The
popular saying that “there are no enemies in politics...” came to play
on Monday as former Governor of Abia State and Senator-elect, Abia North
Senatorial district, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu met with a chieftain of the All
Progressives Grand Alliance and 2nd runner up in the Abia North
election, Chief David Ogba (Bourdex), Igbere TV reports.
Igbere
TV reports that the former governor polled a total of 31,203 votes to
defeat incumbent Senator Mao Ohuabunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party,
who polled 20,801 vote and APGA’s Bourdex 11,410.
Dr. Kalu who
had just returned to the state after a visit to the nation’s capital,
Abuja arrived the residence of Bourdex in Abriba at exactly 7:15pm.
He was received by the APGA’s chieftain, and immediately proceeded for a closed-door meeting.
Speaking
on reasons for his visit, Kalu recalled his long apolitical
relationship with Bourdex while also stating his resolve and total
readiness to establish a formidable collaboration for the growth of Abia
North and the state at large.
According to Kalu, he had maintained a long standing family ties with Bourdex despite their political differences.
In
his words, “Beyond our political affiliations, Bourdex and I are
brothers. In fact, his family and mine have maintained close ties for
many years. His children and my children are best of friends to the
extent that they visit each other often.
“Elections had been
conducted and a winner has been democratically chosen. Irrespective of
our political differences, we've decided to join hands to move Abia
North and the state forward.
“As stakeholders in our various
political parties, we have realised that there is so much to be done
especially in the area of infrastructure and empowerment of our people
in Abia North because the people have suffered enough. We have decided
to jointly work together towards the emancipation of our people.
“Let me also salute the statesmanship of Chief Bourdex during and after the election, it is worthy of emulation.”
Speaking
further, Kalu reiterated his commitment to use his position as a
Senator to facilitate rapid development to, not just the senatorial zone
alone, but Abia state in general.
Responding, APGA’s chieftain
and senatorial candidate, Chief David Ogba corroborated Kalu’s earlier
statement by recalling their long standing relationship.
He also stated his willingness to work with Dr. Kalu for the progress of Abia North and Abians in general.
He said, “Although Dr. Kalu and I belong to different political party, we have both come a very long way.
“Just
like he rightly said, election has come and gone and a winner has
emerged. As a party (APGA) we put in all our best but the people have
decided (who to lead them). We have, therefore, decided to move forward
because what’s paramount now is working towards rebuilding all that has
been destroyed and also empowering our people.
“I, therefore,
congratulate Dr. Kalu on his resounding victory, it is a victory for the
people in general. I want to assure him that I will stand by him even
if the result is challenged at the election petitions tribunal, because
the outcome of the election is a true reflection of the peoples mandate.
“In my capacity, I would ensure that we work assiduously together towards the general upliftment of our people.”
Also
present at the meeting were the CEO of Blue Diamond Logistics, Mr.
Festus Mbisiogu; APC Chieftain, Hon. Chief Paul Uche and a former Member
of the House Representatives (Aba North), Hon. Nnanna Kalu.
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