TheNewsGuru

Tag: Orji Kalu

  • I’m shocked with number of presidential aspirants, it’s embarrassing – Orji Kalu

    I’m shocked with number of presidential aspirants, it’s embarrassing – Orji Kalu

    Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has come out to criticize the 2023 presidential aspirants emerging from the South-West and South-South.

    Kalu, in a statement on Tuesday, said it is unjust and embarrassing that the aspirants from both the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have no single respect and concern for the South East.

    National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (Southwest); former Senate President Bukola Saraki (North); Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State (North); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (Southwest) and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State (South-South) are among the 2023 presidential aspirants.

    According to Kalu, having a President from the South West or South-South is like having one from the North which is hypocritical and unjustifiable.

    He stressed that aspirants from South West and South-South are not being fair to their brothers by seeking to be Buhari’s successor.

    Part of the statement read, “I’m even shocked with the number of aspirants coming from the South West and the South-South. It’s embarrassing that these aspirants (APC and PDP) have no single respect and concern for the South East.

    “I had thought they would think about the South East. The amount of money being spent by these aspirants is alarming and they have forgotten that money alone can’t buy the presidency.

    “It has become a joke to an ordinary Nigerian who hears Southern commentators and aspirants rooting for a Southern President on the premise of fairness, equity and justice. How can you talk about these morals when you are not even fair to your own brothers?

    “If there is anything like “fairness”, “equity” and “justice”, it should be the entire South pushing for a president of South-East extraction. Anything less than this is “hypocritical”, “unjustifiable” and “inordinate”.

    “What moral justification does a Southerner who refused to be fair to his brothers have against a Northerner running for president?

    “This will be very insensitive, unreasonable, and disrespectful for any Southern man to criticize a presidential aspirant from the North on the ground that the North has done eight years and power should return to the South.”

    Kalu urged the South West and the South-South to support their brothers from South East, adding that they have successfully completed their tenures as ‘President and Vice President’.

    “If the next president after President Muhammadu Buhari doesn’t come from the South East, there would be nothing unfair and unjust if he or she comes from Daura,” Kalu said.

  • Orji Uzor Kalu celebrates Aliko Dangote at 65

    Orji Uzor Kalu celebrates Aliko Dangote at 65

    Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Kalu, felicitated with the founder and President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Sunday as the latter turned 65.

    In a goodwill message issued in Abuja, Kalu described Dangote as an outstanding Nigerian, recognised beyond the shores of Africa for his giant accomplishments in business and humanitarian circles.

    The former Abia governor stated also that Dangote is a source of inspiration for his contemporaries and for the younger generation.

    Kalu acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the philanthropist to nation building through various platforms.

    He added that Dangote’s business empire provided employment and wealth for millions of Nigerians.

    The Senate Chief Whip prayed for long life for Dangote, noting that his good deeds would continue to speak for him.

    Kalu urged the celebrant not to relent in his initiatives at improving the lot of the common man through his numerous philanthropic gestures.

    “I congratulate the Founder and President of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote as he clocks 65.

    “The celebrant is a household name in the business community across the globe.

    “His business empire and humanitarian platforms have created jobs and wealth for Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike across the globe.

    “The giant accomplishments of Dangote in all facets of life should be acknowledged and celebrated across the globe.

    “The celebrant has done Africa and in particular, Nigeria proud in business and in humanity.

    “I join family, friends and associates of Dangote in wishing him long life in sound health,’’ Kalu stated.

    He also prayed to God to strengthen Dangote in all his endeavours.

  • Ramadan: Orji Kalu urge Muslims to pray for the country

    Ramadan: Orji Kalu urge Muslims to pray for the country

    The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu has urged the Muslim Ummah to use the holy month of Ramadan to offer prayers for the country.

    Kalu in his goodwill message issued on Saturday in Abuja, prayed to Allah to give the Muslim community strength and peace during the holy month of Ramadan.

    Describing the month as a holy season that should be dedicated to the service of Allah, Kalu said that forgiveness, piety, togetherness, almsgiving and generosity must be upheld beyond Ramadan.

