Igbo Need Influential Lawmakers Like Orji Kalu in Senate – Onyike

By Ugbede James Ankpa

A former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi State, Chief Abia Onyike, has said that the Igbo nation still needs the likes of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC–Abia North) in the Senate to enhance their relevance in national politics.

Onyike, who also once served as Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), made the remarks during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki. He described Kalu, who first joined the Senate in 2019, as a seasoned politician with proven legislative capacity.

Highlighting Kalu’s contributions, Onyike noted that he is not given to empty sloganeering or populist rhetoric but maintains a strong connection to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has helped the region. He cited Kalu’s role in securing legislative approval for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), which attracted a budgetary allocation of N500 billion for infrastructure development.

Onyike further applauded Kalu’s efforts in facilitating the siting of a new Federal University at Item in Abia State, describing it as a major milestone. He also commended Kalu’s investments in the media, pointing out that the senator owns Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers, which together employ over 2,000 journalists.

“This level of media involvement is rare among Igbo businessmen, yet crucial for political relevance in Nigeria,” Onyike said, adding that Kalu’s demonstrated competence and track record justify his return to the Senate in 2027.

Echoing similar sentiments, a prominent elder in Abakaliki, Chief Bekee Orji, from Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, stressed the need for Kalu’s re-election. He described the senator as a man of influence and a businessman-politician whose ventures have provided employment to thousands of Nigerian youths.

Orji praised Kalu’s media investments and influence, stating that he is the kind of leader the South-East requires for strategic representation and national visibility.