Senatorial Aspirant Laments High Level of Poverty in Abia North, Pledges to Create Millionaires

By Uduma, Ohafia

A United States-based electrical engineer and Abia North Senatorial aspirant under the Labour Party (LP), Chief Engr. Dr Charles Emeka Kalu, has decried what he described as the high level of poverty in the district, pledging to create millionaires across the five local government areas within four years if elected in 2027.

Kalu said he would leverage his international business experience and contacts to drive economic transformation in the zone. According to him, funds accruing from the National Assembly would be channelled into structured empowerment programmes targeting artisans, business owners and large-scale farmers.

Speaking to journalists, the aspirant said his mission goes beyond lawmaking, stressing that he intends to build financially independent individuals who would in turn stimulate economic growth in Abia North.

Responding to questions about his political background, Kalu said he is not new to Nigerian politics, noting that he is stepping in to correct past mistakes and change the narrative in the district.

He disclosed that his philanthropic organisation, the Emeka Charles Kalu (ECK) Foundation, currently sponsors over 400 students, in addition to paying hospital bills for indigent persons.

“ECK is a household name in Bende LGA because of what we have done for our people. Beyond school fees, we also assist with medical bills,” he said.

Kalu also stated that he had previously worked with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, claiming he coined the phrase “Atikulated,” which became associated with the former presidential candidate.

He expressed support for Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing him as visionary and committed to repositioning the state.

According to Kalu, his support for the governor is based on his belief that the administration has demonstrated sincerity and a people-oriented approach to governance.

Reiterating his economic blueprint, the senatorial hopeful said empowerment under his watch would not be limited to distribution of items, but would involve direct financial support, mechanised agriculture and exposure to international business opportunities.

He maintained that with transparency, monitoring and equitable distribution of resources across wards and local government areas, Abia North could witness significant economic growth within a single legislative term.