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Tag: Orji Kalu

  • APC Chieftain drums support for Orji Kalu as Senate President

    APC Chieftain drums support for Orji Kalu as Senate President

    Sen. Chris Adighije, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says his support for Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu as president of the 10th Senate is due to his requisite credentials to lead the Red Chamber.

    Adighije said this on Tuesday while speaking with newsmen shortly after he paid a condolence visit to Kalu over the death of his wife, Mrs Ifeoma Kalu, in Abuja.

    Kalu, who is the current Chief Whip in the ninth Senate, had declared interest to become the President of the 10th Senate.

    The APC chieftain said: “I have thrown my support behind the former governor of Abia and Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, because he is also the oldest lawmaker in the National Assembly.

    “Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu is the oldest National Assembly legislator having been elected to the House of Representatives in 1992. He has also the requisite credentials to lead the 10th Senate,” the former lawmaker said.

    Adighije, who is also the Chairman, Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi, extolled the administrative acumen of the Chief Whip, stating that Kalu performed more than any other governor in Abia since 1999 till date.

    He stated that among those aspiring for the position of the Senate President, Kalu had the national acceptability as he has a reach in the North, South West, South South and South East.

    Adighije, who was in the 2nd assembly, called on the National Working Committee of the  APC to zone the Senate Presidency to the South East.

    According to him, the people of South-East region deserve it having produced two governors and six senators.

    “It will be wrong and uncharitable for anybody to insinuate that the South East did not work or vote for the victory of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

    “As my political associate, l believe sincerely that Kalu has what it takes to lead the 10th Senate, as Senate President.

    “Kalu, l would say is the longest serving National Assembly member and most experienced, having been in the House of Representatives in 1992.

    “It is pertinent also to call on my party, the APC to cede the position of the Senate President to the South East,” Adighije said.

  • 10th Senate: Fani-Kayode throws weight behind Kalu, says his loyalty not in doubt

    10th Senate: Fani-Kayode throws weight behind Kalu, says his loyalty not in doubt

    Former Minister of Aviation and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, on Tuesday, throws his weight behind Senator Orji Kalu’s Senate Presidency ambition saying his loyalty is not in doubt.

    Fani-Kayode said Kalu would be loyal to the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Tweeting, Fani-Kayode via his wrote: “Senator Orji Kalu and Senator Sani Musa are both very close to me and I am proud to call them my brothers. I believe that the Nigerian Senate would be safe hands in their hands as Senate President and Deputy Senate President.

    “Their loyalty to our great party the APC and to our leader and President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is unambiguous, total and second to none, and they are both seasoned, brilliant, courageous, tough, wise and experienced public officers. What an extraordinary combination they would make as Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively.

    “This would be innovative and refreshing. Under their leadership the opposition parties would have sleepless nights, the Senate would be strong, bold and reliable, the APC would flourish and go from strength to strength and the Nigerian people would be the better for it. I wish them well in this race and they have not only my support but that of millions of other party leaders and supporters.”

  • 10th Senate: Why Orji Kalu should be next Senate President

    10th Senate: Why Orji Kalu should be next Senate President

    The Progressive Youth Group, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone the Senate Presidency to the South-East.

    To this end, the pressure group had endorsed  Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia) who is the Chief Whip of the Senate as the next Senate President.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the group’s Convener, Mr Idris Jibril.

    He said: “having thoughtfully considered several factors and the greater good for all, the Progressive Youth Group hereby endorses Kalu as the next Senate President of the 10th Assembly.”

    Jibril said that the senate as a critical institution provides a crucible for balance of power within the system of government practiced in Nigeria.

    “The President-elect is from South-West, Vice President-elect from North-East, it is our fervent believe that the Senate President should come from the South-East.”

    The convener also called on the Council of State to join their voices in this worthy endeavour.

    “We believe that their endorsement of Kalu will further strengthen his candidacy and send a strong message of unity to the entire country.

    “We urge the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, the President-elect, elected legislators, and stakeholders to put aside their differences and work toward a common good for the country.

    “This is not about political affiliation but about the interest of the country and the Nigerian people.”

    He described Kalu as a distinguished Nigerian leader, businessman, and philanthropist with a strong track record of achievements.

    “Kalu has contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria in various capacities, including serving as the Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007.

    “During his tenure, he initiated several development projects in the state, such as the construction of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Abia State University School of Law, and the Abia State Polytechnic, among others.”

    Jibril said that if Kalu emerges as Senate President, he would help to douse tension in the South-East region and foster unity as well as integration.

    “The region has been experiencing heightened tension and insecurity, and there is an urgent need to address this situation,” Jibril said.

