By Kenneth Udeh 

Senator representing Abia-North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has been described as the only serious candidate for the office as other contestants seeking to represent the zone at the National Assembly in the February 25 polls have been described as jesters by electorate of Nneato.

Voters under the contingency said they were satisfied with the leadership results of Kalu who is also seeking a return to the Red Chambers under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring their resolve to extend his tenure with their votes on election day.

Traditional leader,  president general and elders of the community made the declaration on behalf of their constituents at the weekend when Kalu’s campaign train visited the ward as part of his reelection campaign activities.

Exemplary infrastructural projects built in the localities by Kalu’s administration as governor of the state and as lawmaker were reeled out by the people who described Kalu’s leadership antecedents as cementing his place in their minds.

They also said other candidates were wasting their time as they are no match to Kalu who is also the Chief Whip of the senate.

Kalu’s campaign train made stoppages at Amuba/ Umuogbuele Ward, Eziama Ugwu, Eziama Agbor, Aroikpa, Ubahu / Akawa Ward where he interacted with the people  and got their confidence.

Traditional ruler of Nneato, Igwe EbubeChukwu Kingsley Okereke and Igwe Nwajiofor Nnaya III of Nneato Ancient Kingdom said their people would forever remain indebted to the Senate Chief Whip because he remains the only public office holder that continues to remember them with basic infrastructures. 

He made reference to projects such as the Leru and Nneato express road constructed about 29 years ago while Kalu was governor.

The monarch also listed current projects expedited by Kalu at the Senate, saying that he remains the only candidate they would vote for in the senatorial ballot paper.

President General of Eziama Nneato Development Union, Dr. Elijah Otutu said other candidates were wasting their efforts, saying  Kalu is the only one contesting the Senate owing to his blueprint. 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,” he said.

Community Elder, 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.

Nnaeto Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , 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 even as he said Kalu had performed well to warrant their mandate.

While appreciating their endorsements, Senator Kalu charged the residents not to be swayed by food and financial inducements by other candidates. He said he was only interested in executing projects and empowerments that would stand the test of time.