Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has revealed the reasons behind his public fallout with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, vowing to actively work against Otti’s re-election. Kalu stated that he initially considered Otti a friend and refrained from speaking negatively about the governor’s administration. This stance changed following a statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Okaoha, which criticized Kalu’s public support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu expressed his displeasure, asserting that his political affiliations should not warrant personal attacks. He described the criticism as unacceptable and pointed to the governor’s media team as the instigator of their public rift. The senator emphasized that he had not criticized the state government during the initial two years of Otti’s tenure, choosing to maintain a friendly approach.
However, the statement from the press secretary was a turning point. Kalu believes that any statement issued by a governor’s press secretary reflects the governor’s official position. He felt provoked by this perceived attack, which led him to declare his intention to support the APC’s electoral success in the state.
“They fired the first salvo, and I replied by saying that since I am APC, I will work for APC to win. We worked for him to win in 2023, but we are not going to do that again. We will work for our party. What is wrong with that? Is that why I should receive insults? I will work for my party,” Kalu stated.
The senator also questioned Governor Otti’s claims of outstanding performance. Kalu challenged the governor to present evidence of major infrastructure projects, suggesting that Otti’s administration is primarily engaged in rehabilitating roads that were initially constructed during Kalu’s own governorship. He contrasted this with his own tenure, highlighting the extensive development he claims to have initiated.
“I don’t know about outstanding performance. What I did in two years as governor is there for everyone to see. The money Alex Otti received in four months is what I received in eight years. So, what has he done? He is just repairing and rebuilding the roads I built between 1999 and 2007. I have not seen any new major road,” Kalu added.
Kalu further accused Governor Otti of neglecting rural communities. He pointed out that as a senator, he has been instrumental in developing new farmland roads, an area he believes the current governor has overlooked. Kalu contrasted this with his own past achievements, stating that his administration accomplished feats previously thought impossible in Abia State.
Recalling his time as governor, Kalu highlighted that education and healthcare were provided free of charge. He mentioned receiving praise from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who reportedly referred to him as an “action governor” for his developmental efforts. This historical context serves to bolster his critique of the current administration’s perceived lack of progress.
He concluded by downplaying the significance of social media praise for the current administration. Kalu argued that effective governance is not determined by online narratives but by tangible results and actions taken at the appropriate time. The senator’s remarks suggest a deep-seated dissatisfaction with Otti’s leadership and a commitment to challenging his administration.
Featured snippet paragraph: The fallout between Orji Uzor Kalu and Abia Governor Alex Otti stems from a public statement by Otti’s press secretary criticizing Kalu’s political support for APC. Kalu, who initially considered Otti a friend, felt provoked and declared his intention to work against Otti’s re-election, citing a lack of major new infrastructure projects and neglect of rural areas.
Kalu’s strong words indicate a significant political shift and a potential challenge to Otti’s grip on Abia State politics. The senator’s focus on past achievements and current perceived shortcomings aims to undermine the governor’s narrative and rally opposition.
The senator’s comparison of financial resources received and projects completed between his tenure and Otti’s highlights his argument that the current administration is not delivering substantial new development. This forms a core part of his criticism and justification for his opposition.
Kalu’s reference to his own senatorial projects, particularly farmland roads, serves to contrast his proactive development efforts with the governor’s alleged inaction in neglected areas. This specific example is used to illustrate his broader point about rural community neglect.
His mention of free education and healthcare during his governorship, along with external validation from a former president, is intended to position his past leadership as a benchmark for effective governance. This historical perspective is used to question the current administration’s performance.
Kalu’s dismissal of social media hype as a measure of governance underscores his belief that true progress is visible through concrete actions and development, not just online discourse. This reflects a traditional view of leadership and accountability.
This public disagreement sets the stage for potential political battles in Abia State, with Kalu positioning himself as a vocal critic and opponent of Governor Otti’s administration. His detailed reasons suggest a well-thought-out strategy to challenge the incumbent governor.
Orji Kalu’s statement about working for the APC in the next election signifies a clear alignment against Governor Otti, who is likely not from the APC. This political maneuver is a direct consequence of the perceived insults and criticisms leveled against him.
The senator’s insistence on his right to support his party without facing insults is a key point of contention. He views the governor’s press secretary’s statement as an overreach and a personal attack on his political freedom and choices.
The narrative presented by Kalu paints a picture of betrayal and unprovoked aggression from the governor’s side, justifying his retaliatory stance. He uses the press secretary’s statement as evidence of this perceived provocation.
