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  • Kalu seeks China’s collaboration to end xenophobic attack 

    Kalu seeks China’s collaboration to end xenophobic attack 

    The deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for collaboration between Nigeria and China to identify and resolve the tendencies that encourage xenophobic attacks at the world stage.

    Delivering a goodwill message at the China’s 74th National Day celebrations in Abuja, Kalu hailed China’s diplomatic and trade relationships with Nigeria, saying that the cultural exchanges between them have fostered a deep understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage. 

    He said the ties between both countries has fast tracked the industrial development of Nigeria with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to the enduring collaboration.

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Chief Press Secretary, conveyed the deputy speaker’s message, emphasizing that Chinese goods are now a common presence in Nigerian homes. Additionally, it was highlighted that Nigeria’s agricultural exports to China are on a steady rise.

    Read Also: NNDC intervention in Abia falls below average, says Kalu

    According to Kalu, the symbiotic relationship has created jobs, boosted local industries, and increased the welfare of the people, adding that currently, Nigeria is China’s second largest trading partner in Africa.

    He said: “The decades-long relationship between our two great nations, Nigeria and China has been mutually beneficial, particularly in recent times.

    “The rich tapestry of our partnership has woven threads of cooperation in various sectors, from infrastructure development to trade, technology exchange, and cultural engagement. 

    “China’s significant investments in Nigeria have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation, fostering economic prosperity and stability.

    “China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s infrastructural development,

    with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to our enduring collaboration. 

    “These initiatives have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

    “In the realm of commerce, our bilateral trade has flourished, opening up new opportunities for both nations.”

    The deputy speaker also urged the government of the People’s Republic of China to join Nigeria in her efforts to identify and resolve the tendencies that encourage xenophobic attacks at the world stage.

    “I look forward to both countries taking increasing steps to engender

    people to people diplomacy in order to troubleshoot matters that encourage

    xenophobic tendencies.”

  • Kalu emphasises necessity for good governance to address Nigerians’ needs

    Kalu emphasises necessity for good governance to address Nigerians’ needs

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said that the parliament must tailor all its legislative interventions towards meeting the needs of Nigerians through good governance.

    He said it was incumbent on the parliament to discern the needs of the people and address them.

    Kalu, who spoke at the ongoing two-day retreat for leadership of the 10th National Assembly held in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state, said the parliament must realise that its role extends beyond the hallowed chamber and encompasses the welfare of the Nigerian people.

    He said: “It is our responsibility to discern the nation’s most immediate needs and address them accordingly. This data-driven approach not only reflects the principles of good governance but also ensures that our legislative actions are tailored to the evolving needs of our people”.

    He stressed that in the relentless pursuit of a more perfect Nigerian union, the parliament must elevate the importance of data in its decision-making processes and must align with the principles of participatory democracy, which champion public engagement in all legislative endeavours.

    Read Also: NASS will reform Nigeria’s tax system, says Deputy Speaker Kalu

    According to him, the needs and aspirations of the people must be incorporated when sculpting the national budgets by the parliament rather than leaving such a critical task to the discretion of the heads of MDAs who may not always prioritize the greater good due to ignorance of facts and data from the people.

    He believes that the retreat serves as the bedrock for harvesting needs analysis results directly from the voices and experiences of the people, acknowledging that the raw materials for legislative works should emanate from the unbiased, data-driven input of the people we represent.

    Kalu noted: “The facts and data we collect through rigorous needs assessment should not merely serve as statistics; they should be the guiding light that illuminates the path to more effective legislative procedures and products. After all, we craft laws for the people, and it is only equitable that the people actively shape the society they envision.”

  • NASS Feb 25 poll: Kalu denies disenfranchising Abiriba community

    NASS Feb 25 poll: Kalu denies disenfranchising Abiriba community

    The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has denied the allegation of disenfranchising the people of Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area in the February 25 National Assembly election.

    The lawmaker said the allegation that he accused Agboji and Ameke communities in Abiriba of being sympathetic to the agitations of IPOB, making the voters there not to come out to exercise their civic right, was false and unfounded.

    The former Abia State governor’s response followed the claim by a group, Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU), who said that Sen. Kalu’s alleged comment was instrumental to why they did not vote on the election day over fear of being attacked.

    ACIU in a paid newspaper advertorial claimed that Kalu’s alleged comment caused INEC not to deploy its officials to the community, which according to them, eventually disenfranchised some of their people.

    However, the community in the paid advert severally contradicted itself as it at a point claimed that INEC officials did not show up for the conduct of the National Assembly election in the community, while at another point said that the officials came, but at an inappropriate time.

