Kalu’s Leadership, Media Investments Crucial for Igbo Advancement – Onyike, Orji

A former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi State, Chief Abia Onyike, has emphasized the continued relevance of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC–Abia North) in the Nigerian Senate, stating that the Igbo nation still needs leaders like him in the national legislature.

Speaking during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abakaliki, Onyike, who is also a former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, described Kalu as a seasoned politician with notable legislative competence.

He commended Kalu’s performance since his election to the Senate in 2019, highlighting his strategic legislative achievements and close ties with President Bola Tinubu as vital for promoting Igbo interests at the national level.

“Kalu doesn’t indulge in empty populism. His legislative skill helped secure the approval of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), with N500 billion earmarked for infrastructure development,” Onyike said.

He also praised Kalu’s efforts in attracting the newly approved Federal University to Item in Abia State, calling it a landmark achievement.

Onyike further acknowledged Kalu’s significant contributions to the Nigerian media landscape, noting that he employs over 2,000 journalists through his ownership of The Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers. He remarked that this level of media investment is rare among Igbo businessmen and crucial for political visibility.

“Kalu has proven his capacity in public service and should be given the opportunity to continue in the Senate beyond 2027,” he added.

Echoing Onyike’s views, a respected elder in Abakaliki, Chief Bekee Orji from Isuochi in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State, also called for Kalu’s re-election. He described the senator as a man of significant influence and capacity for effective representation.

According to Orji, Kalu’s dual role as a politician and businessman has created thousands of jobs for Nigerian youths, further strengthening his case for continued leadership.