*SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: THE EROSION PROPAGANDA*
Lately, some critics have made it a habit to turn every little challenge we face as a people into propaganda for selfish gains. They twist natural disasters into political weapons, trying to deceive the gullible into believing that OUK personally sends erosion to cut roads. Let’s be clear and honest:
Erosion is a natural disaster. It affects communities all across the South East, even in places without any roads at all. Turning it into a tool of mockery against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is not just unfair, it is witchcraft and pure mischief.
Now, let’s talk facts:
The road in question that some mischief makers are circulating online was actually built around 2002/2003 when OUK was Governor, that is almost 25 years ago.
Tell me: in civilized countries, even in Abuja, road maintenance is carried out every 2–3 years. But this road has lasted almost a quarter of a century and is still standing strong until erosion recently cut a section. Should OUK now be blamed for nature taking its course after 25 years?
As Governor, OUK controlled many erosion sites across Abia State and built countless link roads that gave life to communities. Today, as a Senator, even though it is not the duty of a senator to build roads, he has continued to attract and deliver new roads because he wants Abia North to experience fast development.
On erosion specifically, people must understand how it works, Erosion control is not part of road contracts.
The Federal Government provides Ecological Funds every month to State Governors, partly funded by the World Bank, to tackle this menace.
These interventions fall under NEWMAP (Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project), a World Bank–assisted initiative with funds controlled by the State Governors.
Yet, despite this, OUK has not been silent. He has consistently lobbied Abuja, pushed erosion sites from Abia North into the Ecological Fund, and attracted projects aimed at reducing the impact of this disaster.
So, let’s not confuse people with propaganda. The truth is simple:
OUK is not the cause of erosion. He is one of the few leaders who has fought it head-on, as Governor and now as Senator. He has built roads, schools, scholarships, empowerment programs, and still finds ways to tackle erosion, even beyond his direct mandate.
As 2027 approaches, the truth remains, Propaganda will fade. The men, women and youths in our village know the truth,
Abia North will not be misled by envy, propaganda, or clannish noise. We will stand with track record, resilience, and results.
OUK is unshakable. OUK remains the people’s choice.
*Joe Emmanuel*
(Enyioma Ohafia)