SUPPLEMENTARY POLL: Intimidation won’t save you this time, PDP chieftain tells Orji Kalu

Ahead the senatorial supplementary election in Abia North, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amah Abraham has told Senator Orji Kalu, not to think he would intimidate the people of the zone again with security aides.

The Appeal Court had recently affirmed the tribunal invalidation of Kalu’s victory. The court subsequently ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise a supplementary poll in the zone between Kalu and the PDP candidate, Mao Ohuabunwa, within 90 days.

The former governor was alleged to have visited Obikinta in Arochukwu Local Government Area, last weekend, with over 70 security personnel comprising army, police, Department of State Service (DSS), civil defense, Road safety officials and local vigilante boys.

But responding to the development on Thursday morning, Abraham, who was also a chairman of Arochukwu LGA, wondered why Kalu should visit the place with a large number of armed security personnel.

Noting that the action was suspicious, Abraham accused Kalu of plans to intimidate voters in Arochukwu, where affected wards and polling units for the exercise will take place.

“It is suspicious and provocative for Kalu to visit Arochukwu the home of his opponent with such intimidating number of security personnel. What does Kalu intend to achieve by visiting Arochukwu with over 70 security personnel? We know his antics as a showman who always tries to overate himself.

“He should be reminded that intimidation will not work for him this time. Aro Oke Igbo is ready for him and he will be disappointed. The people are resolute to recover their stolen mandate and ready to pay whatever price that is required. So, no amount of intimidation or showmanship can stop them,” he said.

Abraham further urged the service chiefs to watch the activities of their officers in the state to avoid abuse.

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“I’m yet to read the section of our constitution that says army should become security aides to senators or lawmakers. This abuse must stop. Security agents should stop being used as instruments of terror in the hands of politicians. Not even Mr President moves around with such number of security personnel let alone a senator whose mandate is still a subject of litigation.

“Abia North has remained peaceful and should not be militarised. If Kalu is holding a valid mandate he should not be jittery. No people-elected lawmaker needs military escort to visit his constituents,” he said.

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