March 28th: A victory for Orji Uzor Kalu is a victory for Ndigbo

The great scholar Henrick Clarke, once said that history is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography.

It tells them where they are but most importantly what they must be. I am reflective of the past because an understanding of the past provides necessary tools for resolving problems of the present and righting the wrongs for a better tomorrow, a better future that Ndigbo of the Eastern region can not wait to uphold.

Since the loss of the civil war in 1970, Ndigbo had been subjected to the most discriminating and brutal treatment than any people who lost a war in modern times.

That Ndigbo have continued to survive individually in the face of the evil metted on them can be attributed to the ingenuity, tenacity, will power and creativity of the individual Igbo man. In the affairs of the nation, it is regrettably lugubrious that out of the near 55 years of leadership in Nigeria, the Igbos have been at the helm of affairs for only 6 months, even the Ijaw minority have done more but that is a talk for another day.

This led to the highly respected writer and literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe’s assertion that “Nigerians of all other ethnic groups will probably achieve consensus on no other matter than their common resentment of the Igbos”. Irrespective of all these and for whatsoever reason, the people of the Eastern region seem content remaining at the periphery of the nation’s political enterprise.

This has even climaxed in the recent political dispensation where the Igbo people act with reluctance in matters of our own concern. We act as if our historical plight and the precarious political and socio- economic future is no longer a concern.

However, March 28th will be another opportunity to make choices that will either keep us in shape or out of shape despite not having a presidential aspirant of Igbo extraction [even if one exists ,not with household support ].

Should we end up marrying the choice of staying out of shape, then the Ndigbo political interest and cause would sooner than latter be a forgotten issue like a picture in an old family album.

These notwithstanding, Ndigbo has produced great leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Emeka Ojukwu, Dr M.I Okpara,Dr. Nwafor Orizu , Dr Akanu Ibiam to mention but a few,who had equally helped to improve the quality of every Igbo man by fighting vigorously for us and giving us near effective representation .

The rise of these great men in the Nigerian affairs was due to their self confidence engendered by their love for their people and belief that one man is as good as another and that no condition is permanent. People like Ojukwu had in the midst of political intolerance rose to fill the gap of pan-Igbo representation.

He was a captivating demagogue, very expressive, a warlord who had fearlessly looked at power squarely in the face and stood for the interest of the igbos. But today,all the Igbo giants have gone to sleep. The few ones in authority are only good in making perhaps, occasional fine speeches without commensurate momentum. Today, many who parade themselves as Igbo leaders either have nothing to offer to Ndigbo or fail to rise in defense of Ndigbo when needed.

They parade themselves in Abuja, Kano and Lagos under different umbrellas of Igbo groups as “Igbo leaders”. They do so as they have been perambulating and promenading with some of the unpopular Northern and Western creeps who have kept us in bondage.

They leap over the stringent hurdles the Igbos have put in place for choosing their leaders. The consequence is that Ndigbo has become pawns in the chessboard of political games in which they ought to have been players and would have drowned endlessly if not for the intervention of few vibrant ones that has sworn never to see it happen in their lifetime .

The Igbos notable for being lashed by prejudice and buried half-alive in negligence in the national affairs have encountered much challenges in the recent years. And it is most painful that it was only a handful of our acclaimed leaders that came out and stood aggressively in our defense .

Thanks to Chief Alex Ekwueme, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Senator Ike Ekweremmadu, who, at different periods, came to the rescue of Ndigbo. It will remain indelible in the memories of many, the swift action of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu during the Fashola deportation of Igbos .

When others were busy protecting their individual friendship ties with some people they considered powerful, Dr Orji Kalu took it upon himself and made sure that Igbos deserved a better treatment at all nooks and crannies of this nation. His stance on the Apo 6, when Igbos were brutally killed for flimsy reasons, was very conspicuous and highly commendable.

His popular encounter with the Sultan of Sokoto on the killings of Igbos in the North, his presentation at the British House of Commons as a Special Guest where he carried the crusade of equal representation in a nation that Igbos seem to be taken for silent majority received laudable commendations at home and diaspora.

Dr Orji Uzor Kalu’s bravado in withstanding face-off with any Igbo hater has very much endeared him to a new generation of Ndigbo especially the youths. His example being that no Igbo leader should ever abandon his people in times of adversity, that every igbo man especially those in authority, those whom the Igbos have entrusted with the fate of the entire ethnic group must be ready to make a commensurate sacrifice for the igbo nation.

I have come to believe that there will always be true men to lead the Igbos and consequently give voice to the igbo interests and aspirations in accordance with the social and political realities of the time.

That is why amidst the full support of Ndigbo for president Jonathan’s re-election bid, Dr Kalu is the only igbo leader who has shown his commitment beyond verbal support of president Jonathan’s re-election. He has lived up to his words by putting all his energy and resources to drive the project of making sure that President Jonathan continues, by distributing thousands of customized phones and numerous bags of rice as part of his own individual campaign for President Jonathan.

And I am sure that the South- South youths and elders are taking note of that. I strongly believe more still need to be done to promote the growth and interests of the Igbos in this nation, especially now that the Igbos have no expectation of a Nigerian President from Igbo extraction. I had in the past sampled the opinions of some elites and those who understand that the prize of greatness is responsibility on the political future of the Igbos beyond 2015.