    He admonished Muslims to embrace the teachings of the Holy Qu’ran and exemplary lifestyle of Prophet Muhammed in their daily endeavours.

    He also said the compulsory Ramadan fasting will afford Muslims the opportunity of self-appraisal in the service of Allah and humanity.

    “I felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the commencement of 2022 Ramadan fasting. It is yet another opportunity for sober reflection and rededication to the service of Allah and mankind.

    “The teachings of Holy Quran and exemplary qualities of Prophet Muhammed must be sustained in the month of Ramadan and beyond. Let us demonstrate love, forgiveness, peace and generosity during this holy season.

    “Nigeria will be prosperous if we tolerate our brothers and sisters of other religious faiths. As a heterogeneous nation, we must respect the beliefs of all religions.

    “The Muslim Ummah should use this holy month to pray for leaders at all levels of government,” Kalu said.

  • Orji Kalu hails President Buhari’s intervention ahead of APC convention

    Orji Kalu hails President Buhari’s intervention ahead of APC convention

    Sen. Orji Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate on Saturday hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s timely intervention in resolving the intraparty differences ahead of the APC national convention.

    Kalu stated this in a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

    The Senate chief whip who lauded President Buhari for his impartial conduct said he played a pivotal leadership role in restoring peace aimed at ensuring a peaceful and successful national convention.

    “I want to sincerely commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his quick and timely intervention in resolving the crises that rocked our great party.

    “His intervention by inviting the various caucuses, stakeholders and leaders has brought in calm and unassuming peace which has rescued our party from disharmony,” he said.

    He also expressed optimism of a successful convention; stressing that no stone should be left unturned in bringing succour to Nigerians through the APC.

    He however called on members of the party to close ranks and remain committed to the party’s ideology to enable the leadership of the party to achieve its mandate.

    “Members of the party should demonstrate the spirit of love, peace and harmony as demonstrated by the president by embracing unity to help our party succeed in 2023 general elections.

    “APC is one family and the president has done exceptionally well by meeting with the relevant stakeholders to resolve some of the crisis rocking the party.”

    Kalu who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for restoring harmony to the party appealed to him to help the party resolve the pocket of the crisis rocking some state chapters like Kano, Oyo, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kwara, among others.

  • The relevance of the OUK formula in Abia succession politics – By Chido Nwakanma

    The relevance of the OUK formula in Abia succession politics – By Chido Nwakanma

    By Chido Nwakanma

    Both sides of the dispute over the tilt of the governorship of Abia State circa 2023-2027 may find in former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu an unlikely resource for its resolution. Kalu implemented a formula that changed the state’s power structure into a quadrant. He did so unwittingly in 2007 when he ensured that Chief (now Senator) Theodore Orji succeeded him in office.

    Orji Kalu came from the Old Umuahia zone in the old configuration. The governor came from Abia North Senatorial Zone in the new geopolitics. Rather than follow the formula of Abia’s fathers’ drawn ab initio ahead of the creation of the state, he chose a new procedure. He picked on Chief Theodore Orji, his then Chief of Staff, from Umuahia or the new Abia Central senatorial zone. It is interestingly coincidental that both men sit in the Senate currently representing Abia North and Abia Central.

    Abia Central, however, is a mini-Abia State in its configuration with six local governments. There is an equal representation of three local governments front Aba and Umuahia. The local governments are Ikwuano, Umuahia North, Umuahia South from the Umuahia axis, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, and Osisioma of the Ngwa axis.

    Representation in the Abia Central senate seat swings between the Ngwa and Umuahia in the legislature. Senator Bob Nwanunu from Ngwa land took the first shot in 1999 and served for one term. Senator Chris Adighije from Umuahia took over and did one tour as well.

    Nkechi Nwaogu from Osisioma became the Senator in 2007. She served for two terms based on a consensus of the political leaders following the exit of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu from the PDP to form the Progressive People’s Alliance.

    The senatorial seat swung back to Umuahia in 2015, with former Governor Theodore Orji from Ibeku Umuahia becoming a senator.

    Significantly, in anointing Theodore Orji for the governor’s seat when he did, Orji Uzor Kalu carved the political structure of Abia State into a quadrant rather than the triangle upon which some base their succession arguments.

    Abia Central has honoured the Abia Charter of Equity 1981 in political representation in the legislature. It would need to continue. It has respected the quadrant that is now the structure of Abia politics.

    The Ngwa of Abia Central base their claims to the governorship rotation on this quadrant and the Abia Charter of Equity 1981. One half of the senatorial zone took its turn for eight years with Theodore Orji as Governor. It then went to Abia South with Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu.

    It should return to Abia Central with the remaining part of the quadrant, the three Ngwa local governments. It is equitable and in line with what the players have done in the legislature since 1999.

    The other issue is the length of stay in the Governor’s Office. It currently stands at 18 years for Umuahia Division or Abia North and seven years for Aba Division or Abia South senatorial zone. When Ikpeazu leaves office in May 2023, Aba Division would have done only eight years versus eighteen years.

    Fairness and equity dictate that the Ngwa half of Abia Central should do eight years to try to close the gap.

  • I never supported efforts to undermine APC March 26 convention date – Orji Kalu

    I never supported efforts to undermine APC March 26 convention date – Orji Kalu

    The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has absolved himself from supporting efforts to undermine the March 26 national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Kalu said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said, “I have read the unfortunate accusations levelled against me by a former Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Lukman .

    “In a statement credited to Lukman, he alleged that some party leaders are working with the Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni to undermine the March 26 national convention of the party.

    “He noted that there are other party leaders, including Sen. Uzor Kalu who have actively supported Mai Mala to undermine the decision to organise the national convention of the party.”

    “It is on this note that I consider it necessary to correct the wrong impressions Lukman must be making efforts to create.

    “There has been no time I participated in any collaboration or collusion to ensure that attempts to organise the APC national convention are blocked,’’ he said.

    Kalu recalled that on Dec.15, 2021, he appealed to the party and CECPC members to consider postponing the national convention earlier slated for February.

    The former governor of Abia warned that holding the convention in February without sorting out minor disagreements could lead to implosion.

    “I was worried that the creation of factions which denied the party victory in so many states in the past elections may repeat itself.

    “I therefore called for a peaceful resolution of the crisis before holding the convention.

    “No peaceful and tactful leader, would support a terrible scenario to reoccur.

    “It is important to note that I have always stood for and supported the party and Gov. Mai Mala Buni only happened to be the chairman of the party.

    “Aside serving as the chairman of the party, Buni is my old family friend and I cannot deny him because he is facing challenges today.

    “We have been friends for the past 25 years.

    “It is imperative to state that Buni has done very well for the party. His sterling leadership quality is what helped stabilise our great party across the six geopolitical zones, with high profile defections in our favour,’’ Kalu said.

    He urged party leaders to guard their utterances to avoid creating disharmony.

    According to him, in this time of challenge and misunderstandings, I am calling on the party leaders and stakeholders to guard their utterances to avoid creating more disharmony.

    “Even in a nuclear family, disagreements and quarrels exist.

    “The APC is a very big party with several caucuses. We have the governors, National Assembly, businessmen, youths and women among other caucuses.

    “The directions and concerns of these caucuses should be taken into consideration at all times.

    “Going forward, whether it is Gov. Mai Mala Buni or Gov Abubakar Sani Bello, I would always give the party my maximum support and drive for stronger growth.

    “There is always a danger with single story and I encourage Mr President to hear the two sides of the story so that the party can win together,’’ Kalu said.

  • Orji Kalu celebrates Adeboye at 80

    Orji Kalu celebrates Adeboye at 80

    The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has congratulated the founder and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye on his 80th birthday anniversary.

    Kalu, in a goodwill message issued on Tuesday in Abuja, described Pastor Adeboye as a rare gem and acknowledged his contributions to nation building.

    The former governor of Abia urged Adeboye not to relent in his good works and commended the pastor for his commitment to the service of God and humanity.

    Kalu joined the Adeboye family, friends and members of the RCCG in celebrating the accomplishments of the General Overseer of RCCG.

    He said, “I felicitate with the Founder and General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye as he clocks 80.

