GRPolitics
Orji Kalu: The Last of His Peers Standing
Written By Hashim Suleiman
It was a faithful Sunday, 17th October, 2021 when my inlaw Alhaji Sanusi Bala Mai Tuta of Zamfara had invited me for his wedding anniversary and I had to attend with my wife.
It was an occasion full of crème de la crème ranging from General Boroh to family members and then lastly came in Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Nigeria’s senate.
He looked fresh and young pumped up with lot of energy and so much cerebral capabilities that were sufficient to attract the attention of all that were present.
Appropriate pleasantries were exchanged with unexpected humility for those of us who had never been such close as well as the expression of others alike.
Incidentally, I usually volunteer to anchor such kinds of programs in an impromptu manner for purposes of making attendees feel alright and the program worthy of attending. Consequently, I rose up to make a toast and after showering encomiums on the celebrants, Alhaji Sanusi Bala Mai Tuta and his dear Wife Hajiya Aisha Sanusi Bala, I faced Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and reminded him and the congregation about how he was practically the only man of his league still standing tall in the polity.
He is not only standing but doing so with utmost knowledge of the Nigerian polity and appropriate bridges built. He beamed with smiles while I was at it.
In case you do not understand what I mean by ‘The Last Man Standing of His League’, let me remind you that the Distinguished Senator was one of the three pioneer governors of the current republic that ascended to that position at their 30’s in 1999.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was 39, Donald Duke, 38 and Ibrahim Saminu Turaki was 36 at the time. Your guess about who among them is still standing strong today must apparently be as good as mine.
Senator Orji Kalu is not a man that went through all without the appropriate trials and tribulations of life but in all cases he had utilized the necessary democratic channels to come out clean and on top, such feats require to be echoed for purpose of posterity especially considering that our country has this much snag for ‘Pull Him Down’ narratives unnecessarily.
Senator Orji Kalu does not deserve such as he has demonstrated absolute desire to conduct himself in line with democratic tenets during his trial and good times.
For example, a lot of people around me had in that ‘Pull Him Down’ character attempted to condemn the recent protest and counter protests about the elections by PDP and APC and I had to educate them to understand the fact that protests and opposition are a major ingredient of democracy and the lack of them makes the process tasteless.
In conclusion to my meeting the Distinguished at the event described in paragraph 1 above, a lot of us had to accompany him to the car while he was ready to depart and that final moment turned out the most interesting of the night as he went into mentorship and in-pact full counseling, first about the need to be an appropriate family man by ensuring you take appropriate care of your wife and kids more than any other thing, perhaps that was a message of appreciation to the celebrant but we equally benefited immensely.
He equally went head to speak about humility and loyalty through the roles that Professor Jibril Aminu of Adamawa State had played in his life and how much respect and loyalty he still has for the Prof. The striking thing of this part is the depth of his bridges in this country.
Considering all of these, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has won his re-election into the senate for the second time in a row, the news has become rife in town that the Distinguished is billed to become the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly for the 10th Assembly and some of us who are critical enough to study people objectively would say indeed Nigeria will be lucky to have such a very experienced man who would kill two birds with his emergence.
First, to give the southeast the needed and clamored inclusion and to also utilize his deep networks and bridges as well as experience to stabilize the government of his very good friend and elder brother whom he took to his mum with so much cheer and enthusiasm.
So, yes, why not for the ‘Last of his Peers Standing’ to compliment his elder brother ‘The Last Man Standing’.
Best Wishes to His Excellency, Senator. Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu
God Bless Nigeria
Hashim Suleiman can be reached: [email protected]
The Federal Government has been told to end the anarchy being perpetuated in Edo state by prosecuting the out-going Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is bent on burning down the state after his party lost election during the last governorship election in the state.
The Centre For Political Orientation and Leadership Training, Professor Mike Otabor, made this known while delivering a paper in a workshop titled, “Governance for 21st Century African Leaders” in Abuja.
Otabor who is also an Executive Director and Resource Person at the Centre questioned the rationale for African politicians reacting so negatively each time they lose election but will not revert otherwise when they win nor appreciate the voting public.
Siting the ongoing situation in Edo state, Professor Otabor condemned Governor Godwin Obaseki for sponsoring violent protests in Benin city just because his party lost the governorship election of 21st September 2024.
