ABIA — The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has criticised recent comments by the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, calling on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to retire from public office ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ogah recently urged Kalu, the incumbent senator representing Abia North, to make way for what he described as fresh leadership and endorsed Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex as his preferred candidate for the senatorial seat.
In a statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Okey Nwaoru, COSEYL said Ogah's position amounted to an attempt by a federal lawmaker to determine who should represent the entire Abia North Senatorial District.
The group argued that the Abia North senatorial mandate belongs to voters across Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi, rather than to any single federal constituency.
COSEYL said it disagreed with Ogah's argument that Kalu should leave the Senate after serving two terms, maintaining that the decision should ultimately be left to the electorate.
The organisation also defended Kalu's record in public office, particularly his tenure as Abia State governor from 1999 to 2007 and his current representation of Abia North in the Senate.
According to the group, Kalu's supporters point to projects and empowerment initiatives attributed to him, including roads, schools and human-capital programmes, as evidence of his legislative impact.
COSEYL further referenced the late Senator Uche Chukwumerije, who represented Abia North for three terms, arguing that lengthy service in the Senate had previously occurred within the district.
The group also accused Ogah of applying what it described as a double standard by criticising Kalu's tenure while, according to the statement, not raising similar concerns about another prospective candidate with a longer legislative record.
COSEYL subsequently announced a vote of confidence in Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, describing him as experienced and qualified to seek another term.
The organisation called on Ogah to concentrate on his responsibilities as representative of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency and allow voters across Abia North to determine their preferred candidate in the 2027 election.
The statement concluded with COSEYL's assertion that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu should seek another term, while acknowledging that the final decision rests with the electorate.
Signed:
Comrade Goodluck Ibem
President-General, COSEYL
Comrade Okey Nwaoru
Publicity Secretary, COSEYL
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