    “INEC did not show up till about 3:20 p.m. on that fateful day.

    “When they eventually arrived, particularly in Agboji Ward that has 10 polling units, they claimed they did not have adequate voting materials,” the advertorial in a national daily reads in part.

    But responding to the allegation, Sen. Kalu’s media aide, Hon. Maduka Okoro, said that “there was no shadow of truth in the allegation by ACIU,” pointing out that “Sen. Kalu does not deploy INEC officials, hence cannot be accused of being responsible for the alleged disenfranchisement of the people of Abiriba.”

    Read Also: Abia stakeholders hail tribunal validation of Orji Kalu’s victory, ask PDP, LP to accept verdict

    According to Okoro, the threat by IPOB to unleash mayhem largely affected the turn-out of voters in the senatorial district, noting that his principal, Sen. Kalu never mentioned Abiriba with regards to membership of IPOB.

    He said that the security agencies were on the ground and documented that the apathy witnessed in some polling units in Abiriba was as a result of a threat by IPOB, a report corroborated by INEC.

    “Sen. Kalu has consistently demonstrated that he is a leader for all. As a governor, he constructed the majority of the roads in Abiriba and such roads are still there till date. He has never discriminated against any clan in Abia State.

    “As a Senator, he has equally upheld such a record which is clearly seen in his even distribution of democratic dividends. Our brothers in Abiriba are big beneficiaries of Sen. Kalu’s effective representation and this is anchored on his firm belief that we are all one.

    “Even as a governor, the number of Abiriba sons and daughters who were appointed into strategic positions by Kalu is numerous. He has for ages demonstrated love, which he will continue to demonstrate.

    “It is disappointing that ACIU, a socio-cultural organization, has delved into politics instead of focusing on the development of its community and protection of its culture.

    “Pointing accusing finger at Sen. Kalu for the perceived failure of INEC officials to arrive at the polling units in good time is uncharitable. Would Orji Kalu also be held responsible for the late arrival of INEC officials in polling units in Delta, Nasarawa, Kogi, Sokoto, and elsewhere in the country? This is not a case peculiar to Abia alone.

    “The elections are over. It is time for governance and we must all join hands to move every inch of Abia North forward rather than engaging in politics of antagonism.

    “The cord binding us together supersedes political interest. Even if ACIU does not like the face of Sen. Kalu, it must honour the bond of our brotherhood and respect our age-long togetherness. The political office is transient while our cord of love remains,” he stated.

    Okoro listed what Sen. Kalu has done in Abiriba community from 1999 till date to include:

    A.    From 1999 – 2003:

    1. OUK was instrumental to the emergence of Hon. Tony Okoro Kalu as the (Majority Leader of ABHA)

    2. OUK appointed Dr. Eke Agbai as Commissioner for Information.

    3.OUK appointed the late Chief Anya Oruada as special assistant to the governor.

    4.OUK appointed Chief Ndubuisi Eme as personal aide to the governor.

    5.OUK constructed ring road in Abiriba, from Oba Amaogudu through Orie Akwa to Abiriba roundabout.

    Part B. 2003-2007:

    6. OUK appointed Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpaas commissioner for education

    7. OUK appointed the late Chief Dike Udensi, Chief David Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex) and Chief Okebulu Jombo as board members in ABSU.

    8.ouk appointed late. chief michael nwoke okocha (noko) as board chairman abia poly

    9.OUK appointed the late Chief Anya Oruada liaison officer Aba North and Aba South

    10.OUK appointed Chief Ndubuisi Eme as personal aide to the governor

    11.OUK appointed Prince George Nnanna Kalu as chairman Abia sports council

    12.OUK appointed Princess Grace Agbara, T. C. chairman Ohafia LGA

    13.OUK appointed Prince George Nnanna Kalu as commissioner for works and transport and later deployed him to agriculture as commissioner

    14.OUK appointed Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa as V. C, Abia State University

    15.OUK appointed General Mba Ukariwo as chairman governing board of Abia Poly.

    16.OUK appointed Chief Emmanuel Agwu Orji as T. C. Chairman, Ohafia LGA

    17.OUK constructed 2 Nos. of roads, from Ali-Nde-Oriri to hospital road junction Amaogudu, and Okpu – Achi -Kamalu Agboji.

    Part C 2018:

    Before he was elected as senator:

    18.OUK attracted NDDC asphalt overlay from Okpu-Achi through Amaogudu -Udanta-Ukpo-Amanta, Amaukwu-Orie Akwa, including the current residence of Enachioken of Abiriba.

