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RE: RESPONSE TO LABOUR PARTY’S FALSE CLAIMS AGAINST SENATOR ORJI UZOR KALU
The Office of the Senator Representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has taken note of a watery press release issued by the factional Abia State Chapter of the Labour Party through its factional State Publicity Secretary, Mr.
It reflects a lack of depth for the Labour Party to misinterpret a passionate political speech as a threat of violence. Senator Kalu remains a committed democrat who has never manipulated or authored election results. We challenge Governor Otti and his supporters to produce any evidence to the contrary. If anything, Senator Kalu has been a victim of manipulated outcomes, despite his firm belief in the demos—the will of the people—which was undermined by self-serving politicians, including Otti, who once sought Kalu’s support while quietly working against him in Abia North.
Any sense of panic clearly lies with Governor Otti, whose party is divided into three factions. He is an opportunist who recognises that his political time may be running out, particularly after being outplayed in his own tactics of deception and unfulfilled promises. Questions remain regarding the number of individuals he promised the deputy governorship position and how many such assurances were made.
Senator Kalu is a statesman with a proven electoral track record. He requires no lessons in civility from a party accused of relying on non-state actors and sympathisers of proscribed groups to intimidate opponents and influence elections. His remarks about defending his supporters were within the bounds of the law, especially against elements allegedly emboldened under the current administration. Under Governor Otti, the state has witnessed rising concerns, including drug abuse, vandalism, teenage pregnancies, and other social issues previously uncommon in Abia. Communities have also become divided due to chieftaincy and land disputes, allegedly fuelled by state actors for ulterior motives.
Kalu’s statement about defending the people’s mandate aligns with constitutional rights and does not constitute a threat. During his tenure, security was strengthened, with decisive action taken against armed robbery. It is also recalled that Governor Otti once acknowledged his mother’s admiration for Senator Kalu, reportedly noting that she would not tolerate criticism of him.
On infrastructure, Senator Kalu maintains that many of the roads currently being worked on were originally constructed during his administration across Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, Bende LGA, and beyond. Present efforts are therefore continuations of earlier projects. The current administration must explain why, despite receiving unprecedented allocations, it has not initiated comparable landmark projects such as general hospitals, ABSUTH, Commissioners’ Quarters, Enyimba and Umuahia Stadiums, among others completed within three years under Kalu. Renovation, it is argued, does not replace foundational development.
The Labour Party’s defence of Governor Otti, while acknowledging increased state revenue, raises further questions. With significantly higher allocations, why do salary arrears and pension issues persist? Why is the Government House undergoing costly renovation instead of prioritising primary healthcare?
Available figures suggest Abia State receives about ₦60 billion monthly, largely attributed to fiscal reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Concerns have been raised over expenditures, including travel costs, incomplete implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, and disparities in salaries across sectors. University lecturers, for instance, reportedly earn far below counterparts elsewhere, while school fees exceed ₦100,000, placing pressure on families. Despite a wage bill under ₦10 billion, transparency in the utilisation of remaining funds has been questioned, as workers and pensioners reportedly receive partial payments.
Further allegations point to significant spending on media campaigns, slow execution of infrastructure projects, and irregularities in disbursement of funds, including compensation controversies and project cost discrepancies. These issues, critics argue, highlight governance concerns under the present administration.
In response, the Office reiterates its willingness for full financial transparency and challenges Governor Otti to subject the state’s finances to a forensic audit from the beginning of his tenure. The outcome, it is believed, would clearly distinguish prudent management from alleged mismanagement. Questions also remain regarding claims of large-scale investments in smart schools.
Criticism of Senator Kalu’s personal residence is described as a diversion from governance issues. Kalu’s wealth, it is emphasised, predates his political career, with business ventures such as Slok Air and Slok Shipping established before 1999. His financial standing, achieved early in life, is attributed to legitimate private sector success rather than public office.
The Labour Party’s acknowledgment of current tuition levels above ₦100,000 contrasts with Kalu’s previous reduction of fees to ₦7,500, which addressed affordability concerns at the time. Rising fees under subsequent administrations, including the present one, are therefore seen as a reflection of current policy decisions.
Senator Kalu is described as politically independent, relying on an established grassroots base rather than coercion. In contrast, Governor Otti is portrayed as actively seeking alliances beyond the state. The reactions from his camp are interpreted as signs of political anxiety, with the electorate expected to judge based on past achievements versus current performance.
The Labour Party is advised to focus on governance, resolve pending legal matters, and refrain from unnecessary attacks. Senator Kalu, once celebrated as “action governor” and now regarded as “action senator,” remains confident that the people of Abia will distinguish between rhetoric and reality—aletheia, the truth, will prevail.
Signed:
George Maduka
Office of the Senator Representing Abia North
Federal Republic of Nigeria
March 17, 2026
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