Ahead of the 2015 general elections, a coalition of major pro-democracy groups in Abia State has urged a former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, to contest for Abia North Senatorial seat.
In a statement jointly signed by coordinators of the various groups and made available to the media on Tuesday, Abia Mass Movement for change (AMM-4-Change), the umbrella body for the coalition, stated that Kalu remains the best candidate that can bring the desired change in the Senatorial district.
According the statement, “Kalu’s accomplishments in the private and public sector make him the right person for the job, noting that he has what it takes to give the district and Ndigbo a promising future. If Orji Kalu is in the senate, you will surely feel the impact not only in Abia State but South East in general.
“He is a bold, courageous and selfless leader, who is committed to the welfare of the masses. Our people are in desperate need of a virile representation which has eluded us at the chamber for past 12 years. We have today unanimously resolved to support the candidature of Dr. Orji Kalu for senate, Abia North on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). We need his dynamic leadership to bring positive change in Abia,” the coalition said.
While imploring Kalu to see the call as that of service to his people and Ndigbo, the group insisted that the former governor was chosen based on his indelible past achievements and legacies in the state which have endeared him in the hearts of Abians.
Dr Ogbonnaya Egu, the coordinator of the groups, added that Abia Mass Movement for Change (AMM-4-Change) was inaugurated to fight for the people and liberate the state from selfish politicians. He said, “Just like we have called on Orji Kalu, we would soon call on President Jonathan as well to speak to Nigerians and declare his intention to contest the 2015 election. We are mobilizing seriously for this cause and no amount of intimidation can deter us. All the political parties are our platform; this time it’s all about individual and not party, and whoever thinks he can hijack the people’s decision had better think twice because it’s not going to be business as usual. We have written to INEC to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the state by allowing people’s vote count,” Egu declared..
He added that the group had commenced aggressive grassroots mobilization and sensitization across the 17 local government areas in Abia State to awaken the people’s consciousness to positive change.
Mr. Frank Ikeh, Coordinator, Aba for Good Governance, noted that Abians need change in leadership at all levels. In his words, “We must stand up for the struggle to free our state from the claws of oppression and intimidation. We are ready to face the challenges, to fight for our future, that of our children and that of our unborn generation.
“We will stake our lives for this noble cause of freeing the state. Enough is enough. This time around the people of Abia will speak with our votes and protect our votes till the last count even if it means spilling our blood so be it. Whosoever shall attempt to block our collective voice shall face our resistance. Our votes must count and be counted this time in Abia State,” Ikeh said.
According to Ikeh, “We have kept touch with people at the grassroots and have felt their cries. We have sustained this movement through the commitment of our dear members who contribute their little resources to keep hope alive. We are all focused on the future benefits; we see a better tomorrow for Abia; free education for our children; safe and conducive environment for business; good road network; free health care for our people; moderate tax and levies; employment for our young school leavers; real empowerment for the people; a progressive and sustainable economic development; and an improved agricultural production that can put food on our tables.
“These are the indices that are driving and sustaining the mass movement and you can bear us witness that all these indices were available when Dr. Orji Kalu was the governor in Abia State. That’s why we are calling upon him to give the Movement the leadership it requires. We shall support him with all that we have in order to realize this cause.”
The group while calling on the people of Abia to join the AMM-4-Change Movement; the people’s movement, to bring that change we all desire, urged Abians both home and abroad, to reaffirm their enduring spirit as Abians, to choose a better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation.