Abia North: “Solely On Performance” — Cleric Gives Reasons Why The Church Is Openly Supporting Senator Orji Kalu
Bishop Silas Eke of Kingly People’s Assembly has said that the Church’s support for Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is rooted in the desire for good governance and continuity of development, not politics.
Speaking during a Sunday service in Umuahia, Bishop Eke stated that many prominent clerics, particularly from the Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and Assemblies of God churches, openly support the former Abia governor and current senator because of his track record in leadership and performance.
He said clerics are required to speak truth to power and would not stand by while the Abia North zone is shortchanged by “unknown figures without meaningful contacts or experience to attract development.”
“Many of us have never met him before. Personally, I don’t have any relationship with him. But as clerics, we are called to speak truth to power. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu remains the best from Abia state, both as a governor and now as a senator. The Church must always be the conscience that tells the truth at all times,” Bishop Eke said.
Bishop Eke added that the Church’s endorsement is not a political statement but an acknowledgment of Kalu’s visible contributions to education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and infrastructure.
As governor between 1999 and 2007, Orji Uzor Kalu introduced free education policies, rehabilitated key roads across Abia, upgraded Abia State University, and established the Abia State Teaching Hospital in Aba. His administration also supported small and medium enterprises, stabilized the education sector, and enhanced the welfare of civil servants and judicial officers.
As senator representing Abia North since 2019, Kalu has executed numerous constituency projects, including rural road construction, school renovation, solar streetlight installations, and borehole projects across the five local government areas, and beyond. He has also empowered thousands of youths and women through training and equipment support, earning national recognition as the best-performing senators in constituency development.
“If others refuse to speak out, we will,” Bishop Eke said. “When a leader delivers, the Church must say so. We appreciate what Senator Kalu has done, and we pray for more leaders with his commitment to service.”
Bishop Eke called on Christians to continue to pray for leaders who serve with sincerity, describing the Church as the conscience of the nation that must speak up for truth and fairness.