    Part D:

    As a senator:

    19. 4 classroom block rehabilitation at Amamba community primary school

    20. Construction of roads in Amaeke, Amaogudu and Agboji communities by OUK

    21. Construction of palm oil processing mill at Agboji

    22. Distributon of mobile cassava processing machines in 17 villages of Abiriba and “Ogo Ubi settlements”

    23. OUK employed an Abiriba son as his official photographer aide in NASS.

  • Kalu joins Swiss Club Lausanne

    Kalu joins Swiss Club Lausanne

    Super Eagles winger, Samuel Kalu has joined Swiss club, Lausanne-Sport from Watford on a season-long loan deal.

    The loan deal also included a purchase option with Kalu wearing jersey number 22 at his new club.

    The 26-year-old joined Watford from Ligue 1 club, Girondis Bordeaux in January 2022.

    Read Also: Watford unveils Samuel Kalu

    The Nigerian has, however, struggled with injuries and managed just 13 league appearances for the Hornets.

    He previously played in Slovakia for AS Trencin and Belgian Pro League club, KAA Gent.

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu, Kalu urge Muslims to pray for peace

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday called on Muslim faithful to pray for a positive turn around in the fortunes of the country.

    Saraki, in a goodwill message to mark the beginning of the holy month, signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, noted that since fasting symbolises internal cleansing and spiritual renewal, the country can benefit tremendously from the prayers of the faithful during the period.

    He said: “It is my prayer that Allah accepts the earnest prayers and sacrifices of the Muslim Ummah during this Holy Month. May we emerge better, both at the individual and national levels, after this spiritual exercise.

    “Let’s us seek an end to recurring killings, kidnapping and all forms of insecurity in our country. As community leaders and members of the Islamic faith, we have a responsibility to work for peace in our communities in particular, and the country in general.

    “We cannot afford to gloss over the present level of insecurity and harsh economic realities in our country. Therefore, let us pray earnestly for Allah’s intervention in the socio-economic life of our people,” he stated.

    Saraki also called on all leaders both at the national and state levels to put in place policies and programmes that would directly benefit the people and gainfully engage the nation’s growing youth population.

    He added that the high youth population in the country is a blessing as the young people can hasten the development process if positively engaged but that the advantage can also become a time bomb if they are not well managed and deployed for good causes.

    Ekweremadu on his own urged Nigerians to stand united in prayers in the Holy month of Ramadan.

    He said the nation’s challenges, though many, were surmountable if prayers and the right attitudes were applied.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, said that Ekweremadu made the call in his goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah at the start of Ramadan Fast.

    Ekweremadu said: “At Ramadan, let the nation unite in prayer, for the spirit of unity, love, forgiveness, justice, and peaceful co-existence to prevail in the nation, for with these, we can easily surmount other challenges.

    “Importantly, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to also offer special prayers for members of our armed forces and security agencies, who are grappling with enormous security challenges at the moment”.

    He wished the Muslim faithful a spiritually rewarding month of Ramadan.

    Former Abia State Governor and Senator-elect, Abia North Senatorial District, Dr. Orji Kalu, urged Muslim faithful to use the holy month of Ramadan to offer prayers for the country.

    Acknowledging the peaceful co-existence among people of various religious faiths in Nigeria, the former governor urged Nigerians to imbibe the act of alms-giving, brotherliness and piety in their daily endeavours.

    Kalu, while urging the Muslim community to uphold the teachings of the holy Quran, stressed that the holy month of Ramadan should be dedicated to service to God and humanity.

    The Senator-elect wished the Muslim Ummah across the globe a spiritually-fulfilling exercise, adding that the holy month of Ramadan calls for self-appraisal and sober reflection.

    “I join our Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe to usher in the holy month of Ramadan. It is a special and sacred month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period Muslims must rededicate themselves to the service of God. Let us use this season to advocate good causes by embracing the teachings of the holy Quran. The qualities of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) must be emulated. We must demonstrate love, charity, selflessness, patriotism, religious and tolerance in our daily activities during this season and beyond. The holy month of Ramadan should be dedicated to intensive prayers for Nigeria.”

    The former governor while calling on Muslim faithful to follow the doctrine of Islam as encapsulated in the holy Quran, urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony regardless of religious differences.

  • Kalu calls for sanctions against S’East APC leaders

    Speaking earlier during the meeting, Senator-elect Orji   Kalu called for sanctions against APC leaders from the Southeast who allegedly negotiated 25% for President Buhari from the zone in the last presidential election.