• Ogbonna (ezekingV15@yahoo.com, sirbontux@gmail. com) is the immediate past President of NESA UNN, writes from Enugu

Pray for Nigeria, Kalu charges Christian faithful

Eminent industrialist and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated the Christian community in Nigeria on the commencement of 2015 Lenten season.

He said it was a period of spiritual cleansing and rededication to God. In a goodwill message signed by Kunle Oyewumi, his Special Adviser, Kalu said: “The Lenten season is a privileged period to seek for forgiveness and blessings from God. We must imbibe and sustain the spirit of harmonious and peaceful co-existence irrespective of religious, ethnic and political divides. As we approach the general elections, it behoves on every one of us to pray for the nation and its leadership.”

Kalu added that in spite of the security challenges facing the nation, “we have to give praises to God Almighty for keeping Nigeria indivisible.”

He wished the Christian faithful a fulfilling and rewarding Lent.

Kalu commiserates with Catholic community

Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has expressed his sympathy to the Catholic community in Nigeria over the demise of the pioneer Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. V. V Ezeonyia.

The cleric passed away on Sunday during a brief illness.

Kalu acknowledged the role the spiritual father played in promoting Christianity in Abia State, especially by developing and expanding the Catholic Church in Aba Diocese, creating new parishes and appointing new priests.

In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “It is with heavy heart and pain that I commiserate with the Catholic faithful in Abia State on the passing away of Most Rev. V. V Ezeonyia. As a Catholic, I appreciate the forthrightness and discipline of the late bishop. He preached the teachings of the holy book at any given opportunity. His life was dedicated to God and humanity. The late cleric left behind a good legacy worthy of emulation by us all. He will be greatly missed by the Christian community.”

Under the late Bishop Ezeonyia’s watch, CKC, Aba headquarters of the dioceses, was greatly transformed with many structures springing up within a short period, Kalu added.

The former governor urged spiritual leaders to emulate the way of life of Bishop Ezeonyia, praying to  God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give the Ezeonyia family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Slok Air sues Obasanjo, Yuguda

There seems to be no let in the air in the quest by the manage­ment of Slok Air to reclaim its Air Operators’ licence as the company yesterday dragged former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to court over the controversial revocation of its licence 12 years ago.

The embattled company had on Monday dragged the Federal Ministry of Avia­tion, Minister of Aviation and the Attorney-General of the Federation before a Federal High Court, Abuja, demand­ing N20 billion compensation for the grounding of its opera­tions.

But as a follow-up to the suit, Slok Air, yesterday took the bull by the horn by suing Obasanjo and his then Minis­ter of Aviation, Alhaji Isa Yu­guda, demanding N10 billion as cost of damages arising from the controversial revo­cation of its licence.

In a six-paragraph Writ of Summons filed by the com­pany’s lawyers, Messrs Amo­bi Nzelu Esq and Gabriel Ad­enyuma Esq, Slok Air urged the court to declare that nei­ther of the two defendants had right to revoke its operating licence without due process.

The Federal Government had announced the revocation of Slok Air’s Air Operators licence on March 12, 2004, barely a year after it was li­cenced. No tangible reason was offered by the Obasanjo-led Federal Government then for the action.

But in the fresh suit, Slok Air, which is being bank­rolled by the former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, also urged the court to declare that political differ­ences “should not and does not constitute a valid ground for revocation of the plain­tiff’s licence.”

The summons read in parts: “A declaration that the defen­dants have no right whatso­ever without complying with the due process to revoke the operating licence granted to the plaintiff.

“A declaration that the operating licence grant­ed to the plaintiff with reference No. FMA/ ATMD/802/S.648/1/140, dated the 22nd day of April, 2003 and duly signed by the then Minister of Aviation, Dr. (Mrs.) Kema Chikwe, cannot be revoked verbally through electronic or print media without complying with the laid down procedure as relates to revocation of licence.

“A declaration that the defendants maliciously and without any justification re­voked the operating licence issued to the plaintiff.

“A declaration that the po­litical differences in whatever form or guise should not and does not constitute a valid ground for revocation of the plaintiff’s licence.

“The sum of N10 billion only being general and ag­gravated damages against the defendants jointly and sever­ally arising from the unlawful and illegal revocation of the plaintiff’s operating licence.”

Singapore’s Britoil partners Slok Group on shipping, business devt

Britoil Offshore Ser­vices PTE Limited Singapore (BOSPLS), a leading global provider of marine transportation and anchor handling vessels, has expressed its willingness to partner the Slok Group in shipping development and allied business interests in Nigeria.

Managing Director of BOS­PLS, David John Hill, dis­closed this yesterday during an official visit to the head office of The Sun Publishing Limited in Apapa, Lagos.

Accompanied by the Gen­eral Manager, Fleet Operations of the company, David Lud­low, the BOSPLS boss said discussions are at advanced stage to build vessels for Slok Shipping, the maritime arm of the Slok Group.

“We own shipyards. We usually design and build our own vessels. So, we’re look­ing at building hi-tech vessels for Slok Shipping. We’re talk­ing with the Chairman, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu. Our very first PSV (platform supply vessel; Ulstein designed PX121) was launched at Britoil Offshore Shipyard in Batam on January 6, 2015. Britoil Energy is ex­pected to be launched in Febru­ary 2015.

