Abia State 2027 governorship aspirant, Sir Mascot Uzor-Kalu, has given an incisive evaluation of the current administration, saying Abia deserves far more than the “partial progress” delivered so far.
He insisted citizens have waited long enough for the promises made during the 2023 elections.
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the former Abia Chief of Staff exposed a troubling reality of life at the grassroots, where economic hardship, failing local governments, and lack of opportunity are the norm.
“I acknowledge some progress has been made under this administration. However, the progress remains far from the lofty campaign promises that were made during the 2023 election period. Abia and Abians deserve more, especially those grassroots people, including the civil servants, the pensioners, the traders, a government built on transparency, accountability and inclusiveness. A government that serves all and leaves nobody behind,” he said.
Kalu warned that leadership in Abia must be driven by empathy, transparency, and accountability.
Neglecting civil servants, pensioners, or youth programmes, he said, is a recipe for failure.
“We need a leadership that feels the pulse of the poor and the rich alike. A leadership that listens, that acts, that keeps its promises. Abians deserve reasons to believe once again that promises made will be promises kept. Transparency in government processes should not be optional. It must be the norm.”
On local governments, he recalled when councils built roads, provided water, and cared for children, promises Kalu says remain broken.
“We used to have a time when local government people provided water, cared for children and showed presence in their communities. These were part of the promises made in 2023, yet the reality today shows that those promises have not been fulfilled,” he recalled.
Alarmed by the state’s 62 percent unemployment rate, Kalu urged urgent action to create jobs and revive the local economy.
“With unemployment this high, one would think a government would focus on broad economic initiatives for job creation,” he said. “Our people are hardworking, but they need a system that supports them, not one that leaves them behind.”
Calling for unity among progressive Abians, he promised a government committed to transparency, accountability, and restoring local government autonomy.
“We shall ensure every local government gets its full allocation,” he said. “We shall open the books, operate multiple bank accounts transparently, and earn the trust of civil servants and pensioners. This state must return to a place where everyone who works can eat, where opportunities abound for all.”
He anchored his vision in faith, quoting St. Teresa of Avila.
“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes. Abia must rise again. And together, we can build a state that works for all and not just for some.”
