The group, however, stated it is shameful that Kalu who served the state as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice from 2007 to 2019, could write such an open letter making all sorts of allegations when he never disclosed that he made any attempt to reach out to the Governor, but was snubbed.
Briefing the media in Umuahia, Chairman of the group, Emeka Kalu Iro, who described Kalu as an aggrieved politician, urged Abia people to ignore him and queried why Kalu did not resign from his position while he served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
According to the group, “Chief Umeh Kalu’s anger is that the PDP did not choose him as a running mate to Governor Ikpeazu in the 2019 governorship. He has not forgiven the governor and the party. The PDP could not have abandoned a loyal and hard working Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu for Kalu who could not have added any value to the ticket. No political party seeking victory could have fielded Umeh Kalu as running mate in place of the more experienced and humble Ude Oko Chukwu. Thank God the wisdom of the PDP paid off in rejecting a blackmailer like Umeh Kalu.
“How come Umeh Kalu did not resign from office while he was enjoying the perks of office for ten years, but sat tight until he was removed? Could Umeh Kalu have written his open letter if he was considered for another position? The answer is No. Most of Umeh’s colleagues who were not retained as commissioners have been loyal to the course of the state and supporting the Governor to consolidate on his achievements. But Umeh Kalu prefers rocking the boat. He must be appointed to one government position or the other or the state will not know peace.
“We know that Kalu had since joined the gang of aggrieved politicians since he was sacked for incompetence. What legacy did Umeh Kalu leave in office as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice? How many youths of his native Okagwe community did Umeh Kalu empower while in office?
“Umeh Kalu’s attempt to incite hatred among the people of the state has also been well noted. Since Umeh Kalu hardly visits home, Abia can burn while he and his family enjoy themselves in Abuja
“As a man who has no electoral value, Umeh Kalu has never won his polling unit in his native Okagwe community because he is a stranger to his people. Now, as an APC chieftain who is not even reckoned with by his new party, Kalu feels he can become relevant by attacking Ikpeazu.
The group stated that Governor Ikpeazu has never claimed to have solved all the problems of the state, but has shown the zeal and determination to make a difference in governance and warned Kalu to stop distracting the Governor.
“2023 is around the corner, politicians with no home support like Umeh Kalu are at it again on their wild goose chase. Governor Ikpeazu has never claimed to have solved all the problems of the state, but he has shown the zeal and determination to make a difference in governance.
“Governor Ikpeazu will not be distracted by the tantrums of failed politicians like Umeh Kalu. Governor Ikpeazu is focused on delivering on his campaign promises and has vowed to complete all projects started by his administration. Abia has made progress and will continue to do so. The likes of Umeh Kalu can only whine in disappointment.”