“So basically, we’re a ship­ping company registered in Singapore. We’re primarily focused on executing complex offshore oil and gas projects worldwide. Our complete value chain is in-house and through our group of companies, we design, build, crew and oper­ate our own fleet. This provides Britoil with the advantage of control and flexibility to meet the demands of our clients.

“Our modern fleet is made up of over 30 high-class, strong vessels, the most recent of which were built and main­tained by our own award win­ning state-of-the-art shipyard in Batam, Indonesia, which also has the capacity to build vessels on behalf of third parties. Brit­oil won the award for the most environmentally-friendly and efficient shipyard in Batam in 2013 and we’re proud of that,” he explained.

Hill described Slok Group as a sound entity worthy of any level of business collabora­tions.

The BOSPLS boss ex­pressed satisfaction at the hi-tech facilities of The Sun Publishing Limited, urging the management not to rest on its oars in order to retain its lead­ing position in the print media space.

Earlier in his address, the Executive Director, Corporate Services of The Sun, Steve Nwosu, who received officials of BOSPLS said the newspa­per, as at the last general assess­ment, was the highest circulat­ing daily in the country with a robust online readership.

Nwosu, who was accom­panied by Executive Director, Special Duties, Bolaji Tunji, and The General Manager, Human Resource/Administra­tion, Mrs. Ogechi Uche, said the company, aside printing its own newspapers, which varies from 70,00 to 120,000 daily print run, also does commercial printing for many newspapers and other organisations in the country.

Okoya-Thomas: Mark, Kalu mourn

Senate President, David Mark, yesterday described the death of business mogul, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas as the loss of one of Nigeria’s finest philanthropists and nationalists.

Senator Mark, in a condolence message to the immediate family of Molade Okoya-Thomas, government and people of Lagos State, said the deceased lived the entirety of his life for the good of all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic or religious background.

Recalling his numerous contributions to the development of Lagos State where he served in various committees, Senator Mark said Molade Okoya-Thomas made impact in so many aspects of life and excelled.

Also, eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, described Chief Omolade Okoya-Thomas as a consummate philanthropist, whose demise was a great loss to the country.

He noted that the deceased was an astute entrepreneur, who contributed to social, economic and political development of Nigeria.

In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “I was devastated when I heard the news of the passing away of a gentleman, Chief Okoya-Thomas. He will be remembered for his contributions to sports development, with his annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship. He left behind a good legacy for us all to emulate. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the Okoya family at this sorrowful time.”

The former governor said the late businessman would be remembered for his humility.

He urged the Okoya-Thomas family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

Kalu, while commiserating with the Oba of Lagos, people and government of Lagos State, prayed God to grant the departed a blissful rest.

My problem with Obasanjo is going to court against FG –Kalu

In an interview with Adedayo Adejobi, former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, speaks on his stewardship in Abia, the upcoming general elections, his truncated senatorial ambition, his relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan.

Excerpts:

How is your relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Jonathan and what are the issues with the Peoples Democratic Party?

Let me be frank with you, Obasanjo destroyed the system. I am afraid Nigerian people are welcoming, wining, dining and/or celebrating Obasanjo. He re-echoed corruption in the political system. When I wrote to him, he did not address the issues raised. He auctioned a lot of government properties.

I support Jonathan, whether he wins or loses. After all, we are all Nigerians. The issue is not who wins, it’s an issue of the country being stable and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should tell us whether they are ready or not. I know Attahiru Jega is being careful.  I know President Jonathan will win with a slight margin although he might not control the National Assembly. No one party will control the National Assembly.

I urge Nigerians to vote President Jonathan. Even if there is a paper we failed, let them allow us repeat it. We will do well in exam. I am sure this time, he will work with men of strong character in his cabinet. I want every Nigerian to come out and fight corruption. We should ban governors from making donations to churches and mosques. The state money should not be given out freely without being appropriated. Nigerians should leave religion alone, and face good governance.

I know there are problem in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but it will be resolved in the next two weeks. The president, followers and party are working hard to correct this challenge. We the followers are also working to correct the mistake.

Being the founder of Slok  Holding, a $2.5 billion  (annual revenues) West African conglomerate with interests in shipping, banking, oil trading, manufacturing and the media and only last year, you hit the Forbes list of Africa’s richest. How does this feel?

It doesn’t reflect in my person. It reflects in Forbes papers.  But, I am still the same man since I was born. I have not done anything different. I am still the same person. If they have done anything, I think they have cracked some headache for me because nobody knows me and I find solace in keeping up with new and old friends. Forbes is a credible institution with good people but I don’t feel different.

You got a head start in business at age 19 after being expelled from a Nigerian university for spearheading a series of student riots. You then took a $35 loan from your mother and started trading in commodities, like palm oil, rice, sugar, salt and flour. You diversified into furniture, manufacturing and transportation and became a millionaire by 20. Please, share your experience?

I wasn’t expelled. I was completely exonerated by the reports and recalled at my fourth year when I had only three weeks to be in school with only a paper to write – Political Science 466. I didn’t take the paper and I left. I was recalled by the panel headed by Prof Noel Alkali. I refused to go back because they didn’t recall every other person that participated.

Could we say that set a tone for your national political career?

Not really. My activism had always been there. I had always been an agent of change. I have always been consistent. I am not the average politician, whose word is not his bond. I stand by what I believe in. I respect elders and I’m not afraid of telling them the truth.

