you but don’t allow anyone to spoil your administration because you are a good man. Carry this message of unity to all the 17 LGAS OF Abia.
In his remark Senator Kalu directed that henceforth loyalists of different stakeholders are to participate in any Political meeting he summons.
Kalu also enjoined all stakeholders to obey the directives of Ononogbu;
“Nobody should disobey what the chairman has said , when you get to various wards make sure you hold meetings”.
“Whenever you call for meetings ensure that all the factions attend and make sure you invite the party chairman. You have heard from the Party Chairman and the National Welfare officer you must seek peace.
Kalu also lamented the exclusion of Abia APC members from the recent board announcements due to disagreements within them.
He said; “The list of Board appointments was supposed to come from the office of the state party chairman, but different factions were submitting names at Abuja and the names were turned down.
“I have always said that I don’t belong to any faction as from today anytime I call for meetings both factions must attend and they will be treated equally.
Kalu also urged members of OUK Movement and Reality Organisation to work in synergy with the party chairman.
“OUK movement is the largest political group In Abia and we also have a reality organisation and we have never rigged any election. We won in all wards and my advice to you all is to listen to the Chairman, he is a true democrat and understands the business of Politics,” Kalu stressed.
