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Tag: Kalu

  • Kalu dedicates victory to Abia people

    Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support before, during and after the poll.

    The senator-elect promised to sustain his philanthropic gestures across the country.

    According to Kalu, the people of Abia North will enjoy qualitative, responsive and robust representation during his stint.

    In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, the former governor, urged his co-contestants in other political parties to join hands with him in advancing the cause of Abia North Senatorial zone.

    He said: “The people of Abia North Senatorial Zone came out en-masse to cast their votes for President Muhammadu Buhari, my good self and other APC candidates in the presidential and National Assembly elections.

    ”I salute the courage, boldness and patriotism displayed by the electorate in choosing their preferred candidates .

    “The people of Abia North senatorial zone had been deprived of qualitative representation for many years.  ”I will use my network of contacts and political dexterity to uplift our communities. ”The challenges facing our people have been diligently articulated with possible solutions highlighted. ”Having served in different capacities in the public sector, I will bring to bear my experience in discharging my duties. ” Politics is not a do-or-die affair and as such I will adopt as always an all- inclusive and participatory approach in my legislative responsibilities.

    The former governor, praising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, the media, international and local observers, civil society organizations and other stakeholders for ensuring a  hitch-free and credible poll, promised to live up to expectations.

    Kalu applauded chieftains and members of the APC for demonstrating maturity despite the provocation and intimidation by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that the ideals of the APC are based on genuine leadership and good governance…The Senator-elect also used the opportunity to call on the electorate to vote for Chief Uche Ogah and other candidates of the APC in the March 9 Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

     

  • Kalu delivers LG to Buhari

    The former Governor of Abia state, Dr Orji Uzor kalu has delivered the Bende Local Government for President Muhammadu Buhari during the Presidential and National Assembly election in the area.

    Buhari polled a total of of 9233 to defeat the candidate of Peoples Democratic party, Atiku Abubakar who polled 6649.

    The returning officer for the presidential election in the area Prof Nnennaya Ibiam , announced the result at the INEC head quarters in  Umuahia, the state capital on Sunday.

    Also the member representing Isikwuuato/ Umunneochi federal Constituency in the House of representatives in Abia state, Hon Nkiru Onyejiocha, has won election into the house of representative for the fourth term.

    Onyejiocha was declared winner after polling a total of 14,712 votes to defeat her closest rival of the Peoples Democratic party Mr. Ude Achara who polled 10,064 votes.

    Also in Bende federal Constituency,  Benjamin Kalu of the All Progressive Congress also polled 9,138 to defeat Chimanyaso of the Peoples Democratic party who polled 5591 in the Bende federal Constituency.

    The returning officer for the constituency Mr. Martin Okoro declared him winner after announcing the result.

  • Kalu wishes death rumours’ peddlers long life

    FORMER Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu yesterday made first public response over the rumours of his death, which went viral after he went to Germany for medical treatment.

    The Abia North senatorial candidate said he wished the people that went to town with the rumours long life.

    Kalu, who was speaking in his town, Igbere, at its 2019 cultural carnival, said it was not decent for anybody to joke with human life in the name of politics.

    The ex-governor said it would be morally wrong for him to wish any of the people involved in such rumours what they initially wished for him.

    Kalu said he would rather plead with God to keep everyone alive and healthy.

    The ex-governor reminded the rumour peddlers that nobody was immune  to sickness  when it calls.

    He said: “They said I’m dead just because of politics. What they don’t know is that when a path is good, people will go through it twice. I don’t wish anybody dead. Let everyone be alive; that is my prayer.

    “God created us and placed us here on earth for a reason. People should not joke with life. Everyone must get sick one day.

    “I’m human; I’m not a stick. I’m not alive in vain. I stand here for something to every Igbere man;  to every Abia North man I stand for something, to every Igbo man and Nigerians at large, I stand for something and I must fulfil the purpose why I was created.”

    The APC chieftain hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for showing love across the boundary of his state by sending delegates to the carnival.

    He said he was surprised by Ugwuanyi, who sent the deputy governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezilo and other top government officials to the event.

    “The greatest surprise I had today was the surprise from Enugu State governor. I never believed that Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will send delegation here. You can see in the brochure that Gburugburu’s picture is not  even there. This is a big surprise to me.

    “When the deputy governor came, I was shocked. She said it’s a new year surprise. When people behave well, good things will follow them in their lives. Governor Ugwuanyi is recognising an old man like me. I’m older than him and he has honoured me today. When you honour old people, long life will follow you.”

    Kalu added that culture is a means for economic diversification and a new system of generating revenue.

    He said in five years’ time, Igbere will be centre of carnival.