    He said the negotiation was uncalled for as it hampered his efforts to deliver Abia State 80% percent for the president.

    The former governor claimed that but for that negotiation, the party would have on its own given President Buhari 80% in the Southeast.

    He urged the national vice chairman of the party, Southeast, Chief Emma Eneukwu to set up a committee to investigate those who went to do the negotiations in Abuja and if found guilty should be shown the way out of the party.

    “That negotiation frustrated my efforts. The police, the army, INEC were hijacked by the opposition party. I wonder who told them we could not achieve 80% in the Southeast.

    “Just a handful of people went to Abuja to tell them that we could not achieve anything. I don’t see how Abia State could not have been won by the APC. It was these so-called leaders who sabotaged us by going for such negotiation. They should be called to order and sanctioned,” he said.

    Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu in his view said the performance of the party in the zone in the last election was a major improvement compared to that of 2015.

    He urged unity of party members in the Southeast for the progress of the party in the zone.

    “I believe that if the people of the Southeast come together, they will surprise Nigeria. If we resolve to work together, there is nothing we cannot achieve,” he admonished.

  • Kalu seeks greater Nigeria, South Africa ties

    Former Abia State governor and senator-elect for Abia North, Dr. Orji Kalu, has urged the South African government to sustain the economic, political and social ties between their country and Nigeria.

    Acknowledging the age-long bilateral relationship between both countries, Kalu admonished Nigerians living in South Africa to be good ambassadors of their country.

    The former governor urged appropriate authorities in both countries to fashion out appropriate strategies to prevent the recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    Kalu spoke yesterday during a visit to former South African president Thabo Mbeki at his home in Johannesburg.

    He said: “The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has been growing from strength to strength.

    “Both countries have a lot in common. The bilateral relationship between Nigerian and South Africa has been impressive over the years. The two countries must consolidate on the established economic, political and social ties.

    “Nigerians and South Africans are accommodating, friendly and hardworking. These attributes are outstanding and remarkable; as such, both countries must leverage on these potentials to develop Nigeria and South Africa.”

    “No country can do it alone. We must continue to build, develop and sustain diplomatic relationships to sustain the global community.

    “Every country has its strengths and weaknesses. Working together as a people to build a global village should be our focus.”

    The former governor applauded Mbeki’s humanitarian gestures through his foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, as well as other initiatives.

    He urged other African leaders to emulate what he called the extra-ordinary qualities of the former South African President.

    Kalu urged the Nigerian community in South Africa to shun violence and other social vices, saying it is only in an atmosphere of peace that development can thrive.

    Mbeki extolled Kalu’s virtues, noting that the senator-elect has contributed to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria and beyond.

     

  • Fayemi, Kalu, Daniel, others for Freedom Online lecture

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi will on April 18 speak on challenges facing Nigeria’s economy and the way out at the second annual lecture of Freedom Online, an online newspaper.

    Fayemi, sworn-in for a second term as governor of the Fountain of Knowledge in October 2018, will speak on the theme: ‘Fixing Nigeria’s economy: Less politics, more substance’.

    Venue is Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

    A statement by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Gabriel Akinadewo, said former Abia State Governor and Senator-elect, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, will be the chairman and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel is the special guest of honour.

    Presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, is the guest of honour and Prof. Akin Onigbinde will be the keynote speaker.

    According to Akinadewo, the lecture is an annual event that brings together captains of industry, media chiefs, politicians and professionals “to discuss economic challenges in the country, proffer solutions and ensure that Nigeria occupies its rightful place in the comity of nations”.

     

  • Zone Deputy Senate President to South-East, Kalu begs APC

    The Senator-elect for Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Monday pleaded with the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to zone the position of Deputy Senate President to the South East geo-political zone.

    Kalu who made the appeal at the ongoing induction of Senators-elect and House of Representatives members-elect noted that zoning the Deputy Senate President to the South East will be in line with the diversity of the country.

    The diversity of the country, he said, is the beauty of the country.

    He said that APC as a party should look at diversity, because “diversity is our strength.”

    He said, “I am a very loyal party man. The party has already zoned the position of Senate President. I can never disobey the party. The party is supreme.

    “What I am asking the party to zone the deputy Senate President to the South East, so that I will not disobey the party by going on the floor of the House, which I have the capacity, if I am allowed to do that.

    “What I am asking the party as they have zoned this position of Senate President to North East, they should as well zone the position of the deputy Senate President to South East. So that I don’t go to contest out of zone.

