Dear Iroegbu Emenike,
Permit me to respond to your open letter with the candor and conviction it deserves:
Let’s set the record straight: No individual, however concerned, has the moral standing to dictate when a leader of OUK’s caliber should retire from public service. The right to seek elective office is not a privilege doled out at anyone’s discretion-it is a constitutional guarantee, and the ultimate decision rests with the people of Abia North, not with self-appointed gatekeepers.
You referenced legacy, honour, and the need to step aside. But let us look at the real legacy OUK is building-one that is visible, measurable, and unmatched in the history of our district. Under his tenure, Abia North has experienced infrastructural development on a scale never before witnessed: schools and health centers have sprung up, roads have been constructed to connect our communities and boost commerce, and solar streetlights have brought new life and security to our villages. These are not empty gestures-they are life-changing interventions that have touched every corner of our constituency.
OUK’s commitment to empowering our youth and women is evident in the vocational training, scholarships, and financial support he has championed. He has opened doors for countless young people and families, fostering a generation that is self-reliant and confident in their future. The agricultural sector, the backbone of our local economy, has received unprecedented support under his leadership, resulting in increased productivity and prosperity for our farmers.
Let’s not forget: OUK is not the first to seek a third term. The late Senator Uche Chukwumerije represented Abia North for three consecutive terms, and Senator Abaribe has been in the Senate since 2007. Why should OUK be denied what others before him have achieved, especially when his impact is so profound and ongoing?
To claim that OUK is a “spent force” is to ignore the overwhelming evidence of his effectiveness and the groundswell of support he enjoys across Abia North. In 2023, the people spoke at the ballot box-and they chose progress, continuity, and proven leadership. The work is not yet done, and the progress achieved under OUK’s watch must not be truncated by sentiment or misinformation.
As we look to 2027, let us be clear: there is no vacancy in the Abia North senatorial seat because the mandate is still alive, the vision is still unfolding, and the people are not ready to trade tested leadership for uncertainty. OUK’s track record is not just a point of pride for the APC-it is a beacon for all of Abia North.
So, my dear Emenike, with utmost respect, I urge you and all well-meaning constituents to join hands in supporting Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for another term. Let us not be swayed by distractions or attempts to rewrite history. Let us stand firm for progress, unity, and the unstoppable development of Abia North.
