Reverend Chika Ubani, a well-known clergyman from Abia state, has praised former governor Orji Uzor Kalu as a beacon of hope and a transformative leader who steered the state in the right direction. Ubani believes that Abia flourished under Kalu’s leadership from 1999 to 2007.
Ubani appealed to politicians and leaders to refrain from making derogatory statements about the state, as such remarks can fuel tension. He finds it unacceptable to label governance in Abia as wasteful over a span of 24 years.
The reverend reminded people of former President Obasanjo’s recognition of Kalu as the “action governor” for his remarkable developmental achievements in a short period of time.
According to Ubani, Abia experienced significant improvements across all sectors, with many people even relocating to Aba.
He emphasized the importance of continuity in governance, and he expects Kalu’s successors to build upon his accomplishments, as Governor Otti is attempting to do now.
Ubani pointed out that even Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociopolitical group, endorsed Kalu as its presidential candidate in 2007.
He believes that if Kalu had failed as a governor, Abians and Imolites would have rejected his Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) party. The people witnessed the flourishing state under Kalu’s leadership, leading to massive support from all quarters.
Ubani finds it shocking that those who contributed to the state’s decline when Kalu had already left office are now claiming that Abia was in a state of wilderness for 24 years.
The reverend highlighted Kalu’s achievements, including the Aba Independent Power Project, the recovery of infrastructure in Aba, and the establishment of the Bakassi Boys, which later became the Abia Vigilante Services.
He credits Kalu with effectively combating criminal activities and restoring security and order in Aba and the state as a whole.
He believes that no other vigilante group in Nigeria has been as well-equipped and successful as the one established under Kalu’s leadership.
During Kalu’s tenure, he was widely recognized as the best-performing governor, and Abia was celebrated for its infrastructural development, second only to Lagos. Ubani credits Kalu with setting the stage for sustainable development in the state.
