Ahead of the 2015 general elections, a coalition of major pro-democracy groups in Abia State has urged former governor of the state, Dr. Orji Kalu, to seek election as the representative of Abia North Senatorial District in the Upper House of the National Assembly.
In a statement jointly signed by the coordinators of the various groups and made available to the media yesterday, Abia Mass Movement for Change (AMM-4-Change), the umbrella body for the coalition, stated that Kalu was the best candidate to  bring the desired change in the district.
According to the statement: “Kalu’s accomplishments in the private and public sectors make him the right person for the job; he has what it takes to give the district and Ndigbo a promising future. If Orji Kalu is in the senate, you will surely feel the impact not only in Abia State, but the South East in general. He is a bold, courageous and selfless leader, who is committed to the welfare of the masses. Our people are in desperate need of a virile representation, which has eluded us at the chamber for the past 12 years. We have today unanimously resolved to support the candidature of Dr. Orji Kalu for Senate, Abia North on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We need his dynamic leadership to bring positive change in Abia.”
Imploring Kalu to see the call as that of service to his state and the entire Igbo nation, the group explained that the former governor was chosen based on his indelible past achievements and legacies in the state, which had endeared him to the people of the state.
Co-ordinator of the group, Dr. Ogbonnaya Egu,  added that Abia Mass Movement for Change was inaugurated to fight for the people and liberate the state from selfish politicians. He said: “Just as we have called on Orji Kalu, we would soon call on President Jonathan as well to speak to Nigerians and declare his intention to contest the 2015 election. We are mobilising seriously for this cause and no amount of intimidation can deter us. All the political parties are our platform; this time it’s all about individual and not party, and  whoever thinks he can hijack the people’s decision had better think twice because it’s not going to be business as usual. We have written to INEC to ensure free, fair and credible elections in the state by allowing people’s votes count.”
He added that the group had commenced aggressive grassroots mobilisation and sensitisation across the 17 local government areas in Abia State to awaken the people’s consciousness to positive change.
Co-ordinator, Aba for Good Governance, Frank Ikeh noted that the people of Abia needed change in leadership at all levels. His words: “We must stand up for the struggle to free our state from the claws of oppression and intimidation. We are ready to face the challenges, to fight for our future, that of our children and that of our unborn generation. We will stake our lives for this noble cause of freeing the state. Enough is enough. This time around the people of Abia will speak with our votes and protect our votes till the last count even if it means spilling our blood so be it. Whosoever shall attempt to block our collective voice shall face our resistance. Our votes must count and be counted this time in Abia State.”
According to Ikeh: “We have kept touch with people at the grassroots and have felt their cries. We have sustained this movement through the commitment of our dear members who contribute their little resources to keep hope alive. We are all focused on the future benefits; we see a better tomorrow for Abia; free education for our children; safe and conducive environment for business; good road network; free health care for our people; moderate tax and levies; employment for our young school leavers; real empowerment for the people; a progressive and sustainable economic development; and an improved agricultural production that can put food on our tables. These are the indices that are driving and sustaining the mass movement and you can bear us witness that all these indices were available when Dr. Orji Kalu was the governor in Abia State. That’s why we are calling upon him to give the Movement the leadership it requires. We shall support him with all that we have in order to realise this cause.”
The group urged the people of the state  to join the change movement; to realise the dreams of a better future for Abia..

Groups urge Kalu to contest Abia North Senatorial seat