Opinion
Five Things We Learnt From Senator Orji Kalu’s Visit to Ohafia
By Eni Kalu Eni, PhD
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s visit to Ohafia was more than a political tour. From his meeting with traditional rulers at Achichi to his visits to seven communities, the tour showed his deep relationship with Ohafia, his grassroots structure and the political strength he still commands in the area.
Here are five things we learnt.
1. Ohafia is home to Kalu
The reception showed that Kalu’s relationship with Ohafia did not start today.
Many of the elderly people who welcomed him remember his years as governor. They remember the free education programme, rural electrification and roads, including the Ebem-Asaga-Ndi Ibe-Amuma-Okon-Amangwu road linking several communities.
There is also a personal side to the relationship. Kalu holds the revered title of Ikenga of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and belongs to an age grade in Ohafia. At Okon, he reunited with members of his age grade.
For many who came out to receive him, it was a moment to reconnect with a man they have known for decades.
1. His grassroots appeal remains strong
One thing was difficult to miss throughout the tour: Kalu still enjoys significant grassroots support among those who turned out to receive him.
From Elu, where he walked through the streets amid cheers, to Amangwu, Okon, Amuma, Ndi Ibe/Ufiele, Eziafor/Ndi Orieke, Asaga and Amuke, residents came out to interact with him.
The tour also showed the difference between social media politics and grassroots politics. Elections are decided by people who come out to vote, and Kalu is taking his message directly to them.
His strength has always been his ability to connect personally with ordinary people, and that was again visible in Ohafia.
1. Ohafia knows Kalu beyond political noise
Kalu did not enter Ohafia as a politician trying to introduce himself.
The people have known him for decades and have their own memories of his time as governor and senator. Roads, schools, electricity, scholarships and other interventions formed part of the conversations during the tour.
This makes Ohafia an interesting political environment. The people can judge political claims against what they have personally experienced.
For anyone hoping to challenge Kalu, social media attacks alone will not be enough. They will also have to go into the communities, meet the people and present their own record and plans.
1. Kalu has a strong grassroots political structure
The tour also showed the depth of Kalu’s political organisation in Ohafia.
APC leaders in the area came out together. Candidates, former commissioners, former lawmakers, party executives and grassroots leaders joined him throughout the tour.
The unity among the party leaders was noticeable. They were not just political faces; many are people with established structures and relationships within their communities.
That kind of organisation matters in grassroots politics. It showed that Kalu has an experienced political network working with him across Ohafia.
1. The Ezieogos showed maturity and dignity
The meeting with the Council of Ohafia Monarchs at Achichi was another important moment.
Led by the Udumeze Ohafia, Ezie Ohamoha, Elder Awa Oji Udonsi, the traditional rulers received Kalu and discussed the development of Ohafia, Abia North and Abia State.
Their engagement also reflected Kalu’s longstanding relationship with the traditional institution. It was at Achichi that he was conferred with the title of Ikenga of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom.
The Ezieogos demonstrated the maturity expected of traditional rulers by focusing on peace, development and the interests of their communities.
For Kalu, the meeting reinforced one message that ran through the entire tour: his relationship with Ohafia goes beyond elections.
From the traditional rulers to the youths, women, elders and his age-grade members, the visit was largely a reunion with people and communities with whom he has maintained relationships for many years.