Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has refuted claims on reaching an agreement with the Governor of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu on joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
He said he has not spoken with Ikpeazu in many months
Kalu in a statement signed by Barrister Emeka Nwala of the office of the Senate Chief Whip questioned how he could reach an agreement with a governor he has not been in communication of recent.
He said everyone has right of association and anybody interested in joining the APC is welcomed but not through speculations.
The report on Senator Kalu and Governor Okezie reaching a truce stated that a member of the Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee chaired by the Governor of Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni on Tuesday revealed to a journalist that Ikpeazu’s delayed defection is as a result of the disagreements between him and the Senate Chief Whip who also doubles as the Chairman of the APC caucus in Abia
It noted that defection plans has been finalized after Kalu and Ikpeazu found a common ground for unity in the party
But Kalu’s statement partly stated that , ” the report about reaching a truce with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is very untrue
“I have not spoken with the governor in many months . I respect him as my governor and will continue to do so . Meanwhile, our party is a very big one and we will always welcome anyone interested in joining us but not through speculations . ” the Chief Whip said
Meanwhile, the Constituency Development Award bestowed on Kalu in recognition of his impressive representation and expedition of massive Constituency projects in his Senatorial Zone, Abia North was yesterday officially presented by the organizers, Senate Press Corps National Assembly
Receiving the award from the organisers Kalu appreciated the press corps for the recognition. He said he is only repeating what he did as a Governor between 1999-2007. He also reinstated his commitment at supporting Media practitioners in the country.
Present with his other executives , Chairman of the Press Corps, Mr. James Itodo who handed over the plaque to SenatorOrji ,had earlier stated that the decision to honour kalu was an unanimous one as a result of his giant strides recorded in his constituency in the areas of projects within a year and half of his election.
Itodo also commended the Chief Whip’ s motions on the resuscitation of Southeast’s Power and Transportion infrastructures at the Red Chambers which received the Federal Government’s prompt attention.
The Senate’s apex media body which comprises of the nation’s print and online media houses , bestowed the Senate Chief Whip at the epoch ceremony held in Abuja which had in attendance the ;Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan;Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege; Senator Ajibola Bashiru; Principal officers of the Senate and other Senators.
According to Itodo, Senator Kalu’s execution of projects in all the local government areas in Abia North -Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umenneochi are worthy of emulation and deserves commendation.
Others who received awards in various categories at the event include President of the Senate , Ahmed Lawan, Governor Yahaya Bello, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Bayelsa State , Douye Diri ,Governor of Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and others.