Africa-Press – Nigeria. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, has debunked claims circulating in a viral video alleging that he opposed the electronic transmission of election results in the 10th Senate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former Abia State Governor clarified that the footage being shared online was recorded in 2020 during proceedings of the 9th Senate at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and not during the current Senate.
“It is both appalling and surprising that in this era of socio technology advancement some individuals particularly young people would sink so low as to believe and circulate a five year old video from the senate floor and mischievously present it as my current position in the 10th senate and this weekend plenary,” he said.
Kalu pointed out that the video clearly shows senators wearing face masks a practice that was mandatory during the COVID-19 outbreak as proof that the clip dates back five years.
“A simple look at that video shows all senators wearing face masks, a clear evidence that the footage dated back to the 2020 COVID-19 period during the 9th Senate. That submission was made within the context and realities of that time,” Kalu Added.
He firmly denied ever opposing the electronic transmission of election results in the current 10th Senate, stressing that his position has remained supportive of technological reforms in the electoral process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, at no point in the 10th senate whether during public hearings, plenary deliberations or executive sessions have I opposed the electronic transmission of election results.”
“On the contrary, given the significant improvements in the technology over the past five years, I alongside the senate president and many senators across party lines have consistently supported the electronic transmission of results as provided in section 60(3).”
The senator further alleged that certain political actors were deliberately recycling old materials to misinform the public ahead of the next election cycle.
“As we approach another election cycle, it is not unexpected that serial election losers and desperate political actors will attempt to distort facts and mislead the public for cheap political gains.”
“However, I trust that Nigerians are discerning enough not to be swayed by recycled falsehoods.”
“I urge the public to remain intellectually vigilant and refuse to be misled by disgruntled political elements,” Kalu Said.
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