The Better Abia Movement has cautioned former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, over what it described as “double-speak politics” in his recent criticisms of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
Speaking in Umuahia, the State Coordinator of the group, Comrade Ihunweze Ifeanyi, accused the former governor of taking contradictory positions on the performance of the Otti-led government, particularly in the context of the 2027 governorship election. He questioned why Dr. Kalu would publicly criticize a government he had previously praised during a personal visit to the governor’s residence in Nvosi.
Comrade Ihunweze recalled that during the visit, Dr. Kalu openly acknowledged the pace and quality of development across Abia State, especially in Abia North. According to him, the former governor commended the rehabilitation of the Umuahia–Bende–Igbere road corridor, noting that travel time had significantly reduced due to the project being completed ahead of schedule.
The Better Abia Movement coordinator expressed concern over what he described as a gathering of “failed political actors” who, in his words, could not achieve in 24 years what Governor Otti has delivered within three years. He listed major improvements recorded under the current administration, including road infrastructure, healthcare renewal, housing, transportation reforms, power supply, youth empowerment, sports development, environmental sanitation, public service reforms, rural development, and social protection for senior citizens.
He highlighted the introduction of electric buses for public transportation, noting that residents enjoyed free transport during the festive season, a move he said compares favorably with systems in Europe and Asia. He urged Dr. Kalu to contrast this initiative with the previously used taxis and buses introduced during his tenure.
On environmental reforms, Ihunweze noted that Aba, once plagued by waste management challenges, has witnessed a remarkable transformation. He also pointed to improvements in the education sector, where public schools have been upgraded into smart, technology-driven learning environments. In healthcare, he referenced ongoing facility upgrades and projects aimed at improving access and quality of services across the state.
The group further dismissed claims that Governor Otti’s road projects were merely cosmetic, citing major interventions such as the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba by Julius Berger, erosion control projects, and the completion of strategic bridges, including the Omenuko Bridge. According to Ihunweze, the pace of contract awards and execution under the current administration surpasses what was recorded in previous governments.
He also emphasized that pension arrears inherited from past administrations have been cleared, while efforts are ongoing to settle long-outstanding gratuities dating back to 1999. He described the newly constructed bus terminals in Umuahia and Aba as modern facilities comparable to those in major global cities.
Addressing the 2027 elections, the Better Abia Movement coordinator warned against attempts to undermine the will of Abia voters, stating that the same level of vigilance used to protect votes across the 17 local government areas in 2023 would be sustained. He advised Dr. Kalu to focus on delivering tangible results to his constituents in Abia North rather than engaging in political attacks.
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Comrade Ihunweze concluded by urging political leaders to speak with clarity and consistency, stressing that Abia residents are politically aware and capable of assessing governance based on visible results rather than rhetoric.