The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has publicly lauded the achievements of former Governor and current Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, during a courtesy visit on Sunday evening, June 8, 2025.
In a rare show of political magnanimity and continuity, Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation for the transformative legacy left by Kalu during his administration from 1999 to 2007. He acknowledged that the developmental framework laid by Kalu continues to shape and inspire ongoing projects across the state, especially in Aba, the commercial heartbeat of Abia.
“Government and governance is a continuum. It can be broken, but you must go back and recover it,” Governor Otti stated, referencing the solid foundation left behind by the former governor. “Senator Kalu did an excellent job in the state, and there are valuable lessons to draw from his leadership.”
Otti candidly revealed that much of his government’s development approach, particularly in Aba, is drawn from Kalu’s original blueprint. He emphasized that his administration continues to build on the strategies that worked in the past — especially those that helped turn Aba into a revenue-generating hub for the state.
“I can assure you that the template is not wrong,” Otti affirmed. “You fix the place that generates the revenue, the revenue will come and you use it to fix other places.”
The Governor also shared a personal story of admiration for Kalu’s past efforts, recalling how his mother was a staunch supporter of Kalu’s government. He highlighted the massive road networks built in Aba under Kalu’s watch and how those achievements are still shaping his administration’s direction.
Governor Otti commended Kalu’s contributions to various sectors including education, agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure. He noted that under Kalu’s administration, teachers were paid on time, free education and transportation were provided, and schools received learning materials regularly. Notably, the Abia State University (ABSU) maintained full accreditation with the National Universities Commission (NUC) throughout his tenure.
To boost education, Kalu reportedly brought in auxiliary professors from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and ensured that state-owned institutions did not suffer industrial actions for the eight years of his administration. Additionally, Kalu established the Abia State Teaching Hospital in Aba, equipping it with state-of-the-art medical facilities and experienced consultants.
Judiciary welfare was not left out under Kalu’s leadership. Governor Otti acknowledged that Kalu constructed residential quarters for judges, significantly improving their working and living conditions.
Kalu, who became governor at the young age of 39, was praised for bringing a business-minded approach to governance — a trait that earned him the nickname “Action Governor” from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who personally visited Abia State and was impressed by the scope of development carried out with minimal federal allocation.
In his response, Senator Kalu described Governor Otti as someone he respects and does not engage in political rivalry with. He promised to maintain a cordial relationship with the governor and assured him of his support whenever he is in the state. Kalu also mentioned that he would have attended Otti’s second anniversary celebration if not for an invitation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Lagos for a separate event marking Tinubu’s two years in office.
Governor Otti had earlier credited Kalu during the commissioning of the Aba Integrated Power Project, acknowledging him as the pioneer of the Aba power grid initiative. The project, driven by Geometric Power Limited in collaboration with Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE), was licensed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and is a significant step toward energy independence in the region.
This moment of mutual respect between past and present leadership signals a promising era of collaboration and continuity in Abia State’s political and developmental trajectory.
