Abia’s Development Did Not Start Yesterday, Rev. Alozie Says as He Reaffirms Kalu’s Indelible Legacy, Lists Enduring ProjectsFrom Kenneth Udeh, Umuahia
Reverend Chuks Alonzie has strongly defended the legacy of Abia-North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and former Abia Governor as the State’s most impactful governor, cautioning the present administration against what he described as divisive narratives that diminish the contributions of previous governments.
Speaking to journalists on Friday while reacting to public comments following the recent Lawmaker’s verdict on the administration of Governor Alex Otti, Rev. Alonzie described Kalu as “the action governor Abia State has ever had,” insisting that his achievements remain visible and verifiable across the state.
Recalling the state of Umuahia before Kalu assumed office in 1999, the cleric said the capital city was largely undeveloped. “During the first tenure of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, 1999–2003, Umuahia was a glorified village,” he said, stressing his deep roots in the city to underscore the credibility of his account.
Rev. Alonzie noted that while earlier administrations such as that of the late Sam Mbakwe constructed major arterial roads including Okigwe Road, Niger Road, Enugu Road, Aba Road and Azikiwe Road and addressed erosion through canals and drainages, Kalu embarked on an extensive urban renewal programme that transformed Umuahia’s inner streets.
“He constructed and tarred roads across Over Rail and New Layout areas, including Ekwuruke, Obowo, Cameroon, Oboro, Oji River, Afara, Ogbulafor, Uwalaka, Orlu and Igbere streets,” he said. “Most of these streets were muddy, dusty and environmentally unfriendly before then. Governor Kalu relieved residents by ensuring everywhere was tarred, and many of those roads remain strong till date”.
According to him, Kalu’s interventions extended beyond Umuahia to Aba and several rural communities across the state, adding that the former governor’s leadership style earned him national recognition. “President Olusegun Obasanjo christened him the ‘Action Governor’ during his first official visit to Abia State,” Rev. Alonzie recalled.
He criticized what he termed an emerging trend of portraying Abia as if it had no developmental foundation prior to the current administration. “No government should try to make people believe they built the state alone and that others did nothing. That propaganda is not sustainable,” he warned, describing such claims as “insulting to the sensibilities” of Abians who witnessed earlier efforts.
Drawing comparisons with Akwa Ibom State, Rev. Alonzie said successive governments there have built on one another’s achievements without discrediting predecessors. “This approach we are seeing today is divisive and unhealthy for corporate leadership,” he added.
While acknowledging that the present government is contributing its quota, he urged restraint and unity in political discourse. “Government is a continuum. Abia will remain while governments come and go. Let’s be civil in defending our political interests and remember that we are Ndi Abia first,” he said.
Rev. Alonzie ended his statement by calling for love and collective responsibility in state-building. “Every government has helped to build Abia State. The present administration’s efforts are appreciated. Let’s build our state in love. Long live Abia State.”