At what point did you decide to go into politics?

To be honest with you, I’ve always been a mini-politician from my secondary school to university. At the Government College, Umuahia, I was a labour captain. I was student representative of my hall and then deputy speaker and later president of Student Union. What spurred me into entering politics full time was when I was coming from Lagos in 1998. I was travelling in an Infinity Q45 car between Abangwa High School and Aba; I couldn’t enter into our house in Aba, which is less than 3km. I was there for seven hours in traffic due to the bad road. I decided that the road would be done and it became a reality.

When I was doing roads in Aba, they called it Dubai roads, which mean, it’s not the right one, but the roads were done.  Any road done after eight or 15 years, if not maintained considering the level of traffic, the roads will go bad. And you know Aba is a tableland, where there is no flow of water. Aba is under water level.  It is a problem also; many people don’t know. At that time, 4, 000 houses gave way, to be able to get Aba right, in my first tenure. We were getting paltry sums of between N200 million and N600 million a month. The first time Abia State got N1 billion was in November 2004 and I left office in 2007. And we never got more than N1.5 billion. The salary scale was just N1 billion and I was just managing to do anything with it. That is why the staff and the people were happy during my governance. So, that is what spurred me, and I treated it.

I was able to get to the hinterland where the poor people lived. We developed areas like Nwagu road, Igbere Street, Ibadan Street, Ngwa road, and Aba second bridge. People never knew what I contributed when I left, and in all these projects I never borrowed a penny from the bank, except an overdraft we took from Guaranty Trust Bank to the tune of N2billion and we paid back before I left.  I worked with what the state had. No managing director, executive of any bank or the Central Bank of Nigeria can say I borrowed money as Chief Executive of Abia State while in government. I challenge them to bring the papers.

Could you please share the highs and lows of your tenure in office as governor?

My tenure in office as governor couldn’t have been rosy with so much fight by people because the money was not meant for the elite, but for the people of Abia State. The present governor, who was my chief of staff, would attest to the fact that I would always say that “the commonwealth of Abia is for the public’’ and if he is a common man he would say it in public. I never dealt with money. I left him to deal with monies. I based my job on policy formulation and execution.

The high end of it is that we lowered the rate of corruption. The civil servants can say this. We were almost going corruption-free in Abia. Corruption-free mean an Abia State government worker could not beg you to give him money before he did his duty. We were able to bring open governance. But our greatest mistake in office was to challenge some policies of the Federal Government at the Supreme Court and Obasanjo took it personal.  We filed about 32 cases in the Supreme Court against the Federal Government. We were doing these things to defend our rights as a free state and a federating unit. Obasanjo didn’t appoint me. I was trying to test some of those laws to tell him there was little independence between the state and the Federal Government. And I still strongly feel it is killing the state. There was a difference between the local government and the state. This is what our people in governance are not realising; that the difference is there. All these are the issues.

I came as a businessman. My conscience is clear, I am not a thief and I can never steal public funds because it’s not the right thing to do.  I have never done it, because I am blessed by the little I have and I have been a hardworking man all my life. I work for every penny. That is why when I was governor, politicians and elders wanted me to give them monies every month.  I told them it’s not obtainable.

They blackmailed me saying, I was giving my mother the money. None of my brother had contracts. Let the present governor bring the contracts given to any of my brothers by me. It’s not true because I know the consequences of not being upright. I have been in corporate institutions holding positions as chairman of Commerce Bank, on the board of  First Bank, Hallmark Bank, Unipetrol and Bauchi Polytechnic, among others. I have been at every facets of corporate Nigeria; so I understand corporate culture and governance, so anyone coming to blackmail me is a joker. I am answerable to everything I did as a governor.

During your administration, there was this phrase “Mamacracy” traced to your mother. Everyone thinks and says your mother had huge weight, influence and practically ran your government. Is that true?

It is not true. Even the present governor knows. I have discussions between Theodore Orji and my mother on tape. He used to bring my mother and beg me to do things for my mother. Tony Okasanya, the late Dr. Sam Eke and the governor used to come as delegation and say when you are building roads you have to also remember the people – stomach infrastructure… I said no. I have these discussions on tape.

You have journalist friends living in Umuahia. Please ask them. My mother never slept in Government House for a day, and they will say she was living in the Government House. We have a very comfortable house in G.R.A of Aba, where we’ve lived. Our house had been built since 1994. My mother, to my knowledge, never slept at the Government House. Possibly, she might be crossing somewhere and visiting one of the guest houses to see people. I am a man governed by my conscience. Can any of those saying these things say them to my face? It’s not true because they have no substance.

I can recount those I contested the governorship elections with that didn’t win; those I denied going to the Senate, those I denied traditional titles and those who contested against T.A Orji when he was in jail.  They feel they can’t forgive me for even contesting elections and I managed to get support for a man who came out of jail. So, they all have these grudges against me and I can call them by names. This is the reality on ground and everybody knows. I always forgive anybody who offends me. I have never bore grudges against anybody. I am a student of yesterday, today and tomorrow. I know Nigerian politics better than most elders because I am an Igbo man born in Aba, studied in the North and lived in Lagos.

The problem of the country is that people do not understand the country. This is why at the present time; I will do anything to protect the unity of the country. Nobody can break the country; it’s not possible. We have passed that stage. They can do their politics, but no one can break this country, as the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.