    He assured the people that a five-star hotel will soon be established in the community, urging every rich Igbere person to  try and invest in hotel business to help bring in more visitors for the carnival.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari said we should look for other means of making money to diversify the economy and Igbere carnival is one of the moves we have put in place to achieve that.”

  • Alleged N7.65b fraud: Kalu challenges dismissal of ‘no-case’ submission at Appeal Court

    THE Appeal Court, Lagos Division, has fixed February 7, 2019, to hear an appeal by a former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Kalu, challenging the dismissal of his “no case” submission to a N7.65bn fraud charge.

    Kalu’s submission was dismissed by Justice Buba Ibrahim of a Federal High Court in Lagos on July 31, in a charge preferred against him and two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The court will also on the same date hear separate appeals filed by Kalu’s co-accused, Udeh Jones Udeogu and Slok Nigeria Limited, in similar circumstances.

    The presiding appellate court judge, Justice Garuba Lawal, fixed the date after taking submissions of appellants’ lawyers, S. E. Elema (SAN), Solo Akuma (SAN) and K. C. Nwofo (SAN), regarding the transmission of record of appeal.

    The EFCC was represented at yesterday’s proceedings by Adebisi Adeniyi.

    Justice Idris on July 31, 2018, held that Kalu has explanations to make, particularly on certain documents tendered by the EFCC as exhibits in evidence against him.

    The judge said: “I am of the view that the defendants have some explanations to make in the light of the exhibits and the evidence so far led. Again, I will say no more. The no-case submission is dismissed.”

    Dissatisfied, Kalu through his lawyer, Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), filed a notice of appeal dated August 1, 2018, asking that the lower court’s verdict be overturned.

    In the notice of appeal, Kalu maintained that all the evidence supplied by the prosecution witnesses had no “nexus” with him, and as such, there was no way a prima facie case against him would have been established.

    The former governor contended that it would amount to “miscarriage of justice” to compel him to defend a matter in which no “prima facie” case has been established against him.

    In one of the grounds of the appeal, the former governor said the lower court erred in law when it held that he had a case to answer “notwithstanding the fact that the evidence adduced by the prosecution witnesses neither had any nexus with him nor make out a prima facie case against the appellant.”

    On the particulars of the error, he maintained that none of the prosecution witnesses gave any evidence linking him with any of the charges.

    He added that there was no evidence that any of his co-accused acted at his behest or on his behalf.

    On ground two, Kalu contended that the lower court erred in law when it held that “Exhibits B1-B28, 34, J, L, N1-N15, P1-P34, T8 and U” linked him with the offences charged and thereby required him to make some explanations by way of entering into his defence.

    Four particulars of error that accompanied this ground are:

    “None of the documentary evidence and financial records were made by the appellant or had any bearing to the appellant.

    “The exhibits mentioned above did not show prima facie evidence of conspiracy or money laundering against the appellant.

    “The appellant cannot be expected to prove his innocence when there is no nexus between him and the evidence led by the prosecution.

    “The appellant will suffer gross miscarriage of justice to be compelled to defend a matter in which no prima facie case had been made out against him.”

    The former governor is consequently asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the ruling of the Federal High Court delivered in respect of the case on July 31.

     

     

  • Kalu hails Nigerians for showing concern over health condition

    •Ex-governor to return for trial Nov. 30

    Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has hailed Nigerians who have shown concern about his health condition as he recuperates from a medical procedure in Germany.

    He also reaffirmed his respect and faith in the judiciary, declaring that members of the Bench deserve respect and that their decision in court “must be respected until set aside at a superior jurisdiction”.

    Kalu said: “I have the highest respect for the personnel and processes of our judicial system. Indeed, I’m a faithful adherent of the dictum, which states that ‘no height is high enough to stand on to disrespect the judiciary and no depth is deep enough to be used as an excuse for such dishonour.’”

    The ex-governor underwent a successful surgical operation in Germany last month.

    His absence in court, following the medical treatment, had caused Justice Mohammad Idris of the Federal High Court to revoke his bail.

    In a thank you letter from Wiesbaden, Germany, Kalu expressed thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former heads of state and People’s Democratic Party (PDP)  presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for identifying with him over his health condition.

    He also thanked All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APG) counterparts, Uche Secondus and Victor Oye and others for reaching out to him on his hospital bed.

    Apparently reacting to the revocation of his bail by Justice Idris over his absence in court as a result of his medical treatment in Germany, Kalu said: “All right-thinking citizens must condemn reckless commentaries on social media or the pages of newspapers that potentially threaten these ideals. Any inappropriate commentary on the decision of Justice Mohammed Idris to revoke my bail is not acceptable to me and should be discontinued, irrespective of the positive dispositions of the propagators towards me.

    “The highest demonstration of affection or loyalty to me will best be measured by the degree to which this admonition is heeded. Our judges deserve unqualified respect and the sanctity of their decisions must be respected until toppled at a superior jurisdiction.”

