Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu says his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will reclaim Abia state in the 2023 general elections.
Kalu stated this while receiving over 5,000 members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who decamped to the APC in Isiala Ngwa North LGA of Abia state, yesterday, Igbere TV reports.
“We must reclaim Abia state come 2023, and I am not mincing words, we are not leaving any stone unturned, we have already set the agenda and we are working towards it. The APC is a party for all Nigerians regardless of religion or tribe,” he said.
Senator Orji Kalu berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led administration in the state for its alleged failure to consolidate on the good works he left behind as Governor.
According to Kalu, “I introduced PDP into this state and I will also be the one that will sweep away the PDP. During my tenure as governor, we implemented a completely free education policy, it didn’t end there we also provided the students with free stationery and school uniforms. Unfortunately, the reverse has been the case ever since I left as Governor.
“Government must prioritize the welfare of the people. The local government must be empowered and well funded and allowed to operate autonomously because the local government is the foundation that delivers democratic dividends to the people.”
While recounting his achievements as Senator, Kalu said “take a tour to Abia-North and see what is happening there. We are just one year plus in office but we are renovating over 50 primary schools, we have also attracted 19 road projects which are ongoing. That is what democracy is all about.”
Leader of the APGA, Hon. Ezechimerem Ihuoma, who led the decamping APGA members, said it became necessary to join the APC which they described as the progressive moving train in the state as a result of the result-orientated leadership of Orji Kalu.
Ihuoma said he decided to lead thousands of his supporters to the APC to support and restore the glory of Abia State. He disclosed that he was inspired by the development agenda of Kalu in Abia-North.
In his words, “We are strongly against the bad governance in Abia, by joining the APC today we have conquered the PDP in this state. We are going to fight by mobilizing our people to make the change. I am glad that Senator Orji Kalu the leader of the party in the Southeast is here present.”
Earlier, the APC LGA party chairman, Hon Endy U. welcomed the new entrants and assured them of a level playing ground in the party. He emphasised the need for the members to mobilise at their various wards.
Meanwhile, while presenting the broom to the decamping APGA members, Sen. Kalu welcomed them to the new party, urging them not to relent in their quest for good governance.
Igbere TV reports that the decamping ceremony, which held yesterday, had in attendance party faithfuls and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia led by Senator Orji Kalu, who is leader of the party in the Southeast.