Nneato Clan in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State yesterday, expressed their immense gratitude to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for the special attention he has continued to pay to their community in terms of development projects such as roads, electricity, education and healthcare facilities, solar street lights, sinking of boreholes among others.
They said Senator Kalu, who governed Abia State from 1999—2007 was the first and only governor in history to execute numerous development projects in Nneato, adding that his administration built landmark projects in the area such as the construction of Leru Nneato—Umuchukwu road, construction of Akawa—Aroikpa road, Amuba — Ebelebe road, Awo Ubahu road and many others.
They also thanked the senator for the construction and reconstruction of the major roads in Nneato with drainages, revealing that no past government did the roads prior to Kalu’s interventions as governor and now as a senator.
The Nneato people applauded Kalu, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Abia North Senatorial District, for the construction and renovation of classroom blocks, equipping them with modern furniture, and other educational facilities for conducive teaching and learning atmosphere.
They pledged to vote massively for Senator Kalu in the forthcoming general election to continue his excellent representation of Abia North Senatorial District.
Speaking during Senator Kalu’s campaign visit to the five Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) wards in the area, the traditional ruler of Nneato, Igwe Ebube Chukwu Kingsley Okereke, Igwe Nwajiofor Nnaya III of Nneato Ancient Kingdom, said that his people will forever remain indebted to the Senate Chief Whip because he is the only public office holder that has continued to remember them with basic infrastructures. Igwe Ebube made reference to projects such as the Leru and Nneato express road constructed when Senator Kalu was Abia State governor.
The royal father also mentioned current projects attracted by Kalu at the Senate, saying that he remains the only candidate that they would massively vote for in the forthcoming election.
“Kalu is our own son and he has never disappointed us both as governor and senator, so many projects he has done for us and we are very grateful to him. We know that he will do more when returns, and I and my people have resolved to vote for only him in the forthcoming elections,” he said.
President General of Eziama Nneato Development Union, Dr. Elijah Otutu, said that other candidates were merely wasting their effort, saying that Orji Kalu is the only name contesting the Senate owing to his blueprint in their localities.
Otutu said they’ll send Kalu back to the Senate with their votes; “The first development Nneato received was from you when you were Governor. In three years you have done projects at the Senate like Renovation of 1 Classroom block, Eziama Primary School Nneato and Construction of 2km road with asphalt and drainage at Akawa Aroikpa road. We have no reason not to vote for you on February 25. We will cast our votes and defend our votes.
Also speaking, a community leader from Nneato, Chief Boniface Ezechi recalled how Kalu gave Nneato its first tarred road. Ezechi stated that Kalu opened their eyes to realise that Senators build infrastructures as against what they were told that Lawmakers can’t do more than making laws.
He said: “He doesn’t need introduction, he has opened our eyes to see that Senators can facilitate infrastructures. Without him there will be no coal tar in Nneato and without him no effective representation. He is an enigma to the core , a bridge builder, a friend , brother and father. Our votes for him only.
Umunneochi Local Government Area Chapter Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. David Ole urged them to ensure that they have their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) ready to vote for their party. He explained the voting process to avoid void votes, he said that Kalu had performed well to warrant their mandate.
While appreciating their endorsements, Senator Orji Kalu charged the residents not to be swayed by food and financial inducements. Kalu said that he is only interested in executing projects and empowerments that will stand the test of time.
