“Why I’ll remain a grassroots man ” – Sen. Orji Kalu
Kenneth Udeh
Eminent international business man and Chief Whip of the Senate ,Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has reiterated his commitment to remaining a grassroots person , he said that community activities as well as its development are major aspects of his life which he can’t do without despite his international and local business / political reputation.
According to the Abia North Senator, aside from executing his legislative duties, he has over the years maintained a close knitted relationship with his constituents to their various households through his active participation in traditional activities in the grassroots community and other household engagements.
Orji Kalu stated this on Thursday at the home of Barr. Mrs. Frances Amaka Ikwechegh where he paid her a courtesy visit to commemorate her age grade traditional retirement, traditionally known as “Igbotonma ”.
The “Igbotonma” practiced in Igbere community, Bende LGA of Abia State where Kalu hails from involves when an individual in the community has come of age and would need to be exempted from all Taxes (Levies used for executing projects) collected along such age-grade groups as well as other social works.
Speaking to newsmen,Kalu stressed that his close relationship with his people involved supporting the community by visiting their various households regardless of their social strata which also affords him the opportunity to also know their economic challenges.
“I am a community man and I cannot live without being a community man. It’s going to smell rat and would send a bad signal to our community if they don’t see me during their community based activities, because this has been my way of life right from my childhood days.
“The community grassroots is very important because whatever happens at the National level starts from our various communities. That’s also another reason I pay serious attention to issues in the community.
“Asides my parliamentary and business engagements it’s my duty to come to the field and support the community and support the people doing something to go round their houses and make sure that we are with them.
When asked why he takes out his time to participate in community activities Kalu responded ” Because it’s our tradition and I can’t run away from it. You can see for yourself that I’m very close to our community people. It’s A big day in our village. This ceremony is about celebrating people while they are alive, so it’s very important.
While congratulating Barr. Mrs. Frances Amaka on her successful retirement , the Senate Chief Whip enjoined her not to relent in contributing her quota to the development community .
“My word is to continue being the community leader that she has been , a mother for all and for all of us . We will be looking forward to coming to serve her in all ways she wants us to serve her as our mother, sister, wife and also a community leader.
In celebration of their Igbotonma Kalu also visited the homes of other Igbere men and women they include ;Prince Hanson Madukwe; Ezinne Lolo Chijioke Onwuchekwa; Lolo Ugo Orji Ezieme; Ezeogo Kalu Anya Kalu; Deaconess Lolo Chinyere Rejoice; Elder Uwakwe Udogu Okoronkwo; Sir OJ Douglas Igwe; Her Excellency And Chief Mrs Comfort Ngozi Jerry. O. Kalu.
Recall that Kalu, a first time Senator representing Abia North, has over 50 ongoing and completed road projects in the constituency to his credit. This is asides the renovation and reconstruction of schools, hospitals and the provision of motorised boreholes, Agricultural implements, educational learning materials and other empowerment materials distributed to members of his constituency.
