Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, clarified that the bags of rice distributed in Igbere, Bende local government area, were not provided by the federal government, according to IgbereTV correspondent.
This statement comes in light of rumors suggesting that the rice, featuring the image of the former Abia governor, was donated to the Senate for distribution among their constituents.
In a video release, Sen. Kalu, former Chief Whip of the Senate noted that the rice was sponsored by Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, a custom he said the non-governmental organisation has upheld for decades.
“The rice I shared in Igbere, carrying my picture is a normal rice that Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation has been giving since 1986 and we used to share to the whole state — Abia North, South and Central and we also shared to less privileged persons in other parts of the country.
“It is not rice from the Senate. Today is 14th January 2024. If we will collect rice, unless we will collect it tomorrow but as of now, I have not collected any rice from the Senate”, the lawmaker stated.
Donations from NEMA have already been distributed, and he encourages his constituents to dismiss any rumors.
In his hometown of Igbere, the former Governor has distributed 25,000 bags of rice and cash grants to support his constituents in celebrating the festive season.
