FORMER governor of Abia State and candidate of Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) for Abia North Senatorial district, Dr. Orji Kalu, has called on the electorate to cast their votes peacefully on the yet- to-be-announced date for a re-run election in the zone. Kalu promised to live up to expectation if elected.
The business mogul commended the three-man panel headed by Justice I. G. Mba- ba of the Court of Appeal, sitting in Owerri, for declar- ing the March 28 Abia North senatorial election as fraudu- lent, marred by high-level rigging and falsification of results, adding that the ac- tion of the judiciary was a clear indication that the will of the people had prevailed.
According to the businessman-cum-politician, who addressed a mammoth crowd of market women and artisans that besieged his Igbere country home, said the only way Nigeria could sustain its growing democracy was to uphold democratic values anchored on transparent and credible poll.
”The last Abia North election result was mutilated at the collation centre by the opposition who were afraid of the overwhelming support and votes PPA recorded. The large number of votes in my favour is a testimony to the trust and confidence the people have in my capacity. Before venturing into politics, I had been creating job oppor- tunities and wealth for the teeming populace through my business entities. The Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation has also been contributing and complementing govern- ment efforts in the critical ar- eas of health, education and democracy.
“During my tenure as governor, we empowered the poor and made life meaningful for Abians by adopting a people-oriented approach to governance, especially through our free education and free health schemes. I am aware of the challenges of our people and region and, collectively, we can rebuild our communities.
“We will pursue special intervention projects with the support of the Federal Government in the areas of job creation and road construction and reconstruction which will ultimately improve the lots of the people.
“In essence, my approach will be all-inclusive and purposeful for the common good, if elected”.
The former governor, who decried massive irregularities which characterised the last election in Abia North, called on the people not to allow selfish politicians bribe them with money and consumables as they have nothing to offer. He reiterated that the era of politicians using the back door to find their way into leadership positions is now a thing of the past.
Kalu seized the opportunity to advocate strong penalties for perpetrators of electoral fraud, adding that electoral law violators at the last Abia North Senatorial poll should be made to face the wrath of the law.
The astute politician also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to sensitise the electorate and political parties on the consequences of electoral malpractices.
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