Abia Will Not Reduce Workforce - Kalu

This Day (Lagos) 9 April 2002

Lagos—Governor Orji Kalu of Abia State has announced that his administration would not reduce its workforce, no matter the pressure from outside.

Kalu, who made the announcement at the weekend at a grand civic reception organised by the Arochukwu kingdom for him, said that his administration had been advised to reduce the workforce to a manageable level because of the dwindling allocation from the federation account.

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I wonder why I should reduce the workforce when we are committed to poverty reduction? Kalu asked, stressing that his administration was ever ready to increase the tempo of development in the state.

He expressed appreciation that his administration was liked by the people and noted that Arochukwu had joined others in their consistent support for the state government.

Kalu said that Aba, which he said was in a poor state when he assumed office, had been developed to an appreciable level and emphasis was now being shifted to other urban and rural areas to give them equal attention.

He promised to look into the demands of the people of Arochukwu, stressing that the water scheme for the domain would be given top priority.

Earlier, the President-General of Arochukwu, Mr Sam Ohuabunwa, had appealed to the state government to repair the town's water scheme which had broken down for 10 years, equip its general hospital and technical college, as well as solve the incessant boundary problem with the people of Cross River.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the people of Arochukwu, in what they termed a great resolution, resolved to give total support to Kalu in 2003.

Highlight of the reception was the presentation of the ofor chieftaincy title to the governor by Eze Aro, Chief Vincent Okoro.