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Tag: Kalu

  • Emir of Daura to honour Kalu with title

    The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq (CON), will honour former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu with a traditional chieftaincy title.

    This was stated in an August 8 letter addressed to Kalu.

    This is coming few months after Kalu embarked on peace tours of the Southwest in April and Northwest in June.

    On June 15, Kalu visited Katsina State where he was received by the Emir.

    The letter reads: “I have the pleasure to write and inform you about the conferment of the traditional title of Dan Baiwan Hausa on you, in appreciation of your support to our son, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Your achievements in youth development are laudable and appreciable, apart from your contributions to the development of Abia State and the country.”

    Kalu’s media aide, in a telephone concersation, said: “Yes, I can confirm that Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu will be conferred with the traditional title. This is a great news, not just for him, but for all Nigerians. Apart his efforts in promoting the good works of the President and his re-election, it is also in recognition of his selfless strides in preaching peace and unity, the need for peaceful coexistence in the country, regardless of tribe or religious affiliation. Not also forgetting his philanthropic and empowerment programmes.

    “This shows that we can truly live as one despite our tribal or religious differences. The date for the turbaning ceremony will be revealed soonest on an agreed date.”

  • I stand by Buhari – Kalu says

    Despite the ongoing gale of defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) by chieftains of the party, former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has said that nothing will make him change his mind over his support for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Certain reports had alleged that Kalu was planning to defect to the PDP after the senate President Bukola Saraki and other legislators left the APC. But the former governor in a chat with our reporter debunked the insinuation.

    However, Kalu at a meeting with stakeholders and executive members of the party from wards to state levels including major stakeholders of the party in the state held at his Camp Neya in Igbere, Bende local government area said that he was going nowhere but to stay in APC and ensure that Buhari was re-elected come 2019.

    According to him, APC under President Buhari in three years has been able to do what the PDP led government could not do within the sixteen years that they were in power.

    The former governor who recalled how impassable the Enugu-Awka-Onitsha and Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt were under the PDP and how he tried all his best to draw the attention of the former government to the ugly state of the road which serves as major expressway connecting the Southeast states and other parts of the country said that the story is no longer the same under the Buhari APC led government. He vowed that APC in the state in order to recompense Buhari for his numerous works in the southeast which the state has benefitted, would ensure that he (Buhari) gets 75percent vote cast in the state come 2019 presidential election.

    Kalu while using the opportunity to disclose that the state government is taking glory over some of the federal government instituted projects in the state assured Abians that the party would soon come out with the list of federal government sponsored projects including the ongoing school feeding of pupils in primary schools, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads among other federal government completed and ongoing projects across the state.

    The APC chieftain assured party members that the era of PDP rigging in Abia State is gone said that while they (APC) would not rig to win election in 2019, added that they won’t allow the PDP or any other party in the state to rig APC out.

    “We will soon draw a list of some of the completed and ongoing projects in Aba and Umuahia and every other parts of the state being executed by the federal government through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other arms of government which the Abia State government is taking glory for.

    “The era of intimidation of the opposition or rigging in the state is gone. APC is ready to match PDP in any way and in whatever form. PDP are locusts in the land of Abia and after 2019, the locusts will be found no more. But you must go back to your various wards and local governments to preach this good news to the people. The state has been criminalised, it is now being ruled with lies and so, the power lies in the hands of the people to change or continue believing the lies. People must not vote because of personal relationship, but because of the competence of such individuals.”

    Present at the meeting were the Chairman of Masters Energy, Uche Ogah, Stanley Ohajuruka (former speaker Abia State House of Assembly), Senator Chris Adighije, Dr. Mrs. Ori Obasi (State Woman Leader), APC State chairman, Donatus Nwankpa, CEO of defunct Hallmark Bank, Sir Marc Wabara and among other party stalwarts across the state.

  • Alleged fraud: Court dismisses Kalu’s no-case submission

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday dismissed a no-case submission made by former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

    Justice Mohammed Idris held that he has a case to answer in the money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    EFCC alleged that Kalu, he was governor between 2001 and September 2006, procured Slok Nigeria Limited, a company owned by him and members of his family, to retain N7.2billion in the Inland Bank Plc account, on his behalf.

    The Commission said the money “formed part of the funds illegally derived from the treasury of Abia State government and converted to several bank drafts before they were paid into the said company’s account.”

    Kalu was accused of collaborating with Udeh Jones Udeogu, Slok Nigeria Limited and Emeka Abone (at large) “in concealing the genuine origin of N7,197,871,208.70.”

    He pleaded not guilty to an amended 39-count charge which EFCC said violates Section 17(c) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, and was liable to be punished under Section 16.

