From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Hundreds of OUK Movement leaders drawn from across the entire 103 wards of Abia North have again, reasserted their loyalty to Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents the zone in the 10th Senate.
Local government and ward chairmen of the senatorial zone who converged at the former governor’s Igbere country home in Bende, on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to the political aspirations of the Senator, pledging not to be swayed by inducements from the opposition.
They cited his leadership style and development strides in their senatorial zone.
In their separate remarks, votes of confidence were passed on Senator Kalu with each leader promising to intensify efforts.
Each member also received vocational training materials and food items.
“There is no going back,” said the Chairman of Ohafia LGA, Mr. Jackline Umeh, who in his address noted that Kalu has been unrelenting in supporting the welfare of the group’s members.
He declared that: “Our Senator has been supporting the movement massively, most especially in our welfare. We remain where we are with him, there is no going back,” Umeh remarked.
Bende LGA Chairman, Mrs. Ann Elendu explained how useful the vocational training items – sewing machines – will be to youths in each ward of her local government.
According to her the 2027 political ambition of Senator Kalu is a done deal.
She asserted; “We continue to remain grateful to God for bringing Orji Kalu to us. Like you know, this is a typical practice borne out of his goodwill, magnaminty, and compassion for people.
“If he decides to contest 100 times, he will win, no matter what, we will continue to stand solidly behind him.
“At every meeting with him, he makes sure he empowers us. This time, he has given us 21 sewing machines for our local government wards.
“This will help with the training of youths who are interested in fashion designing, and this will assist them to become self-reliant to make a living in this harsh economy.”
An appeal was made to avoid the mistakes and misconduct perpetrated by members during the 2023 general elections. According to Ohafia Barracks Ward Chairman, Mrs. Ginika Ezeaka, members must avoid being compromised saying that members of her ward will continue to back Senator Kalu.
She said: “I want us not to repeat the mistakes of the 2023 election, anyone who has been given any responsibility must deliver 100 percent without compromise. Don’t play double games as you can see the slogan has changed and this is a new era.”
Ward Leader, Arochukwu Ward 4, Nkechi Nwadike appealed for improved support to enable members of her ward to attend meetings regularly, affirming that their loyalty remains unshaken.
The rebranded slogan of the organisation was hailed by the Item Ward D Chairman, Hon. Chief Alaezi Onyekwere John, who described it as a welcome development.
He pointed out that the new slogan which states that “anyone who works must reap” is motivational, and reiterated the loyalty of his members.
Alaezi also known as Akajiugo 1 of Item Okpi, thanked Kalu for his impacts in the Senatorial District.
“The new slogan is commendable because anyone who works should be able to reap from his or her sweat. I’m making no mistake. This is the best Senatorial District in Abia. Even on social media our Senatorial District is rated as the best.
“There is a task ahead and we have agreed to face it squarely without retreating. We will continue to do our best to make sure that our Senator remains unbeatable.
Kalu in his address commended members for their efforts, urging them to intensify their commitment. He outlined some of his welfare interventions.
He said; “We have been rendering assistance to our members, if you have any problem, reach out to your leaders. I urge you to redouble your dedication and take this work seriously because there is a task ahead. We can achieve more if we are united.
“Recently one of your members was shot, I had to call the commissioner of Police directly and the