    Explaining his absence in court, he said before he travelled for medical treatment, he notified the relevant authorities, while expressing his commitment towards the conclusion of his case.

    Said he: “I ensured adequate notifications were delivered and acknowledged by the relevant organs before travelling with my wife for my medical treatment in Europe. Unfortunately, the court case involving my humble self and others, which was adjourned sine die on the last date on which the matter came up for hearing, was subsequently listed for hearing on a new date, which conflicted with the already scheduled critical surgery appointment.”

    He said he had, on three occasions, postponed such “medical appointments in order to present myself in court”.

    “I had always placed this matter over and above all other personal considerations because defending my personal integrity and uprightness supersedes all other personal interests,” Kalu said.

    Saying that it was expedient he travelled for the medical treatment, Kalu said:  “However, my deteriorating health condition and the emergency status it assumed made it absolutely imperative for the doctors to insist on carrying out the necessary medical procedure without further delay.”

    On his commitment to the court processes relating to the fraud case instituted against him and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kalu said of 64 court sittings he had attended 62, saying his absence in the last two sittings was due to critical ill health.

    Kalu gave notice of his resolved to return to Nigeria to comply with the court order revoking his bail.

    “I will, therefore, return to Nigeria on the 30th of November, 2018 before returning to Germany on 10th December, 2018 and 22nd January 2019 for further medical examination,” he said.

  • Why I visited Ugwuanyi, by Kalu

    Former Abia State Governor and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Orji Uzor Kalu  has hailed Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his respect for President Buhari and other leaders in the country.

    The former governor described his visit to Ugwuanyi as one aimed at fostering relationships beyond ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

    Kalu, on Saturday, visited Ugwuanyi at the Government House. He arrived at the Lion building at exactly 11:25am and was warmly received by Ifeanyi, after which they went for an indoor meeting which lasted over an hour.

    Kalu, who addressed reporters after the meeting, said: “There is no way I can come to Enugu without visiting. Moreover, politics or no politics, Governor Ugwuani remains a very dear friend.

    “Enugu is like a home to all Igbo. This is the headquarters of Igbo land and I have always been in very good terms with the Governor, not just because he is Governor.

    “So people should stop playing politics of tribe. We also worship in the  same denomination – we are both  Catholics.

    “On many occasions I pass through here, and inform the President that I will see him. I wish him well. I am optimistic he is also wishing President Muhammadu Buhari well.

    “He is in PDP and I am of APC but we shall maintain the friendship across the board. We are not fighting we are family and we shall continue to be family because family is very important.

    “The President also takes him like a family because we cannot quarrel with anybody who is not quarrelling with us, so I look at him as a family and we see him as a family. It is a family issue and we maintain that family relationship.”

  • Igbo in Katsina greet Kalu on turbaning

    The Igbo community in Katsina State has lauded former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu for his contributions to nation-building.

    The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, on Tuesday turbaned Kalu as the Dan Baiwan Hausa of Daura.

    The Eze Igbo Daura, Igwe Ferdinand Osunkwo, said Kalu’s outstanding qualities are worthy of emulation.

    In a congratulatory letter addressed to the former governor, Osunkwo urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.

    He said: “It is not incongruous to applaud the giant strides you recorded in the governance of Abia State as Governor and your unrelenting efforts for the transformation of the political arena of Nigeria through the All Progressives Congress (APC) positive change mantra.

    “Your laudable development ideologies are always in the front pages of national and international newspapers, as well as social media, which prove that you have taken national issues to a higher pedestal where the opposition and detractors cannot refute.

    “Your efforts in nation-building have earned you the Dan Baiwan Hausa of Daura (Blessed Gift to Humanity).

    “I, Igwe Fredinand Osunkwo, Eze Igbo II of Daura Emirate, the Eze cabinet members and the entire Igbo community in Katsina State, appreciate your leadership acumen and wish to celebrate you in greater capacity soon.”

  • Buhari meets Lalong, Shittu, Kalu, Amosun in Daura

    Plateau State Governor Solomon Lalong, Communication Minister Adebayo Shittu and former Abia state Governor Orji -Uzor Kalu, yesterday met with President Muhammadu Buhari in his country home in Daura, Katsina state.

    The meeting lasted for more the 30 minutes when the All Progressives Congress (APC) chiefs arrived from the venue of the conferment of a chieftaincy title ‘Danbaiwan Hausa’, (Gifted son of Hausa Land) on Kalu, by Emir of Daura Dr. Farouq Umar Farouq.

    They were ushered in to see the President at about 2.40 p. m.

    The governor left at 3.30p.m while Kalu and Shittu followed five minutes later.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun also visited the President.