He went further to reflect on the past when the governor won two previous governorship elections and a recent local government election where results were being announced even when the voting was still ongoing.
He stated; “I monitored the local government election. One popular young man got so much support from his community in Edo north and was leading with a huge margin when the result was announced.”
“The young man did not burn down his community. If he did, Obaseki would have arrested him for causing mayhem. I think Obaseki is not above the law.”
“The Federal Government should arrest him when he hands over power in November for causing mayhem and for ‘burning down’ the state. That is how to make laws work. Tinubu should use him to set example.”
Professor Otabor also admonished politicians who believed that power must remain with them like Obaseki. He was so high-handed and has even dragged one prominent election observer into the mud.
He went further to criticise Yiaga Africa for allowing politicians to use them in a sensitive election like this.
Even before they could submit their report, they quickly went on air to condemn INEC which was what Obaseki needed to cause mayhem in the state.
The government and INEC should take notice of the election observers like Yiaga as they are not acting for the interest of the people but for their own.
“I used to respect Yiaga Africa. The way they came out to condemn the election, which was highly monitored by many local and international agencies, shows that Yiaga Africa was biased.”
“We had representatives in Edo state throughout the election, and report revealed that on Sunday, a day after the election, Yiaga was with Governor Obaseki in the government house.”
“At the time Yiaga was invited to government house, he already got feelers that he was losing the election, and he quickly recruited Yiaga to do the dirty job of mudslinging a perfect election.”
“Let Yiaga explain to the world what they went to do in Government House, Benin City, when the results of the election were still being compiled. We have records. If they deny we will expose them.”
Prof Otabor also called on INEC to investigate Yiaga and ban them from observing future elections in Nigeria if found culpable in the Edo election report.
GRPolitics
Governor Peter Mbah Signs Multi-million Dollar Joint Venture To Birth Job Opportunities, Promote Sports And Youth Development In Enugu State
The Governor Of Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah has disclosed a recent deal he signed for the good of the people of Enugu. On his Facebook page he wrote;
“I was delighted to sign a multi-million dollar joint venture agreement with the Del-York Group for “The 042 Arena and Entertainment Park” over the weekend.
The multi-purpose sports and entertainment hub is designed to focus on key areas of development, training, innovation, education, talent discovery, hospitality, and entertainment, among others.
The Sports Arena will on completion feature training facilities, athlete housing, a physical therapy and sports medicine centre, and a performance centre, while the Entertainment Park will have a variety of designs, including screening rooms, stages, amphitheaters; and live, work and play facilities, among others.
It gladdens my heart that investors are now favouring our dear state as a location for businesses and investments. This demonstrates the success of our ceaseless efforts to make Enugu the safest place to live, invest, play sports, and enjoy leisure.
I’m hopeful that this project will create thousands of jobs for Ndi Enugu and also attract more investors and tourists to our state. It will also provide a platform for our young people to showcase their talents, thereby promoting sports and youth development in our state and the entire South-East region.
Many thanks to the CEO of Del-York, Linus Idahosa, who came up with the concept and chose Enugu as the planting soil. My administration will give him and his team all the needed support to flourish.”
Here are pictures from the signing ceremony.
We commend the Governor on this development.
GRPolitics
Governor Peter Mbah Appreciates Dave Umahi Over Swift Response To Work On A Recently collapsed Bridge In Enugu State
Governor Peter Mbah Appreciates The Minister For Works, Dave Umahi Over Swift Response To Work On A Recently collapsed Bridge In Enugu State
The bridge which is on the federal road, had sunk in on Monday.Thank God no casualties were recorded due to the less movements around the area on the it happened.
Here’s what the Governor wrote;
“Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to Enugu State. The minister who came to inspect the collapsed bridge between the New Artisan flyover and the Naira Triangle, at the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway, assured me of its immediate reconstruction.
“He commended me for ameliorating the plights of my people by undertaking to dualise the Enugu State’s part of the Enugu-Abakaliki road, and also assured me that the federal government would expedite the necessary approvals.
“I sincerely appreciate the minister for the prompt response, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for inclusive leadership. This, for us, underscores the president’s commitment to his oath of office.”
Here are pictures from the scene visit
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