Senator Kalu and politics of 2027 Lawmakers are generally expected to make laws. That is their primary responsibility. However, beyond lawmaking, Nigerians, especially their immediate constituents, inundate them with a wide range of demands, from personal requests to community-based needs. This explains why many Nigerians often question or measure a lawmaker’s performance by the number of projects they attract and deliver while in office.

Sen. Kalu and politics of 2027

From Ismail Omipidan, Abuja

Lawmakers are generally expected to make laws. That is their primary responsibility. However, beyond lawmaking, Nigerians, especially their immediate constituents, inundate them with a wide range of demands, from personal requests to community-based needs. This explains why many Nigerians often question or measure a lawmaker’s performance by the number of projects they attract and deliver while in office.

For Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, such questions may be unnecessary, as his footprints are evident in the several strategic and impactful projects he has facilitated for the good people of Abia North Senatorial District.

The most significant and deliberate of his interventions in recent times has got to be ongoing construction of a world-class cashew processing factory, which is designed to reduce poverty and boost economic growth in the area.

The cashew processing factory, the single largest of its kind in the region, is projected to create over 5,000 jobs when completed and fully operational. Designed to handle shelling, roasting, baking and packaging of cashew nuts, the facility is set to boost local agricultural value chains, particularly in cashew-producing areas such as Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.

Since his return to the Senate in 2019, Senator Kalu has facilitated the construction of more than 140 rural roads connecting remote farming communities to major markets. Among these are the Ndi Orieke–Ohafia and Amankalu–Abiriba roads, along with several others across Bende, Arochukwu, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi local government areas. These road projects have improved transportation, cut post-harvest losses, and increased farmers’ incomes.

In the education sector, Senator Kalu has sustained the legacy he started as governor of the state. He has overseen the construction of over 130 new schools, the renovation of more than 100 others, and the distribution of free educational materials, including school bags, uniforms, and books to students.

Politically, he has also played his politics well, leveraging on his old and new alliances to ensure that the South-East is not shortchanged. For the new political entrants, Senator Kalu’s deft political moves and perchant for delivering dividends of democracy to his people did not start today.