    Shittu told reporters that they were at the President’s residence to “pay obeisance”.

    He said: “We came here to pay obeisance .You know the President recently returned from a trip abroad, and we were unable to see him because soon after the security meeting on Monday he left for Daura’’

    “Contrary to the claim by his detractors that he is not fit to run for second time, the President is not only fit to trek 800 meters as reported by the media, he is fit mentally and physically to continue to pilot the affairs of our great country for the next four years after the 2019 elections.”

    Shittu said he attended Kalu’s turbanning to reciprocate his kindness and liberal attitude to all Nigerians irrespective of tribes or religions.

    He blamed the Igbo for ‘’ostracizing’’ themselves from mainstream Nigerian political life and urged them to queue behind Buhari this time around.

    While turbanning Kalu, the Emir of Daurasaid he gave him the title because of his contribution to the unity of Nigeria and for his (Kalu) love for President Buhari’s administration and for championing his reelection bid.

  • Daura Emirate turbans Orji Kalu, ‘Danbaiwan-Hausa’

    The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq, has conferred the traditional title of ‘’Danbaiwan-Hausa’’ on the former governor of Abia, Orji Kalu in recognition of his efforts toward the development of Abia and Nigeria at large.

    Faruq stated this on Wednesday in his palace in Daura, when he conferred the title on the former governor.

    The monarch, who described Kalu as peace promoter, noted that the title has made him the representative of the Hausa in the entire Ibo land in the country.

    ‘’We appreciate your contributions to the business sector in Nigeria and your efforts in peace building for the good of community.

    ‘’We also appreciate the love you have for our son; I urge you to continue your campaigns for President Muhammadu Buhari,’’ he said.

    The Emir said that throughout the Hausa land, it is only the Daura Emirate that can confer that title to anybody, which means a ‘’Gifted son of Hausa Kingdom.’’

    Responding, Kalu commended the Emir for the title, and assured the monarch that he would continue to do more for the development and unity of the country.

    In his goodwill message at the occasion, the Minister for Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, described Kalu as a bridge-builder, who has consistently endeared himself into the hearts of the people and supporters of Mr President.

    ‘’For somebody, who has taken such initiatives, I think he deserved supports and collaborations.

    ‘’What has happened today will encourage him to do more toward Nigeria’s unity and integration,’’ he said.

    Kalu after the turban proceeded to the residence of President Muhammadu Buhari where he held a closed-door meeting with the President.(NAN)

  • Gunmen kill man one month to his wedding in Abia

    Residents of Federal Housing Estate and the adjoining Emelogu Road in Ogbor Hill axis of Aba, Abia State have reportedly been thrown into mourning as yet-to-be identified gunmen storm the area and shot dead a commercial tricycle operator whose identity is yet to be known.

    Our reporter was told that the gunmen numbering about four had accosted the tricycle operator whose name was later identified as Kalu, an indigene of Abiriba, in Ohafia Local Government of the state and demanded the keys to his Keke which sources suspected would be used by the hoodlums to perpetuate evil as that has been their style of beating prying eyes of security agencies.

    The commercial tricycle operator, who was said to be living in a near Emelogu Road, was reported to have refused parting with the keys to his keke which forced the hoodlums to shoot him.

    The victim was said to have died instantly because he was shot from a close range.

    The men of the underworld was said to have made away with the tricycle, leaving the keke operator in the pool of his own blood.

    A source hinted that the commercial tricycle operator was heading towards Ngwa Road from Ogbor Hill when on getting close to the Orji Uzor Kalu Bridge, the hoodlums accosted him.

    Read Also: ‘Lunatic’ who killed Ekiti monarch arrested

    The source said the victim who was to get married to his heartthrob in less than one month’s time, initially thought the men were passengers who wanted to engage his services.

    According to him, “It was when they demanded for his keke’s key that he knew they were armed robbers. The keke operator resisted them, the hoodlums shot him severally and he died instantly

    “From what we have been able to gather, these hoodlums do park their car in a nearby bush, come out on the road, and snatch a tricycle from its owner to go after their victim and to beat security operatives on the road.

    “When they succeed attacking or kidnapping their target, they will either snatch another keke to run or abandon that keke elsewhere to escape into the bush. Some people are in jail today because police traced their keke to have been used in a robbery operation without knowing that the owner of the keke doesn’t have any hand in the kidnapping or robbery.

    “Some keke owners are lucky to find their keke abandoned in a nearby bush where the hoodlums abandoned their keke before heading off with their victim. It is unfortunate that the innocent young man fail victim of these heartless individuals,” narrated.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Abia State Police Command, Geoffrey Ogbonna could not be reached at the time of filing this report.

    However, a senior police officer who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the killing of Kalu and said that police was on the trail of the hoodlums.