Nigeria is at crossroads at the mo- ment, and it’s evident that there are issues in terms of governance, wan- ton corruption and terrorism. With the elections around the corner, what is your viewpoint on these issues and what would be the way out?

For me, the timeframe INEC had given to contestants to campaign is not enough. It should give six months or more to sell their manifesto to Nigerians. We are no longer fools that people will come a few days to the elections to campaign and hoodwink the populace. In the United States, the presiden- tial candidates will comes two years ahead of the elections and explain to people his/her manifesto.

On the dilemma of insecurity, it’s new in our eyes. Remember when it started I shout- ed. It started in a Catholic Church and now it’s gone beyond Anglican, Pentecostal. The bombs and bullets are killing everybody. They don’t care about colour or religion. I think we are not prepared as a country for  terrorism. Let me also say that the country is refusing to bring strong characters to govern, give leadership to the country.

A leader must like the people he wants to lead. He must be committed at heart to the people, understand the common economy, justice, rule of law, thinks about the people and have substance. A leader must see and forecast the economy of tomorrow. The Ni- gerian problem is not a problem. Nigeria has economic problems. It’s only when we solve economic problems, we’ll now have political stability.

You couldn’t clinch a ticket to en- able your senatorial ambition come to fruition. What is happening to you now?

I filed paper in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and I withdrew the paper when I found out they had given T.A Orji all the delegates. There is no need to waste my time. I give thanks to God because I don’t know what God saved me for withdrawing from the race. I am not desperate, although I would love to give service to the people of Abia State and Nigeria. My work as governor reflected my heart for Nigeria through the Enyimba Football Club, comprising Mus- lims and Christians, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. Same holds sway for the businesses I own; they reflect the true frame of mind. My face knows no Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. I consider competence in all I do, and this is the prob- lem of Nigeria. Nigeria has to be able to arise from being partial to being competent. Our leaders should focus on what the people need.

A leader should have conviction before having advisers. Nigeria doesn’t need a strong man to lead but someone who will be as humane as President Jonathan, although with strong advisers. If he wins again, all of us will get involved to re-direct the level of government and participation because gov- ernance is about making business decisions, investment, economy, expansion, amenities, roads, rails and infrastructure. There is noth- ing wrong in owing. Brazil borrowed, but they used theirs to develop infrastructure and do great things. So it’s not a waste. But Nige- ria borrowed and squandered the money. It’s not the right way to go.

– Culled from This Day.

Forbes billionaire, Orji Kalu, set to launch hotel chain

Founder of Slok Group and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, is expanding his busi­ness empire into hospitality. Kalu, who was recently rated by Forbes as the fourth richest Nigerian and one of the 50 richest Africans, is said to be working tirelessly to en­sure the boutique hotels are completed on schedule.

The brand named Sun Heavens Hotels and Resort with the motto: “Try our heaven, feel the difference” is of international standard.

The hotel chain is being managed by a seasoned ex­pert from Turkey, Ms. Elis Seval, among other award-winning professionals in the hospitality industry.

According to Seval, the target market will include business visitors and tourists who appreciate topnotch hos­pitality services.

Daily Sun learnt that the Victoria Island facility billed for inauguration at the end of this month will attract celebrities, top business ex­ecutives, professionals and diplomats.

Other locations including Lekki, Ikoyi, Asokoro, Gudu, Umuahia and Enugu will be completed soon.

PRESIDENCY 2015: JONATHAN WILL DEFEAT BUHARI AGAIN – Orji Uzor Kalu

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged politicians across political divides to refrain from heating up the polity with provocative statements ahead of the February general election. Kalu advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to see politics as call to service not a do-or-die. The former governor, who stated this yesterday while appearing on a programme on the African Independent Television (AIT), O&M Sunday show, said there was no point for politicians to engage in war of words “if their motive was to serve the populace and not for personal interests.”

Kalu, who predicted a win for President Goodluck Jonathan in the February 14 presidential election, also stated that the opposition will control the National Assembly.

He said that President Jonathan has performed remarkably that he deserved re-election. He specifically applauded the Jonathan administration for its respect for the rule of law, massive investment in infrastructure, improved agricultural sector, among several others.

He said: “President Jonathan has done extremely well for Nigeria in all facets of life. The only challenge is that he is not being marketed very well. Talking about the rule of law, this administration encourages due process and if not for that what Mallam Nasir El-rufai was saying here if it were to be in another country, he would have been arrested the moment he is leaving the TV studio. “We could recall in the past when my airline’s licence was revoked basically for expressing dissenting views but in the case of Jonathan he has been fair to everyone. Let me be honest; nobody talks about the software, they only talk about the hardware. The president has been clear stating what he would do for the nation.

The marketers have not marketed him very well. The major software the president has done is the rule of law but we must note that Rome was not built in a day.” The former governor also took a swipe at Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, saying the former President was wrong to have continued what he described as the unnecessary criticisms against the president. “Obasanjo has never seen anything good in what anyone else does.

To me, he is an elder statesman, and I want him to settle with the president. As we speak, they are making peace and I want to see the peace germinate to the success of the PDP. Sometimes, you don’t need to write a book and call yourself a saint and other people idiots; it is not right. You don’t have to come here and insult any elder of the PDP.

