Orji Kalu Put Abia in National Conversation, Made State Punch Above Its Weight, Says Ex-Minister

Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka lauded Senator Orji Uzor Kalu's tenure as Abia State Governor, stating it was a pivotal era that placed the state "firmly in the national conversation" and enabled it to "punch above its weight."

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At the beginning of the Fourth Republic, the South East was searching for voice and relevance in the new democratic order. Orji Uzor Kalu understood that moment. Young, assertive and politically visible, he put Abia firmly in the national conversation. Abia punched above its weight.

Chidoka, speaking at Abia State's 35th anniversary celebration, recalled that at the dawn of Nigeria's Fourth Republic, the South East region sought relevance. Kalu, he said, understood this moment, providing assertive and visible leadership that boosted Abia's national standing.

However, Chidoka observed a significant decline following Kalu's eight-year term. Infrastructure deteriorated, the state's national visibility waned, and Aba, a key commercial hub, seemed to thrive "despite government rather than because of it."

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Over time, that moment faded. Infrastructure deteriorated, the state’s national standing diminished, and Aba increasingly seemed to succeed despite government rather than because of it.

Against this backdrop of decline, Chidoka indicated that current Governor Alex Otti now faces a crucial opportunity to restore public confidence, rebuild infrastructure, and revive the state's sense of possibility.

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Alex Otti appears to have understood this one: a moment to restore confidence in government, rebuild infrastructure