    The defendants had filed no-case submissions, urging the court to dismiss and acquit them as the prosecution’s case was “watery.”

     

     

  • Herdsmen: Buhari can’t back killers – Kalu

    Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu said that only a sick man or woman will accuse President Muhammadu Buhari of supporting herdsmen killing innocent Nigerians in the country.
    According to Kalu, the Buhari he knows cannot support killing of citizens under his administration.
    Kalu spoke in his residence in Abuja while hosting the outgoing Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pavel Mikes, to a dinner.
    Those who attended the dinner included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), former National Chairman of APC, John Odigie-Oyegun and Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige.
    Kalu said “It’s surprising when people will accuse our President of supporting herdsmen. It’s a sick man or woman that will be able to say that.
    “I don’t know why a President of Nigeria would be expected to aid people to kill his citizens. It’s embarrassing to even hear that. There is no way any man elected by the people will leave…. and be doing other things.
    “The issue of herdsmen has become a big challenge to us since government dismantled Boko Haram. It’s embarrassing to continue to see where human being will kill their fellow human beings. It is not acceptable to anybody created by God,” Kalu said.
    Being a former governor himself, he charged state governors to do more to end the series of herdsmen killings in the country.
    Speaking with journalists on APC, Kalu  said “APC is on track, it is the most progressive party in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa. We are very ready for the next task.”
    On whether truce was in sight in APC since Buba Galadima  attended the dinner, he said “There was no meeting, it was dinner. Buba Galadima had been my personal friend. You remember I went to school in the University of Maiduguri. I know him and Dr. Haman Sule through President Buhari. I invited him for this dinner and he came.
    “Through our new comrade chairman, we have engaged most of them to get them back. We will control it because it is a family matter. In every family, you quarrel. All arms of the APC are busy talking, as much as we can talk to them. There is no panic.
    “We have not got to the destination. The destination is to bring back an APC President in 2019, which is Muhammadu Buhari,” he said
    Speaking on the outgoing Ambassador, the former Abia governor  said “On behalf of my family, I want to specially appreciate the outgoing Czech Ambassador to Nigeria. The Ambassador has been our friend all the time he was here. I also want to thank him for his untiring efforts as a Dean of European Diplomatic Corps to ascertain that all levels of our government maintain rule of law.
    “When government fails to observe rule of law as an instrument of great change, we will have problems because to us the rule of law is more important. It is the softer part of the democratic process.
    “To me, rule of law is the software of democratic process. If you get the software right, you will also have the hardware right. Thank you for those efforts and I want to thank you for those efforts that the European Union is putting on to make sure Nigeria’s democracy stands,” Kalu said.
    The outgoing Ambassador thanked Kalu for hosting him and his family.
    Explaining  that he sought for extension to stay in Nigeria for about five years after his first three years expired, Mikes said that he found out that Nigeria was a complex nation.
    According to him, he discovered a good friend in Kalu, who is always busy and working hard to promote Nigeria abroad.

  • Kalu, LP, Aremu hail ex-Edo governor’s victory

    FORMER Abia State Governor Orji Kalu, General Secretary, National Union of Textile Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) Comrade Issa Aremu and Labour Party (LP) have described the emergence of former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomole, as All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman as good for the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

    Kalu, while acknowledging the contributions of the former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the social and political development of Nigeria, stressed that Oshiomole’s antecedents in labour unionism will continue to speak volumes for him.

    The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on the party stakeholders to rally support for the new helmsman in his vision to take the party to greater heights ahead of the 2019 general election.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “The emergence of Oshiomole as consensus candidate and subsequently as National Chairman of the APC is a right step in the right direction.

    “Over the years, Comrade Oshiomole had demonstrated intellectual capacity and political dexterity in different national assignments.

    “The new national chairman, will no doubt, reposition the party for greater success.

    LP’s National Chairman Dr. Mike Omotosho, in a statement yesterday, said he was optimistic that Oshiomhole’s leadership qualities would positively impact on the APC.

    The statement reads: “I wish to congratulate you, my dear friend and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on your emergence as the new national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) with familiar recognition and esteemed mutuality.

    “Your legacies while as Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, most of which still endures till today and your willingness to collaborate for the greater good is a testament to your dynamism as a labour leader, a legacy which still inspires the struggles and agenda of our great party till today.

    “I am sure that your tenure as National Chairman of the APC will push the party into a new direction- the people’s direction.”

    Aremu described Oshiohmole as a pride to the textile union and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    Oshiohmole was the General Secretary of NUTGTWN for three decades (1982 to 2008) before he became twice elected NLC President from 1999 to 2007.