When my memo comes out Obasanjo will have a place in it,” he stated. Kalu said he is committed to making Nigeria works by ensuring that peace reigns and that businesses grow. “That is the focus of my Foundation which has dedicated very much to the campaign for successful election through massive mobilisation for sensitisation campaigns and through sponsorship of paid advertorials to ensure that every nook and cranny of the country take the message of peace,” he said. VIA IGTV

DO YOU AGREE WITH OUK?
Between Jonathan and Buhari who will you vote for in February?

Your recognition, testament of good works, Kalu tells awardees

Chairman of Slok Group and Publisher of The Sun, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, yester­day at The Sun Awards, urged the awardees to see the recogni­tion as a testament of their good works in the country, urging them not to relent in doing more.

Kalu, who was repre­sented by the Vice Chair­man of Slok Group, Rev. Emeka Abone, tendered an apology over absence at the event held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

He, however, thanked the readers of The Sun News­papers for their choice of the paper above others.

Kalu also thanked the management of The Sun for keeping the flag flying and charged them and the editorial team to keep The Sun shining by presenting fair, balanced and objective reports to the readers.

2015: Group Urges Orji Uzor Kalu to Rescind Decision Not to Contest

A group of Abia youths surprisingly on Monday stormed Abuja residence of former governor of Abia State Dr. Orji Kalu urging him to reconsider his decision to withdraw from the Abia North senatorial race.

The youths, under the auspices of Abia Mass Movement for Positive Change (Youth Wing), insisted that the former governor’s decision to withdraw from the race under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner was understandable, but his decision not to run at all was not acceptable to them as the entire Abia citizens are presently clamouring for positive change.

“Your Excellency, we are here today not for ourselves but as representatives of Abia youths. The older citizens who are alive today appreciate your philanthropic gestures especially the free medical scheme of Orji Kalu Foundation”, the spokesman of the group Martin Nnaukwu Ndukwe remarked.

“Our elders have sent us here today to deliver this noble message. They have sent us to plead with you to change your mind. We are pleading with you not to withdraw from the race, which is achievable on another platform other than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We are indeed sorry for not informing your of our visit as the exigency did not afford us the opportunity, more so it’s also strategic that we did not let you know in advance our intention of coming to avoid rejection on your part and we believe you will understand.We have been mandated to come and convince you that the entire Abians want you back in the race. They want you to please rescind your decision. We know the PDP has not treated you fairly but please do not throw away the baby and the bath water. The project is still realisable given your acceptability and popularity among our people”, the group stated in their address.

The group added that none of the elders in the PDP is talking even though they have realised that they have all been hoodwinked by the “Chameleonic” sitting governor.“They are dumbfounded that they have been fooled individually and collectively by their master. They are full of shame and do not even know how to approach you. They were all the while made to believe that Orji Kalu was their main enemy, but today they have seen the light and know the truth and the truth has set us all free from the bondage of lies and deception. This is why we have come to urge you to reconsider your stance and give succour to the good people of Abia”.

The group also used the opportunity to call on Dr. Uche Ogah who was rigged out of the PDP governorship primaries in Abia to join forces with Orji Kalu in his efforts to bring about the real change in Abia.“Now that Uche Ogah has been rigged out by the PDP mercenary in Abia as they did other aspirants, we pray he joins forces with Kalu to make life more meaningful for the people. We urge the duo of Orji Kalu and Uche Ogah to reach out to other aggrieved aspirants with a view to building a formidable team that can fight the evil going on in our state”, the group further said.

The group concluded by describing the former governor as a bridge builder whom they believe can bring all positive forces in Abia together to bring the change that is highly needed.

In his response to the clarion call, Kalu thanked the group for their undying love and support not just for him but also for the entire Abians and Abia State.

In response, Dr. Kalu said, “I really appreciate your efforts for coming this far all the way from Abia to register your love and support for me and the belief you have just demonstrated that Abia must be great again is a source of joy and motivation. The beauty of leadership is that a leader does not force or impose himself on the people and most importantly, for the sake of peace and posterity, I had to take a decision that would preserve my reputation and image.

OUK as you all know is synonymous with honesty, integrity and accountability. The elections are still some months away. A whole lot of developments will definitely take place that will shape the future of Abia and in fact Nigeria as a whole. I will only implore you to maintain peace and order as I will communicate my position to you on 2015 elections as soon as any decision is taken”.

The group’s leader praised Kalu for the warm welcome and acceptance but still reiterated the group’s stand that the former governor should have a rethink to contest for the Abia North senatorial seat in the forthcoming elections.

In a similar development, the news about the former Chief of Staff to Governor T.A Orji, Mr. Mascot Uzor Kalu (MUK), running for a seat in the federal House to represent the Aba Federal Constituency has given the people hope that positive change is coming soon.

Orji Uzor Kalu’ll run for Senate, say PDP chiefs

Two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Chukwuma Dinne and Stan­ley Okoro have reaffirmed that former Abia State gover­nor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu will run for the Senate in the forth­coming general elections, in February next year. They said Kalu’s earlier withdrawal from the race was just to give peace a chance in Abia PDP.

Said Dinne, “He didn’t want to be an issue which will lead to election losses for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and other PDP candidates in 2015.”

The two PDP chieftains ex­pressed unhappiness over the situation in their party and the fact that Kalu had to withdraw in an election he had the best chance of winning. As a re­sult, the two said that a solid platform is being built to en­able the former governor run in 2015.

