Achilleus Uchegbu
17 January 2005
Lagos — KINSMEN of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State, under the aegis of Old Bende Forum (OBF) have thrown their weight behind his aspiration for the presidency in 2007.
The group, rising from a meeting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, said it has endorsed Governor Kalu's aspiration, promising to deploy all its resources towards achieving the goal.
"We, as the Old Bende Forum, do hereby endorse Dr. Kalu for this office of his choice. We will use all the facilities at our disposal to carry this desire to all and sundry because, we are totally involved," the group said in a press statement signed by its president general, Chief Bob Ogbuagu and secretary-general Chief M.D. Ofo.
Noting that Governor Kalu's success in the race will be success for Nigeria and the people of the state, the group called on Nigerians to invest in the project and reshape the future of the country.
"In the circumstance we, in the Old Bende Forum are calling all people of Old Bende, all Abians, all our neighbouring states, all Nigerians, to rally round and ensure that this aspiration is accomplished because it will be in the interest of the majority of the Nigerian people," it said.
Arguing that Gov. Kalu consulted widely before declaring his interest in the contest, the group said his record of achievements is impeccable.
Charting a new course for the Bende zone of the state, the group called on the people of the area to re-assert themselves towards progressive development of Old Bende and Igboland.
Lauding achievement of the Old Bende people, the group said past glory of the zone can be re-enacted for the overall good of the state.
According to the group, a programme had been worked out to enable people of the zone contribute to the general welfare of the state and also access dividends of democracy.
"As deliberate policy in the light of the fast developing tempo of the economy and polity in Nigeria, efforts will be made to encourage the rural communities to return to the land and pay greater and more serious attention to proper utilisation of the land with which God had so generously endorsed the people."
"The youths and able-bodied persons will be encouraged to take advantage of the several opportunities the Abia State and Federal governments have floated, grow more cassava, grow more yams, grow more vegetables and fruits, develop more oil palm and rubber small-holders schemes.
"Those areas that have the appropriate soils, to grow more cocoa, plantain cultivation will be encouraged. Our many rich swamps should be able to grow all the rich that will be consumed in Abia State and sold to other states. It has been done before. It can be done again," the forum said.
Expressing optimism that the Old Bende zone would become the "bread-basket of Abia State," the forum said it will ensure there is good and sufficient food in every family and as such, enhance good health of the state, even as if vowed to also encourage communities to venture into poultry so as to satisfy animal protein need of the people.
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