By Dr. Violet Akifagbowo
There are times in life when politics, titles and party colors don’t matter. What matters is being human with other humans. That is exactly what played out last week when Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the man representing Abia North Senatorial District, paused his national duties to stand with a friend in grief.
On Saturday July 18, 2026, Senator Kalu issued a heartfelt condolence message over the passing of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, the mother of former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. He described her as a devoted mother, a woman of faith, and a respected matriarch whose life was defined by humility, compassion, and commitment to family, community and humanity. He said her death was not just a loss to the Amaechi family, but to everyone who knew her, because she lived a life of service, dignity and grace worth emulating.
In his statement, Kalu spoke directly to his brother and friend. “On behalf of my family and the good people of Abia North Senatorial District, I extend my deepest condolences to my dear brother, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and the entire Amaechi family. I pray that Almighty God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss and grant the soul of your beloved mother eternal rest,” he said. He also urged the family to find comfort in the legacy of love, discipline, faith and selfless service that Dame Amaechi left behind.
Losing a mother cuts deep. No speech can take the pain away. But showing up matters. And that is what Senator Kalu did. He reminded us that leadership is not only about big projects, rallies, or debates on the Senate floor. Sometimes it is about a phone call, a visit, a prayer, and sitting quietly with someone who is hurting.
That is consistent with how the people of Abia North have come to know him. For years now, his name has come up not just when there are roads or scholarships or constituency projects, but when families are in distress. He has built relationships that go beyond election cycles. People remember him because he remembers them, in good times and in bad times. That is why many in Abia North still speak of him with respect. They have seen a leader who does not vanish after winning an election. They have seen someone who attends birthdays, funerals, church programs, and town meetings, not for cameras, but because he believes in community.
This same spirit showed in his recent public engagements. In a separate statement, Senator Kalu also commended the meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. He noted that in any democracy that wants to grow, government must sit and talk honestly with respected institutions. The Catholic Church has for long spoken on justice, peace, moral values and unity, while the President carries the heavy job of managing the economy and security. Kalu’s point was simple: let us listen to each other, take criticism in good faith, and also give credit where government is trying. His message ended with a line many Nigerians have come to associate with him: “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together we can build the peaceful, prosperous and united nation we desire. Keep Hope Alive!”
That idea of keeping hope alive has followed him into his work in the Senate. As Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee investigating the Safe Schools Initiative Programme, Senator Kalu recently chaired a session where the Honourable Minister of Education and later the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy appeared before the National Assembly. He was clear from the start that this was not about targeting anyone. “This investigation is not a witch-hunt. It is a constitutional responsibility entrusted to the Senate to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in the management of public funds meant to protect our children and our schools,” he said.
He went further to remind everyone that government is a continuum. Whether the funds were released before the current ministers came in or not, government must account for every kobo belonging to Nigerians. The reason is simple. The safety of our schools is now a matter of national security. Banditry and attacks on schools are threatening the future of our children and the progress of the country. Because of that, some parts of the committee’s work were done behind closed doors, so that sensitive information would not fall into the wrong hands.
He also commended the ministers for honoring the Senate’s invitation, saying accountability is not optional in a democracy, it is an obligation. “The Senate will continue to discharge its oversight responsibilities without fear or favour. Nigerians deserve answers, transparency and effective implementation of programmes designed to protect our students, teachers and learning environments,” he stated. He closed by saying what many parents already feel: our children deserve safe classrooms, and our nation deserves accountable governance.
Put all of these together and a pattern emerges. Whether he is consoling a former governor, speaking on national unity, or probing how money meant for school safety is spent, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu keeps coming back to one thing: people.
•Akifagbowo writes from Australia
