ABUJA — The leader of the Northern think tank, Arewa Summit International, Dr. Bashir Lamido, has described the senator representing Abia North senatorial zone and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as one of the few reliable and trustworthy senators Nigeria has produced, praising him for what he described as his consistency, integrity and contentment in public life.
Lamido made the remarks in Abuja on Thursday while addressing a civil society organisation during a conference organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
According to him, Kalu has remained true to himself over the years, maintaining what he described as a reputation for integrity, loyalty and a contented approach to public service.
He particularly commended the former Abia State governor for his sustained support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his efforts towards the President’s 2027 re-election bid.
Lamido said Kalu had gone beyond political declarations by taking the message of the Tinubu administration directly to the grassroots, engaging ordinary Nigerians and explaining what he considers to be the reasons the President deserves another term.
“What I admire most about senator Orji Kalu is that he does a lot without making noise about it. He is out there speaking directly to the people, explaining the policies and achievements of the President and encouraging Nigerians to look at the issues objectively,” Lamido was quoted as saying.
The Arewa Summit International leader said he had been closely following Kalu’s recent activities in the Abia North Senatorial District and noted what he described as the senator’s decision to relocate to Abia and engage directly with the people.
Lamido said such grassroots engagement represented what he called “real politics”-going to the people, presenting one’s record and seeking their support rather than depending on electoral manipulation.
He contrasted this approach with what he described as the reliance by some politicians on electoral irregularities instead of sustained engagement with constituents.
According to him, Kalu’s current activities across Abia North demonstrate a willingness to return to the grassroots and campaign directly among the people he represents.
Recent reports indicate that Kalu has directed his supporters and media team to focus President Tinubu’s re-election and his Abia North re-election campaign on his record of representation, legislative performance, infrastructure and human-capital development, while avoiding personal attacks against political opponents.
Lamido further praised Kalu for what he described as his consistent advocacy for President Tinubu, noting that the senator had continued to defend the administration’s policies while explaining them to Nigerians.
He said Kalu’s support for the President was particularly significant because, in his view, it was being demonstrated through direct grassroots engagement rather than merely through public statements.
The Northern think-tank leader also noted that Kalu’s political activities were not limited to his senatorial district, describing him as a national political figure whose interventions and relationships cut across regional boundaries.
He urged Nigerians to pay attention to politicians who, in his assessment, combine public advocacy with direct engagement with their constituents.
Lamido’s comments come amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Kalu continuing to play a visible role in both Abia state politics and the broader national conversation around President Tinubu’s re-election. Kalu himself has consistently publicly spoken in support of Tinubu and has cited the administration’s record as part of his case for its continuation.
The State House has also described Kalu as a political ally of President Tinubu and highlighted his contributions to national development and the development of Abia State.