    Addressing reporters in Kaduna barely 48 hours after the APC national convention, Aremu said Oshiohmole is the most successful African labour leaders.

    He noted that the former NLC leader has commendably distinguished himself as a private sector unionist in the world of work, where in textile industry and in NLC he selflessly defended workers.

     

     

    He also noted that in larger society where through good governance, as former twice elected Edo State Governor, he had impacted positively on the welfare and security of the people.

    Aremu said: “We bear witness that Comrade Adams Oshiohmole as an organiser, bargainer, negotiator and statesman is an asset not just to the APC but to the entire country.”

     

     

     

     

  • I have no case to answer – Kalu

    Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, on Wednesday filed a no-case submission in his trial for alleged money laundering.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned him alongside a former Director of Finance in Abia State Government House, Mr. Udeh Udeogu and Slok Nigeria Limited on 34- count charge of laundering N3.2billion.

    EFCC closed its case on May 11 following which Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos adjourned for the defendants to open theirs.

    The prosecuting counsel, Adebisi Adeniyi, who stood in for Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said EFCC filed the amended charge on Wednesday morning.

    Adeniyi said he was also served with no-case submissions filed by each of the defendants.

    He said: “We did inform Your Lordship that we intended to file an amended charge. We have filed the amended charge this morning.

    “We were also served with the defendants’ motion for no case submissions.”

    Kalu’s lawyer, Chief Awa Kalu (SAN), confirmed that he filed a no case submission on his client’s behalf.

    “A motion for no case submission was filed on behalf of the first defendant (Dr. Kalu) on May 28 and it has been served on the prosecution,” he said.

    Other defence counsel, Chief Solo Akuma (SAN) and K. C. Nwofo (SAN), said they also filed separate motions for no-case submission for their clients.

    The defence counsel, however, said they were yet to be served with the amended charge.

  • Amosun, Kalu, Ashafa seek prayer for Nigeria

    Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former Abia State Governor Dr Orji Kalu and Senator Gbenga Ashafa yesterday urged the Muslim ummah to use the Holy month of Ramadan to offer prayers for President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria.

    According to them, the teachings of the Holy Quran and qualities of Prophet Muhammed should be emulated by the faithful beyond the Ramadan.

    Amosun, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye, enjoined Muslims to use the period of the holy month to engage in sober reflection and absolute return to Allah.

    The governor said they should not see the month as one of mere mandatory prayer, fasting and Iftar meals, but engage in total abstinence, probing soul-searching, sincere repentance and infinite atonement.

    Amosun said: “This period in our nation calls for our collective and individual prayers for the fulfilment of our aspirations and desires as a country and as citizens.

    “We must use this holy month, like never before, to ensure that we are truly sober and holy in observing all that is expected of us. By doing this, Allah, in his faithfulness, will accept our sacrifices and answer our prayers.”

    Kalu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Alhaji Kunle Oyewumi, called for religious tolerance and mutual respect among religious bodies.

    He said: “Ramadan is a season of spiritual rebirth and self-appraisal in the service of God and humanity. This period should be used to offer prayers for the nation. The acts of piety, forgiveness, selflessness and togetherness should be demonstrated and upheld in this holy month and beyond.”

    Ashafa said:  “The period of Ramadan teaches us self-control, self-restraint, tolerance for one another irrespective of religion or tribe. It is also a month for extreme prayers, love and generosity.”

    He urged Muslims to remember the areas that are experiencing challenges across the country in their prayers.

    “While using this period to share love, forgive and reflect spiritually, I implore us all to pray for the continued peace and prosperity of our country,” he said.

  • Kalu condemns Isu/Utuma communal clash

    •Seeks support for Buhari

    EX-Abia State Governor Dr. Orji Kalu has called on the authorities to resolve the crisis leading to the Isu (Arochukwu council of Abia State) and Utuma (Biase council of Cross River State) communal clash.

    The ex-governor urged the National Assembly, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Boundary Commission, security agencies and stakeholders to work out modalities to restore peace  in the communities and prevent a recurrence.

    Kalu, who spoke yesterday in Beijing, China, during a meeting with Nigerian businessmen, urged the political class to show responsibility.

    He urged the warring communities to sheathe their swords for peace and unity.

    “The clash between the people of Isu and their neighbours, Utuma, is painful, wicked, disheartening and barbaric.

    “For development to happen in any community, residents must live in peace and harmony regardless of ethnic, religious and political differences. We must embrace love, togetherness and brotherhood in our daily activities.

    “It is normal for people to have differences, but we must learn to resolve these issues amicably without breaking laws.

