Mr. Nnamdi Oleh, an indigene of Isikwuato Local Government Area, has levelled serious allegations against former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, claiming he is behind a systematic media campaign aimed at discrediting Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the current representative for the Abia North Senatorial District.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Oleh alleged that Dr. Ogah has been financing bloggers and various online platforms to tarnish Senator Kalu’s substantial accomplishments since his return to the Senate in 2023.
“Dr. Uche Ogah has never been happy with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu since he emerged as the Senator representing Abia North. It is an open secret in Isikwuato and Abia North at large that he has been paying bloggers to attack every project Senator Kalu has attracted to our area. Instead of supporting the development of Abia North, Ogah has been working tirelessly to undermine Kalu’s good works,” Oleh asserted.
Further, Oleh claimed that Ogah’s animosity stems from Kalu’s electoral success, suggesting that Ogah had previously collaborated with opposition factions to obstruct Kalu’s political achievements.
“During the 2023 elections, Dr. Ogah openly worked against Senator Kalu. He connived with the Labour Party (LP) to ensure that Kalu did not return to the Senate. He opposed President Bola Tinubu’s agenda and manipulated the election in his Uturu village against the APC. He also plotted against Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who is now the Minister of State for Labour. This was despite the fact that all of them were supposed to be members of the same political family, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he claimed.
Oleh expressed concern over the silence of prominent figures in Isikwuato, who he believes are aware of Ogah’s alleged misconduct but have chosen not to speak out.
“In Isikwuato, we have leaders like Dr. Damian Igbokwe and Mr. Royal who are fully aware of the antics of Dr. Ogah, yet they have chosen to keep quiet. It is not fair. It is not fair to Senator Kalu, who is doing everything possible to ensure that our roads are motorable, that our infrastructure is upgraded, and that development is brought to our people,” he noted.
He contrasted Kalu’s record of achievements with Ogah’s time in office, stating, “It is unfortunate that Dr. Ogah, who served as a Minister under President Muhammadu Buhari, could not attract a single meaningful project to Abia North, let alone Isikwuato. He was given an opportunity to serve but instead chose to fight every notable leader from our area. Today, it is ironic that the same man is sponsoring attacks on someone who is genuinely working for the people. Kalu attracted all the roads in Uturu and he is still doing more. What else is genuine leadership other than what Senator Kalu is doing for our people?”
In a final appeal, Oleh urged the residents of Isikwuato and the wider Abia North Senatorial District to disregard what he described as “sponsored propaganda” and to maintain their support for Senator Kalu.
“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has demonstrated uncommon leadership and dedication to the wellbeing of our people. From road constructions to health interventions and youth empowerment, the evidence is there for all to see. We must not allow political bitterness and personal grudges to derail the progress we are making under his leadership,” he concluded.