    “I equally congratulate the wife of the General Overseer, Pastor Foluke Adeboye, members of the Adeboye family and RCCG.

    “Pastor Adeboye has consistently sustained his commitment to the service of God and mankind. Locally and internationally, Daddy G.O as fondly called is known for his contributions to humanity.

    “His attributes should be emulated by leaders across the globe. Pastor Adeboye is a genuine leader in all ramifications. I pray for longer life for Daddy GO in the service of God and mankind,’’ he said.

    Kalu wished the celebrant a joyous birthday celebration.

  • 2023: I can match Tinubu, others naira for naira – Orji Kalu boasts

    2023: I can match Tinubu, others naira for naira – Orji Kalu boasts

    A presidential aspirant, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has said that the former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, and other aspirants cannot outspend him during the upcoming All Progressives Congress presidential primary election.

    He said this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, adding that Tinubu isn’t a hindrance to his becoming next president.

    Asked if he sees the former governor as a threat, Kalu answered, “No! and I am not a threat to his ambition. By the time we meet in Eagles Square, this issue will be settled.

    “Mind you, politics is not only about money; it is about the people you are going to govern -the people of the north-west, the people of north-east, the people of north-central, the people of the south-east, the people of the south-west, and the people of south-south, and we have the people. I can move the people and the people are with me.”

    On why he decided to run fr president after an initial denial, Kalu said the situation of the country made him make a U-turn.

    Apart from boasting that he has support from all regions in the country, Kalu also said as a “recognised billionaire”, there’s nothing others can spend that he can’t spend.

    He said, “It was circumstance from the south-east, south-west, north-west, north-central, and north-east that made me decide to join the race. I was governor with him (Tinubu), there is nothing difficult in challenging anybody.

    “We are all going to meet at the Eagle Square, and we will square it out there. There is no difficulty. I am the only political businessman that is first recognised as a billionaire, and I am not sure that there is anything those people can do, in terms of money, that I cannot do. I don’t think they can speak to anybody in Nigeria or in the world that I cannot speak to.”

  • Tinubu, other aspirants cannot outspend me, Orji Kalu boasts

    Tinubu, other aspirants cannot outspend me, Orji Kalu boasts

    A presidential aspirant, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has boasted that Bola Tinubu, and other aspirants cannot outspend him during the presidential primaries of the ruling party.

    Kalu said this while answering journalists questions.

    The former Governor of Abia State insisted Tinubu is not a hindrance to him becoming the next president.

    Asked if he sees Bola Tinubu, also a presidential aspirant of the APC, as a threat to his ambition, Kalu said “No! And I am not a threat to his ambition.

    “By the time we meet at Eagles Square, this issue will be settled.”

    Kalu also claimed he has support from all regions in the country to back up his ambition.

    He said, “I was governor with him (Tinubu). There is nothing difficult in challenging anybody.

    “There is no difficulty. I am the only political businessman that is first recognised as a billionaire. I am not sure that there is anything those people can do, in terms of money, that I cannot do.”

  • Orji Kalu commiserates with Sen. Folarin over wife’s death

    Orji Kalu commiserates with Sen. Folarin over wife’s death

    The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has commiserated with Sen. Teslim Folarin over the death of his wife, Mrs Angela Folarin.

    Kalu, in a condolence message issued on Friday in Abuja, expressed shock over the death and described the deceased as a woman of virtue who supported her husband in his political and humanitarian endeavours.

    He urged Folarin to take solace in the fact that his late wife was committed to the service of mankind.

    The former Governor of Abia prayed for eternal rest for the deceased, noting that the late Mrs Folarin, would be sorely missed by family, friends and associates.

    He said, “I received with pain the news of the passing of wife of Sen. Teslim Folarin, Mrs Angela Folarin.

    “She was a virtuous woman who committed her resources to the empowerment of women.

    “The deceased played noble roles in the advancement of the cause of the people by complementing her husband’s humanitarian gestures.

    “Her demise is a huge loss to the womenfolk. “May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

    Kalu prayed to God to give the Folarin family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

    The wife of the lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District died on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 in the U.K.