Chief Chidiebere J. Okoh, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and a staunch supporter of the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has cautioned Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, against what he described as unwarranted political attacks on the former governor and serving senator.

In a statement made available to the press, Chief Okoh warned the governor to desist from picking unnecessary fights with Senator Kalu, whom he described as a senior political figure and an established authority in Abia politics, stressing that such conduct does not serve the interest of governance or democratic engagement.

He faulted what he termed a barrage of verbal attacks allegedly coming from Governor Otti and his aides against Senator Kalu, noting that the attacks were provoked simply because the senator expressed his opinion on issues of public interest. According to him, such reactions were not only uncalled for but also insulting to the political intelligence of Abians.

Chief Okoh revealed that he was compelled to respond despite being indisposed, stating that political truth must be defended at all times. He maintained that regardless of the political stature Governor Otti believes he has attained, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has traversed all levels of political power, tested them, and emerged victorious, with verifiable records to show for it.

“Any claim made by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu can be verified. His achievements speak for themselves. He remains one of the greatest politicians Abia State has produced—if not the greatest. To disparage him simply for expressing an opinion is not politics; it is an unjustifiable attack,” Okoh said.

He further argued that no politician in Abia State or the wider Abia North zone has demonstrated the depth of capacity, experience, and political resilience possessed by Senator Kalu, warning that such credentials should never become grounds for hostility or disrespect.

In the same vein, Chief Okoh cautioned the former Minority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, to desist from what he described as unnecessary provocation and disparagement of Senator Kalu. He recalled that Chukwu had previously sought and benefited from Senator Kalu’s political intervention, which reportedly facilitated his emergence as a board member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC). Okoh described any attempt to malign the senator after benefiting from his goodwill as a clear act of ingratitude, stressing that such actions were unbecoming of a public figure who ought to appreciate and acknowledge political support received.

Chief Okoh also advised Governor Otti to focus more on the political realities ahead, particularly the 2027 general elections, rather than engaging in verbal exchanges. He noted that Senator Kalu is known for aligning words with action and does not indulge in idle political rhetoric.

He concluded by calling on Governor Alex Otti and other political actors to embrace maturity, tolerance, and mutual respect in political discourse, emphasizing that Abia State stands to gain more from constructive engagement than from needless confrontations. He urged political leaders and their supporters to recognize political hierarchy, experience, and gratitude, stressing that respect for seniority and democratic expression remains a cornerstone of sustainable leadership and political stability in the state.