Sen Kalu denies reaching a truce with Gov  Ikpeazu on joining APC

Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia state,  Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has refuted media reports that he had reached an agreement with the Governor of Abia state,  Dr Okezie Ikpeazu on joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

Kalu said he had not spoken with Ikpeazu since he became Governor of Abia State.

Kalu in a statement signed by Barrister Emeka Nwala of the office of the Senate Chief Whip  questioned how  he could reach an agreement with a governor he had not spoken with since he was sworn in.

He said everyone had a right of association and anybody interested in joining the APC is welcomed but not through speculations.

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The report on Senator Kalu and Governor Okezie reaching a truce, which was credited to a source, stated that a member of the Caretaker Committee and Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee chaired by the Governor of Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni on Tuesday disclosed to a journalist that Ikpeazu’s delayed defection was as a result of the disagreements between him and the Senate Chief Whip, who also doubles as the Chairman of the APC caucus in Abia

It noted that defection plans had been finalized after Kalu and Ikpeazu  found a common ground for unity in the party.

But Kalu’s statement partly stated that: ” the report about reaching a truce with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is very untrue

“I have not  spoken with the governor since he was sworn in but we have very cordial relationship. I respect him as my governor and will continue to do so . Meanwhile, our party is a very big one and we will always welcome anyone interested in joining us but not through speculations,”  the Chief Whip said

Meanwhile,  the Constituency Development Award  bestowed on Kalu in recognition of his impressive representation and expedition of massive Constituency projects in his Senatorial Zone,  Abia North had been officially presented by the organizers, Senate Press Corps in the National Assembly

Receiving the award from the organisers,  the Senate Press Corps, at his National Assembly Complex office on Wednesday, Kalu appreciated the Corps for the recognition.

The former Governor also restated his commitment at supporting media professional in the country.

Present with his other executives, Chairman of the Press Corps, Mr James Itodo, who handed over the plaque to Senator Orji Kalu, had earlier stated that the decision to honour kalu was a unanimous one as a result of his giant strides recorded in his constituency in the areas of projects delivery within a year and a half of his election.

According to Itodo, Senator Kalu’s execution of projects in  all the local government areas in Abia North -Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umenneochi were worthy of emulation and deserved commendation.

Itodo also commended the Chief Whip’ s motions on the resuscitation of Southeast’s Power and Transportion infrastructure at the Red Chambers, which received the Federal Government’s prompt attention.

Both parties ended their addresses with a brief photograph session.

The Senate Press Corps, the apex media body of the Nigerian Senate which comprises the nation’s print and online media houses, had on Monday given Kalu  the constituency development award at the Senate Press Corps 2021 award ceremony.

The Corps bestowed the award on  the Senate Chief Whip at the epochal ceremony held in Abuja which had in attendance the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege; Senator Ajibola Bashiru; Principal officers of the Senate and other Senators.

Others who received awards in various categories at the event included President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Governor Yahaya Bello, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, Governor of Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and others.