Abia-born Cleric, Bishop Eke Commends Governor Otti For Adopting Orji Kalu’s Template To Rebuild Abia
Respected Abia-born cleric, Bishop Silas Eke, has publicly commended Governor Alex Otti for embracing the development template laid down by former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, describing it as the right path to rebuild and reposition Abia State.
On Sunday, Governor Otti openly acknowledged that the infrastructure development template used by former Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in Aba during his tenure is guiding his own ongoing efforts to rebuild the commercial city.
Governor Otti made this revelation during Senator Kalu’s courtesy visit to his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South, on Sunday, 8 June 2025. Speaking warmly of the former Governor’s achievements, Otti said:
“I am still using former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu’s infrastructure template for Aba. He did well in Aba when he was the Governor. That template is not wrong — you fix the place that generates the revenue, and the revenue will come and be used to develop other areas.”
Governor Otti emphasised that his administration believes in building on the foundation of past leaders who left positive legacies, rather than discarding effective strategies out of political differences.
“Government and governance is a continuum. It can be broken, but a wise government must go back and recover what worked. There is no need to dwell on the past or fight anyone. We are focused on resetting and moving forward,” he added.
The Governor praised the foresight of Senator Kalu, recalling how his late mother was an ardent admirer of the former Governor’s road construction projects in Aba.
“My late mother used to say good things about what Senator Orji Kalu did in Aba. I have always believed that the approach he used was correct — start by fixing the revenue-generating centre of the state and spread development from there,” Otti explained.
Reacting on Monday to the statement by Governor Alex Otti, Bishop Eke lauded Otti’s efforts in restoring key infrastructure, reviving public services, and maintaining fiscal discipline—hallmarks of Kalu’s administration from 1999 to 2007.
“Governor Otti is making the right moves by following the footsteps of Orji Kalu. Kalu’s era brought real transformation. The foundation is already there; he only needs to continue and expand it,” Bishop Eke stated.
He warned the governor not to yield to pressure from “career politicians” whose interest is personal gain, not public service. He urged him to remain focused, result-driven, and people-oriented, just as Kalu was during his tenure.
Bishop Eke called on the governor to revive and complete Kalu’s landmark projects and ensure the people of Abia continue to benefit from the former governor’s visionary policies.
Orji Uzor Kalu’s administration is remembered for pioneering free education at all levels, covering WAEC and JSSCE fees, and providing free transportation for students across the state. He constructed over 200 roads, particularly transforming major roads in Aba and Umuahia within his first year in office—an achievement that earned him the nickname “Action Governor” from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Kalu also transformed the Aba General Hospital into the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, expanded rural electrification across over 150 communities, and actively supported small and medium-sized enterprises with agricultural tools, seedlings, and micro-grants. He envisaged the Enyimba Economic City as an industrial hub capable of creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. His administration restored security through the establishment of community policing units like the Abia Vigilante (Bakassi), while also championing youth and sports development. Under his leadership, Enyimba FC rose to continental prominence by winning back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004.
The bishop emphasised that by continuing this trajectory, Governor Otti can cement his legacy as a governor who prioritised the people over politics.
“Let Orji Kalu’s achievements inspire this government. If Otti remains consistent and committed, Abia will not only recover but lead,” Bishop Eke affirmed.
