Orji Kalu, the chief whip in the Senate, has expressed his congratulations to the Abia administration and people on the occasion of the state's 31st birthday.
Kalu praised the residents of the state for "their selflessness, resilience, and dedication to the growth and progress of the state" in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.
The former governor of Abia advised the political elite to uphold standards and avoid using hate speech in their political manoeuvres.
Kalu stated that growth can only flourish in an environment of peace and unity while urging people to refrain from using hate speech and defamation campaigns.
Kalu promised to continue to further their cause and thanked the state's citizens for their support of him and his successors.
“I join the good people of Abia state in celebrating the 31st anniversary of the creation of the state.
“It is a good opportunity to reflect on the past in a bid to forge ahead.
“The political class must shun selfish ambitions and make the development of the state a top priority.
“I urge politicians to desist from making inflammatory utterances in the interest of the state,” he stated.
Kalu called on the people of the state to be steadfast, resilient and selfless in their endeavours.
Abia was created on Aug. 27, 1991, during the government of retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu served as the first executive governor, while Orji Kalu succeeded him.