  • ‘The death of a spouse is quite disheartening’ – Jonathan condoles Kalu over wife’s death

    ‘The death of a spouse is quite disheartening’ – Jonathan condoles Kalu over wife’s death

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with former Governor of Abia, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, over the demise of his wife, Ifeoma, who passed on at the age of 61.

    This is contained in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Jonathan, who expressed sadness over the news of the death, described the deceased as a “diligent woman” who touched and changed lives through her exemplary behavior and pleasant personality.

    He said her demise was a painful loss that had created a vacuum in the family and in the hearts of her loved ones.

    “The death of a spouse is quite disheartening because of the sad reality of losing a partner who had been part of you all the way and played an important role in your progress and accomplishments in life.

    Jonathan advised the Senator representing Abia North to be comforted by the fact that his late wife lived a fulfilling life, having served God and humanity to the best of her abilities.

  • BREAKING: “It is my turn to become Senate President” – Kalu affirms

    BREAKING: “It is my turn to become Senate President” – Kalu affirms

    The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, has declared his intention to contest for Senate presidency in the 10th National Assembly.

    Kalu, who won re-election to represent Abia North in the Red Chamber, disclosed this Tuesday while briefing newsmen at the National Assembly.

    The ruling All Progressives Congress maintained a majority in the Senate, having secured 57 seats.

    APC senators eyeing the Senate presidency have been lobbying their colleagues to seek their support.

    I’m hoping that Nigerians will pray for me to become Senate President because it’s my turn

    Aside from Kalu, who has publicly declared interest in the position, Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Sani Musa (Niger); Barau Jibrin (Kano); and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) are also said to be interested in running for the coveted office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the final candidates for the position will largely be determined by zoning.

    However, the APC leadership said it has not zoned the Senate presidency.

    Some pundits believe that it is likely that APC might zone the post to the South for power balance, especially after its Muslim-Muslim ticket triggered outrage from some quarters, especially the Christian community.

    BREAKING: "It is my turn to become Senate President" -Kalu affirms

    Kalu told reporters that it was his turn to become Senate President, being a ranking lawmaker and from the South East.

    He said, “It is my turn to become the Senate President. If I’m elected Senate President, I will be team Nigeria. I’m going to work in every corner of Nigeria.

    “I schooled in Maiduguri, Borno State. I started my business in Lagos and spread it across all state capitals. My first name will be team Nigeria, my last name will be team Nigeria.

    “Remember, I’m the only former governor who has never changed phone line for more than 20 years ago. I’m still willing to maintain that telephone number to answer all my calls. I’m not going to switch off my phones because I’m Senate President. I’m hoping that Nigerians will pray for me to become Senate President because it’s my turn.”

  • Being an Igbo man, voting against Tinubu is madness – Orji Kalu

    Being an Igbo man, voting against Tinubu is madness – Orji Kalu

    Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu has declared his intention to work and vote for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the coming 2023 general elections despite being an Igbo man.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the former Abia State Governor made it clear that the presidency is not a regional affair and that he will be working for his party.

    He assured the Igbos will be the biggest beneficiaries of the presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Kalu, who spoke to reporters at the National Assembly, said: “Presidency is not a regional issue. I asked the political parties to zone the presidency to the South East. When they didn’t do that, and since presidency is not a regional issue, I had to withdraw.

    “I have no problem with Igbo man being president. But we have to do it with other Nigerians. If we don’t do it with other Nigerians, it is not going to work, no matter how popular you are. It’s president of Nigeria, not president of Igbo land.

    “I’m an Igbo man to the core. I’m also a Nigerian to the core. If anyone from the Southeast would have been nominated for presidency, I would have been the one. So, it’s a party business. I have no grudges against anybody who is running.

    “So, it is not personal. It is political and party. This thing is about party winning election. I have chosen to be in APC. Why will I vote against Tinubu? It’s madness, and I’m not going to do it. Elections go along party line, not along tribal line.

    “For me, we will wait for another time and see how all Nigerians will agree to zone the presidency to the Igbo land. But for now, our presidential candidate is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Tinubu is a strategic, he will make his presidency beneficial to the Igbos. The Igbos will be the biggest beneficiaries of Tinubu’s presidency.”

  • Abia@31: Orji Kalu commends people of Abia, for dedication towards growth of the state

    Abia@31: Orji Kalu commends people of Abia, for dedication towards growth of the state

    The Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu, has congratulated the government and people of Abia on the occasion of the 31st year anniversary of the creation of the state.

    Kalu, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, commended the people of the state for ”their selflessness, resilience and dedication to the growth and progress of the state.”

    The former governor of Abia urged the political class to live up to expectations and play politics devoid of hate campaigns.

    While cautioning against hate speech and campaigns of calumny, Kalu said that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

    Kalu expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their support to him and his successors, promising to continue to champion their cause.