    “I can contest against whoever comes from the South East or the caucus of the South East can go back and decide what the part wants within the South East.

    “What I am pleading with the leaders of the National Working Committee and other leaders, let us not divide this party. All of us are loyal to the country. We are loyal to the constitution. We are also loyal to our party. I want that loyalty to continue, so that none of us will deviate from what the party”

    “On relationship between the Executive and legislature, Kalu noted that it has to be very cordial in the interest of the progress of the country.

    He said, “President Buhari means well. And some of us who with or without politics we are his friends, we will like to keep the place very stable.

    “Not only for him, but for the good of the country. The President is just one person. If there is stability in the Senate and Executive, there will be stability in the country. We are for the stability of the country.

    Read Also: Zone Deputy Senate President to South-East, Kalu tells APC

    On the position of Senator Kabiru Gaya that the slot of Deputy Senate President should be zoned to the North West Kalu said:

    “You know, he is a senior governor. That is his view. It is not a view that represents the views and understanding of the country. He is a man I respect a lot. But his view does not represent the diversity of the country.

    “Even if you like take the President, Vice President, Speaker, Senate President to one part of the country, you have not solved the problem of the country.

    “The diversity of the country is the beauty of the country. I will like APC as a party to look at diversity. Diversity is our strength. Diversity is very important.

    “I don’t want to formally declare anything until the party zones to our zone. I am not going to challenge the party, but I want the party to do the right thing. I have the capacity to go on the floor of the House and contest. It is this people here that will vote and they are our friends. But I want the party to do the right thing.”

  • Why I want to be deputy senate president, by Kalu

    Senator – Elect, Abia North, Dr Uzor Orji Kalu said Wednesday that he was interested in the office of the Deputy Senate President to bring about equity in the distribution of offices in the National.

    Kalu said though as a loyal party man, he aligns with the position of the All Progressives Party (APC) in zoning the office of Senate president to the North East; it would not be a bad idea to allow the South East produce the Deputy Senate President.

    Speaking in an interview at a private hangar at Lagos International Airport, on his way to Belgium, Kalu said he will may be forced to vie for the office of the Senate President if the APC leadership does not accede to his request.

    He said ceding the position of the Deputy Senate President to other zones beside the South East will amount to injustice to the region.

    Kalu, however, said that he was a loyal party member who would adhere to the zoning arrangements of the party, but noted that for justice to prevail, the South East must be given the Deputy Senate President position.

    It would be recalled that APC had earlier in the week zoned the Senate President position to North East, Deputy Senate Position to North West and Chief Whip to the South East, the zoning Kalu insisted was unfair to the South east.

    Read Also: Senate: I’ve forgiven Theodore Orji, says Kalu

    He said: “Well, I am a very loyal party member, the party has zoned it to the North East and I am bound to respect the party’s will and the second position is what we are not going to allow for the party.

    “As far as I am concerned, in the South East, I am going to run openly on the floor of the House for the Senate President. I am not going to listen to the party; neither will I listen to anybody. Nobody who is going to be the Deputy Senate President is more loyal than I am to the party. I have suffered for the party, and I want the party to respect the will of every other person and I am committed to democracy.

    “We are going to be seeing votes on the floor of the house because relevant sections of the constitution made it very clear that the members of the National Assembly will elect their leaderships and I am going to use that section of the constitution to vie for the position.

    “I learnt they ceded the Deputy Senate President to the North West, but it is not right to do anything like that. We are going to contest this vehemently on the floor of the House. I have the backing of my colleagues. I am going to be withdrawing from the Senate Presidency to run for Deputy Senate President because the party is supreme.”

    He however described Adams Oshiomhole, the Chairman of APC as a good friend, stressing that the party would not cede the Deputy Senate Presidency to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as it happened in the eighth National Assembly under Sen. Bukola Saraki.

    He also explained that President Muhammadu Buhari as a canvasser of justice would not support any illegality against the South east.

    “I know our Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is a listening Chairman and President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of justice. So, if justice must prevail, you bring the Senate President from the North East and deputy to the South East.

    “The chairman is from the South -South, the President is from the North West, the Vice President is from South West, the President of Senate will come from the North East, whether it’s Lawal or Ndume, these people will decide that on the floor of the House. So, for me, Nigeria is tripod; Ibo, Yoruba and Hausa,” he said.

    On the plan by Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, another honourable-elect from the South East to vie for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, Kalu said it was her constitutional right to do so.

    “It is her constitutional right to vie for that position. Nobody should stop her. It’s her constitutional right,” he said.