A former National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has recounted his relationship with former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu when he held sway as the Labour Union leader.
Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State described Kalu as a hard working and forthright leader.
In a chat with Journalists in Abuja, Oshiomhole hailed Kalu as one of the governors the NLC had a good working relationship with from 1999-2007 due to Kalu’s ability to pay workers salaries promptly.
Oshiomhole noted that unlike what is happening in the nation, the NLC enjoyed a solid cordial relationship with Kalu due to his proactive approach to worker’s welfare, ranging from prompt payment of salaries, pension, leave allowance and gratuities.
Other prominent Nigerians have commended Kalu’s tenure as Abia State Governor describing it as the best in the history of the state.
During a Thanksgiving Service February this year at Mater Dei Catholic Church, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Michael Kalu Ukpong applauded Kalu for the giant strides he has recorded as the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District.
The cleric specifically commended Kalu for the number of rural roads he has attracted to the Senatorial District, saying: “If others have done what he is doing today, Abia state would be a better place”.
He urged leaders to serve the masses selflessly when entrusted with leadership position.
“When you go to my Senatorial District today, you will see so many projects ongoing including rural roads. This is unprecedented; if others are doing like him, Abia State would have been better. You may have your opinion, but when he was the governor of the state, we know how he performed. He is still the best till date even though he was younger then. Your Excellency, you are older now and I am sure you will get better as you grow old.”
Kalu, who is the current Chief Whip of the Senate was in 2019 elected into the Nigerian Senate to represent Abia North Senatorial District. He was reelected in 2023 having defeated his opponents in the February 25, National Assembly elections.
Our correspondent reports that Kalu is seeking to become the President of the 10th Senate.