Igbo youths under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has condemned what they described as attacks on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, describing them as propaganda aimed at discrediting a true patriot.
COSEYL made the disclosure in a statement signed by its president-general, Goodluck Ibem.
They alleged that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State was involved with groups and using attacks on the Abia North senatorial district lawmaker to destabilise Orji’s efforts.
They called on Otti to stop such actions with immediate effect and focus on providing impactful governance to the state.
Further, the group called for investigation into the alleged attacks on Sen Kalu and the prosecution of those behind peddling the call that he should not be returned to the Senate, saying it was targeted attacks at his integrity.
The statement read “we view with great concern the injection of false and malicious propaganda aimed at discrediting a true patriot and devoted son of Abia and Ndigbo.
“ It has come to our attention that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State is engaged in political posturing that aligns with the separatist agenda of groups opposed to the unity and progress of the nation.
“We assert that Governor Otti’s attacks on Senator Kalu are not borne out of legitimate political disagreement but rather serve as instructions given by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other separatist groups to destabilize the government’s efforts in the region” Ibem said.
According to him, Sen Orji had remained a steadfast friend and advocate for the people of Ohafia, all Abians, and Ndigbo generally.
He said “Senator Kalu is a man of integrity who have always preached unity, peace and togetherness in this country and any attacks on his person is clearly an attack by those who does not believe in the unity of the nation.
“We state emphatically that what is happening in Abia State is no longer governance but a system that is fighting leaders who believe in the indivisibility and inseparability of the nation.
“Leaders who preach unity of the nation are tagged as enemies of the people. The federal government must rise up and deal decisively to this threat to our democracy.
“We call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the so-called Ohafia Youth Association (OYA) and their sponsors and we demand that no stone should be left unturned in ensuring that justice is served”, Ibem said.
Further, he said that the Senator had attracted several projects to Abia state and called on people to ignore the falsehood peddled about him and return him to the red chambers in 2027.
Ibem said “COSEYL calls on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially the people of Abia State and the South East geopolitical zone, to reject all falsehoods and divisive antics aimed at undermining the integrity of Senator Kalu.
“The good people of Abia North comprising of Ohafia, Arochukwu, Bende, Isikwuato, and Umunneochi Local Government Areas have unanimously agreed that we are voting for Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for another term and nobody can stop it.
“We call on the people to continue to always support Distinguish Senator Orji Kalu who have delivered exceptional well on the assignment given to him by our people. The re-election of Senator Orji Kalu is sacrosanct. Ibem said.
Meanwhile, the group has called on Governor Otti to stop all actions that can threaten the peace and unity in the state saying “we call on Governor Alex Otti to desist from actions that threaten peace and unity and to focus on governance”.
Further, they appealed to the security agencies to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book saying “we further call on security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate this matter and bring those responsible for spreading hate and division to justice”.
Leadership
