Senator representing Abia North, Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has denounced viral the circulation of a video being used by mischievous elements to misrepresent his current stance on the electronic transmission of election results.
In a statement released on Wednesday and obtained by 9japarrot media, the former Abia State Governor expressed disappointment that a five-year-old clip from the 9th Senate is being deceptively circulated as a recent occurrence in the 10th Senate.
The Lawmaker pointed out a glaring inconsistency in the viral footage that immediately invalidates it as current news. He noted that all Senators in the video were wearing face masks, a practice synonymous with the 2020 COVID-19 era.
“A simple look at that video shows all Senators wearing face masks, clear evidence that the footage dates back to the 9th Senate. That submission was made within the context and realities of that time,” Kalu clarified.
Senator Kalu categorically stated that he has not, at any point during the current 10th Senate, opposed the digital advancement of Nigeria’s electoral process. On the contrary, he affirmed his alignment with the Senate President and the majority of his colleagues in supporting the Electronic Transmission of Results as provided for in Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act.
He further clarified that he has not opposed electronic transmission in any 10th Senate public hearing, plenary, or executive session, acknowledging that the significant improvements in technology over the last five years have made electronic transmission more viable and necessary than ever.
In addition, He emphasized that support for this progress spans across party lines within the current Assembly.
Senator Kalu attributed the resurgence of the old video to the desperation of political actors ahead of the next election cycle, describing the perpetrators as disgruntled political elements looking for cheap gains through the distortion of facts.
“It is not unexpected that serial election losers and desperate political actors will attempt to distort facts and mislead the public. However, I trust that Nigerians are discerning enough not to be swayed by recycled falsehoods.” the statement added.
The Lawmaker urged the public, particularly the youth, to be intellectually vigilant and to verify information before circulation to avoid being tools in the hands of propagandists. He reaffirmed his commitment to a transparent electoral system that reflects the true will of the people through modern technology.
