Group Knocks Kalu Over ‘Repainting’ Claim, Defends Otti’s Development Agenda

Abia Coalition for Justice and Equity (ACJE) has faulted recent remarks credited to the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in which he alleged that Governor Alex Otti is merely “repainting” projects executed during his tenure as Governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Okwute Otuonye, the coalition described the comment as unbecoming and politically motivated, arguing that it reflects what the group termed a desperate attempt by the former governor to remain politically relevant.

According to ACJE, Senator Kalu is fully aware that his political influence is waning and that his tenure in the Senate may come to an end in 2027. The group alleged that the lawmaker is seeking political survival by aligning closely with the Presidency.

The coalition expressed surprise that Senator Kalu would reduce the scope of Governor Otti’s ongoing infrastructural interventions to mere repainting of past projects, describing such claims as petty and misleading.

In a sarcastic remark, the group challenged Governor Otti to “come and paint” major infrastructure projects attributed to Senator Kalu’s administration, including the Omenuko Bridge and Port Harcourt Road, which it said were constructed in 1999.

“Since Governor Alex Otti is being portrayed as merely repainting projects executed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, we call on him to extend the same ‘painting’ to the Omenuko Bridge and Port Harcourt Road built by Orji Uzor Kalu,” the statement read.

The coalition also listed several projects currently being executed or completed by the Otti administration, which it described as signature interventions redefining infrastructure delivery in the state.

ACJE further recalled that during a recent visit to Governor Otti, Senator Kalu publicly commended the quality of work on the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba Road, noting that he “literally flew” on the road due to its smoothness.

The group accused the senator of inconsistency, stating that his recent comments contradict his earlier public commendation of the Otti administration.

Describing the development as evidence of political confusion, ACJE alleged that Senator Kalu is leveraging his professed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a bid to salvage what it described as a fading political career.

The coalition urged political actors in the state to place the interest of Abia above partisan rhetoric and allow the current administration to continue its development agenda without distractions