It is not clear yet which plat­form the business mogul will utilise to actualise his ambition, but Chief Dinne disclosed to Sunday Sun yesterday that they would want the gubernatorial primaries to be concluded first before a final decision is taken on the platform, adding that this would happen on or before Wednesday this week.

“Though we are PDP mem­bers, we will build a solid plat­form on which Kalu will run for Abia North Senatorial seat. Running is a task that must be done. He is perhaps the most qualified in that senatorial dis­trict and his being a senator will make a difference in the lives of the people. We are aware that some people have asked Kalu to run for President, but he will not, as he was among the team of South easterners that made a promise to support Jonathan for a second term in office,” Chief Dinne affirmed.

Mr Stanley Okoro won­dered what was happening in the PDP now. He said: “We re­ally wonder what is happening in our party. Chief Barnabas Gemade has been forced to withdraw and may be heading for the APC. Governor Em­manuel Uduaghan of Delta State was forced to withdraw, and Kalu was also forced to withdraw. Elections are not won in that way. To win elec­tions, you must put your best men forward.”

Chief Emeka Nkemdirim, a stakeholder from Eluama in Isiukwuato in Abia State said that the people of the state want three people next year. “We want Uche Ogah as our next governor, Orji Kalu as our Senator for Abia North, and Goodluck Jonathan as our president. We are going to work for these three people,” he told Sunday Sun.

“In 2011, in the first Nation­al Assembly elections, before the elections were suspended, Kalu was already winning with 72 per cent of the votes and in the rescheduled election,he won with 63 per cent but a former Chief of Army Staff from my local government area manipulated the results using soldiers. We will not al­low it to happen this time. We will resist it with the last drop of our blood.

“Governor T.A Orji has been throwing the name of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, around. He claims that even if he brings a goat, the First Lady will bless it, and the goat will be elected. This time around, it will not hap­pen,” Nkemdirim said.

He warned INEC and any­body that may be disposed to manipulating the system not to play any tricks , insisting that the people are not in the mood for any tricks.

“It will not be like 2011 when T.A. Orji used the Chief of Army Staff to manipulate the elections with all the prom­ises made to the Army chief not kept. People will not be fooled this time,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Chief of Staff to Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Mascot Kalu has pur­chased form to run for a House of Representatives seat on the platform of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). This is against the rumour being ped­dled principally by Governor T.A. Orji that the Igbere born politician wants to run for gov­ernorship in Abia State.

Sunday Sun learnt that as soon as the news filtered that Mascot was running, there was wild jubilation in the state, especially in the commercial city of Aba because they be­lieve that he will attract federal presence to Abia State. This is even as the people are lament­ing that the roads which were originally built by Orji Kalu, Mascot’s elder brother, when he was governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007 have collapsed completely under T.A Orji’s watch. Mascot has, however, vowed to work for President Jonathan’s re-elec­tion since his party, PPA has adopted him as its candidate.

Sunday Sun was also in­formed yesterday that Chief Chikwe Udensi who recently decamped from the All Pro­gressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to PPA is to buy a form tomorrow to run for Abia governorship. Chief Udensi said he left APGA for PPA be­cause he believes that PPA is more of a grassroots party than the others.

Orji Kalu withdraws from Abia Senatorial race

Former Governor of Abia State Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has withdrawn from the race for Abia North Senatorial district schedule for next year.

Dr Kalu it was learnt has written to the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) withdrawing from the race. He said his decision is personal sacrifice to save the Abia PDP from crisis

Kalu was seeking the ticket for the Abia North senatorial district on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a letter dated November 24, 2014 and addressed to the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, the former governor said he was withdrawing from the race because the Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, was bent on imposing his handpicked aspirants on the party in the state.

He lamented that the governor deceived some high profile members of the party into resigning their plum positions to contest elections, only for him to ditch them for his handpicked candidates.

Kalu said: “Along the line, however, it became apparent that the Abia State Governor, Chief T.A Orji wants to handpick all candidates, both into executive and legislative positions. He wants to choose his own successor, fill the 24 House of Assembly seats, the eight federal constituencies and the three senatorial seats.

“Governor Orji knew ahead of time that he had a candidate in mind but deliberately allowed eminent Abia citizens like Dr. Alex Otti, GMD of Diamond Bank to resign from his lofty position when he should have advised him to remain there.

“He also allowed the Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu to resign and lose the Abia slot in the Federal Executive Council and other ministerial committees, he equally allowed two ranking members of the Senate, Senators Nkechi Nwogu and Enyinnaya Abaribe to pick gubernatorial forms when he should have advised them to go for re-election into the Senate.

“I find all these very disturbing. When Governor Orji was to be elected the first time in 2007, everyone knew where I stood three years before then that he was my anointed candidate. There was absolutely no ambiguity unlike now that he has allowed these people to lose their positions and resources chasing shadows. It is quite obvious that Governor Orji’s plan is to bring everybody down.”

While maintaining that there was no ward congress in Abia state, Kalu said the governor and his “collaborators” just compiled the list of delegates and this has forced some members of the PDP to defect to other parties.

He warned that it is dangerous for PDP to hang all its hope on one man, as elections are won by collective efforts and not as a solo run.

KALU GREETS ATIKU AT 68

Eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu,  has congratulated former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as he clocks 68 on Tuesday, November, 25.

Kalu described Alhaji Atiku  as a consummate politician and philanthropist.

