ABA (CONVERSEER) – Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has lauded Governor Alex Otti for his ongoing infrastructural developments in Abia State, describing him as a lifelong friend he cannot oppose politically.
Kalu, who was Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, made the remarks on Sunday night during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his residence. He commended the governor’s developmental strides, particularly in road rehabilitation, and expressed regret for missing Otti’ssecond-anniversaryy celebration, explaining he had been invited by President Bola Tinubu to Lagos for a similar event.
“I flew from Igbere to the Governor’s residence with ease,” Kalu stated, praising the reconstructed road network linking Umuahia, Bende, and Ohafia local government areas. “The journey that used to take three hours now takes less than an hour. You have done well for our State.”
Describing Otti as “a friend and brother for life,” Kalu added, “Whether you are running an election or not, brotherhood is brotherhood. I want to make it clear to you: you have done well, and the State will continue to grow under your leadership.”
Kalu also commended the Abia State Commissioner for Works for the road rehabilitation in Igbere and encouraged Otti to maintain close ties with President Tinubu while clarifying that his advice was not a call to defect from his party.
In response, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to Kalu and reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, especially on economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy.
“When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the President and I are very good friends and our friendship predates politics,” Otti noted. “Subsidy was a scam, and removing it was a courageous move that should have happened long ago. We behaved irresponsibly for too long. Correcting it will be painful, but it’s necessary.”
Otti also condemned early politicking ahead of 2027, stating, “Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today. When tomorrow comes, we can discuss it.”
The Governor used the opportunity to thank Kalu for his past efforts in road development during his tenure, revealing that his administration adopted a similar strategy of developing revenue-generating areas first.
He disclosed that an Aba resident recently donated ₦200 million to the government in support of its road projects, citing the positive business climate resulting from improved infrastructure. “There is no sleep in Aba now. People don’t go to bed. Once people are awake, money is changing hands. That’s how the economy works,” Otti said.
He also announced plans to light up the Umuahia–Ohafia corridor to encourage night-time economic activities, similar to Lagos and Abuja. “We don’t want the economy to go to sleep by 6pm. We want people to be awake, and the economy to keep running.”
Both leaders concluded the meeting with assurances of mutual respect and continued collaboration towards Abia State’s development.