    “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 urged.

    Kalu called on the people of the state to be steadfast, resilient and selfless in their endeavours.

    Newsmen recall that 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.

  • Nigerians abroad will soon be able to vote – Orji Kalu

    Nigerians abroad will soon be able to vote – Orji Kalu

    Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu, says Nigerians in the diaspora will soon be able to vote from their countries of residence.

    Kalu spoke on Thursday night in Maryland when he met Nigerians living in the United States of America.

    According to a statement issued by Orji Kalu Media Group, Kalu said the next National Assembly would fashion a way to actualise diaspora voting to accommodate millions of Nigerians living outside the country.

    “As a Nigerian, irrespective of where you stay or live, you should have a say in deciding who leads who.

    “Therefore, in the nearest future, it should be possible for Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in our national elections.

    “In 1992 as a member of House of Representatives, I introduced the dual citizenship bill.

    “By God’s grace in the 10th Senate, we will introduce a bill that will allow Nigerians in diaspora to vote their choice candidate.

    “We cannot ignore the millions of Nigerians across the globe making significant impact on the country’s economy and our overall development as a nation,’’ he said.

    He emphasised the importance of effectively mobilising Nigerians in the diaspora whom he described as critical components of the country’s development.

    The former governor of Abia urged citizens living abroad to remain patriotic and committed to the country’s development irrespective of the current security situation.

    “Continue to be patriotic here. Don’t lose hope on Nigeria; keep hope alive. We are going to overcome our challenges as a nation.

    “I am appealing to you all to always promote our country positively.

    “Yes, we have challenges, but Nigeria is our only country. We must therefore unite irrespective of our religion, ethnicity or race,” Kalu said.

  • ASUU: We must stop playing with the future of our youths – Orji Kalu tells FG

    ASUU: We must stop playing with the future of our youths – Orji Kalu tells FG

    The Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu, has urged the Federal Government to re-open negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    Kalu, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja decried the disruption of academic activities as a result of strikes by the university lecturers.

    According to him, the federal government should also endeavour to implement the signed agreements with the lecturers in the interest of students, their parents, the education sector, and the country at large.

    Kalu described as worrisome the continued brain-drain in the country, which he said had contributed to poor quality of Nigerian graduates.

    “Incessant strikes disrupt the academic calendar, encourage brain drain and contribute significantly to the poor quality of graduates in the Country, with far-reaching implications on national development.

    “The federal government should urgently take all necessary measures to open a realistic negotiation with ASUU to stop the strike and implement the signed agreements in the interest of our students, their parents, the education sector, and the country.

    “We must stop playing with the future of our youths,” he said.

    Recall that ASUU began strike on Feb. 14, 2022, due to the government’s failure to meet its demands.

    The union insisted on the strike due to failure of the government to meet the 2009 agreement.

    The ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osedeke, said that the union took the ‘difficult decision’ after exhausting all avenues available to amicably settle the matter with the federal government.

  • Orji Kalu congratulates Ekiti governor-elect, Oyebanji

    The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has congratulated the governor-elect of Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his victory in the Saturday governorship election.

    Kalu, in a message issued on Sunday in Abuja, wished Oyebanji a successful tenure in office, while urging him to adopt a participatory leadership style.

    While commending the people of Ekiti for voting the candidate of the APC, Kalu urged Oyebanji to consolidate on the achievements of Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

    According to him, the APC will continue to wax strong.

    The former governor of Abia, who described the governor-elect as a seasoned public administrator and astute politician, urged the people of Ekiti to sustain their support for him in taking the state to greater heights.

    He said, “the victory of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Biodun Oyebanji in the Saturday election is timely and well deserved.

    “The Fayemi-led state government has transformed Ekiti in all ramifications and as such, the people of Ekiti  compensated the APC for the good works of the current administration in the state.

    “The governor-elect having served in various capacities at the state level has the administrative acumen and political dexterity to build on the accomplishments of the current administration.

    “The people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their support for the APC with their votes.

    “I commend the governorship candidates of other political parties for the political maturity displayed before and after the poll”.

    Kalu applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in ensuring a free and fair poll.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyebanji polled a total of 187, 057 to win the election.

    Segun Oni, Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate 82, 211 to come second.

    Others were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Bisi Kolawole, who polled 67,457; Accord (A) scored 166 and African Action Congress (AAC) 409.

    All Progressives Grand Alliance,(APGA) 17 while Action Democratic Congress (ADC) polled 141 votes.

    Also, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) scored 5,597; Allied Peoples Movement (APM) -290; Labour Party (LP) polled 195 votes; New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) scored 529 and National Rescue Movement (NRM) 347.