In a birthday message signed by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, he said: "I join millions of your well wishers and family in celebrating your 68 birthday.  As you add another year, it is my prayer that God Almighty will continue to give you excellent health while granting your heart's desires'. Once again, many happy returns."

" Alhaji Atiku has contributed immensely to the social, economic and political well being of Nigeria, having served in different capacities in the public and private spheres of life".

He wished the celebrant a fulfilling birthday celebration.

Kalu’s timely PDP special waiver

I think things that are done properly should at any time be commended. And one of such commendable things now is the waiver the PDP national

leadership announced in favour of former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu. First, while Kalu is quite deserving of the waiver, it is also a positive move by the party when

the elections are coming closer and at a time the opposition is doing all it can to snatch any state or constituency it can from the ruling party. I must remind every member of the party in Abia that anyone that loves the party should be part of the duty to work for its progress to retain its leadership in the state.

No gainsaying the fact that the reason the fortune of the party is in serious decline in the state is because the bullies that have seized power like a personal franchise in the state felt threatened by

the presence of those that would correct them, even as they don’t feel a pinch of their conscience to chop off the hands that fed them. Because of personal political gains and the penchant for

stomach-infrastructure politics in Abia, some elders who ordinarily were revered until their shameful outing, ganged up and stormed Abuja to ask the leadership of our party not to re-admit Dr. Kalu. I have never witnessed a worse political drama and ill adventure. But Abia, through the machination of Chief Theodore Orji, the state governor, went that low and banal.

The opposition is coming harder everyday, and whoever has an ear should hear that clearly. The opposition is out to grab states where the ruling party has not

justified the mandate it has. Who doesn’t know that Abia has the worst record in governance? And who doesn’t know that with the unpopularity of the man in power in Abia today, doomed is a candidate he endorses for succession? Governor Orji is an unpopular public office holder and if anyone is in doubt, let him or her go to Aba and see for himself or herself. Like a certain politician

once said, Abia and Aba really stink and the stench reaches the heavens. With such ignominy, the balm that would paper over the mess in the state and the fate of our party is the entry into the centre stage of people of credible standing and popularity. Dr. Kalu, close to eight years after leaving office, fits into that mould. His popularity has not waned,

his following and endearment to the masses still remain. And whoever is in doubt of this should visit his home in his town or in Abuja, Lagos or anywhere he is found. The crowd he still commands around him still outweighs that of the serving governor. That is the test of what the future holds for the party with Kalu back. Moreover, apart from Kalu’s clout the minnows are uncomfortable about, every party lobbies for members to join. So, in an era when parties throw their hands open to welcome even members joining for the first time, at a time

they canvass for followership, who is the person that wishes PDP well that would rather prefer that members are chased away? And in Kalu, it is not just membership, but quality one.

It might not make much sense to be antagonistic to Kalu or feel threatened about his presence

because his large image did not come from nothing. It is a product of his records in and out of office. If Kalu by dint of dedicated leadership and the ability to create relationships built himself into a high tower and worthy example, what anyone that doesn’t want him should do is simple – lead like Kalu led; aggregate and groom people like he does; open channels

of growth and development for the lower class like he did and still does. That is what endears him constantly to the people and that is why his following remains intact as if he were in power. Of course, Kalu remains in the saddle of the power of goodwill and the empire of humanity he built over the years which those that refuse to benefit the masses are sorely afraid of. Therefore, his return to the party, and the lofty decision of the party leadership to grant him waiver to return to the party and contest an elective position is a good step in the right direction.

It is a sign that the party knows how to turn the fortunes of the party around in the state instead of keeping quiet to lose it to the opposition.All real party members from the state also welcome and accept the decision to allow him to be screened in Abuja, consistent with party legal provisions.

And, that position is a clear indictment of the leadership of the party in Abia as a body that has killed openness.

We ask Dr. Kalu to ride on with the decision, justify it by re-inventing the lost virtues of the party that poor leadership has robbed it of in the past years. We look forward to a return of this great party member and leader of the masses to ensure that PDP doesn’t lose Abia. It is, indeed, a smart and timely move.

If a state likely Abia with the capacity for greatness and adequate development is not to remain crawling and tottering in decay, then something radical needs to be done, as long as it is legal, to put the state on its feet.

Abia has seen, tasted and acclimatized in misrule that makes me continually wonder if there would be liberation. Yes, there would be, but not by the same crop of traditional ‘misrulers’ that caused the crises. There is every need for fresh blood in the system because the same people that created the rot can never cleanse it because they lack the capacity.

By Kalu’s return, people of like mind would be attracted back. His return would mean the revival of the fortunes of the party in Abia, and probably that would trigger off an action that would cause many others that are disenchanted with the party’s fate in the state to also return. It is the most assured way to save Abia from bad leadership.

Whatever can be done must be done to save the party from any development that would lead to Theodore Orji handpicking successors because that would make the party losing Abia or entrench

further evil leadership in the state. Beyond party affiliation, the basic is that Abia should be ruled better, and the present crop of people dominating the party in Abia is far from having the capacity to do that.There should be an internal mechanism of change activated in Abia PDP. Kalu coming back will assure the people of that because the turf will now be open for a true democratic contest. So, let’s celebrate this wise move by the PDP national leadership and wish it blossoms and pays the state the right dividends.

.Igbokwe writes from Abuja