    “The people of Cross River and Abia States are one big family and as such, should not allow minor issues to lead to massacre. We must bury our differences for the sake of peace and tranquillity.

    “As my patriotic support, the Orji Uzor Kalu foundation (OUKF) will visit the warring communities to donate food items and other relief materials.”

    Kalu urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, noting that the future of Nigeria is brighter under the administration.

    He said: “It is no longer news that President Muhammadu Buhari will seek re-election in 2019. The President has achieved tangible milestones thus far.

    “Nigeria is gradually taking its right place in the comity of nations. The APC-led Federal Government has done well in infrastructure, anti-corruption crusade, internal security, international relations, job and wealth creation, and gender equality.”

    Mr. Mbisogu Festus of Blue Diamond Co. Ltd, who responded on behalf of others, thanked Kalu for his commitment to a united Nigeria.

    He pledged the support of Nigerians in China for President Buuhari’s re-election and urged Kalu to sustain his good works for the sake of humanity.

  • Kalu predicts Igbo presidency in 2023

    Former governor of  Abia State on Friday predicted Igbo presidency in 2023 after the completion of President Mohammad Buhari two terms in office.

    He advised Buhari to ignore the letter written to him by Olusegun Obasanjo serious, saying  the former President  has no moral ground to criticism any administration.

    According to him, Obasanjo is the “least Nigerian to talk about morality in Nigerian politics.”

    Speaking with reporters during his advocacy tour of the Southwest after a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in Ike Ife, he said Obasanjo only wanted to hit up the polity and cause trouble in Nigeria with his letter.

    Speaking on the possibility of president Buhari winning the second term, Kalu said, “Buhari has done a lot of jobs. People might be thinking he is not doing anything, Nigeria is a very difficult country to hold together and he held ot together.

    He said: “President Buhari is not a thief. The were massive lootING before he came. I’m not saying Buhari is the best, he has his own patch, but the Buhari I know for over 30 years, he doesn’t believe in having house in Abuja and cars everywhere. I came to assure this region that Buhari is an honest man. He is more committed to the Nigeria than those condemning him.”

    Kalu, who commended Oba Ogunwusi for preaching peace and taking peace across the nation, said: “Even some leaders have decided to be letter writers, I want to thank you for obeying what the Quran and the Bible said by supporting our president.

    “I want to thank you for bringing peace. No leader is perfect. Every leaders has his patch. Some leaders like to criticize people but, when they were there as a leader, they didn’t want people to criticize them. They didn’t know that it is always good for leaders to have respect for other leaders.

    “We realise that the country is almost broken. We are taking message of hope and peace to the people. You can see some ex-presidents want to take it upon themselves to start causing problems, writing letters that are unnecessary to our community and our polity. This is the same president I wrote letter to when I was the governor and he refused to answer to the leter.

    “You press people know about that letter where I accused president Obasanjo on many occasions of corruption under his table which he know is the truth. So, he is the least Nigerian to talk about morality in our polity.”

  • Kalu, EFCC trade blames over money laundering trial delay

    FORMER Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday traded blames on who was responsible for delays in Kalu’s trial for alleged money laundering.

    The commission re-arraigned Kalu, Udeh Udeogu and Slok Nigeria Limited at the Federal High Court in Lagos on 34 counts of laundering N3.2billion, to which they pleaded not guilty.

    Yesterday, Kalu’s lawyer, Chief Charles Enwelunta, accused the prosecution of unduly prolonging the trial.

    He said the delay was taking a negative toll on the defendants and their businesses.

    The lawyer said: “The defendants who are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved are already having the feeling that they are being punished.

    “Their businesses have suffered and they cannot plan again for anything because of this case. Even, we as counsel cannot plan our time for anything again because of this suit.”

    Enwelunta said the prosecution indicated that it would close its case yesterday to enable the defendants open their defence.

    He said he was surprised that prosecution counsel plans to call additional seven witnesses.

    Thirteen witnesses have so far testified for the prosecution.

    “At the last adjourned date, the prosecutor gave us an impression that he would close his case today (yesterday), but I just learnt that an additional proof of evidence containing names of seven new witnesses has again been filed by the prosecution.

    “No one has an idea of when the prosecution will close its case in this matter. I urged my lord to intervene,” he said.

    Udeogu’s lawyer, Chief Solo Akuma (SAN), added that the prosecution’s case was becoming endless.

    “My lord, we were just served further additional proof of evidence containing names of seven additional witnesses by the prosecution.

    “This is after we were told that the prosecution would close its case today (yesterday). From all indications, the prosecution of this case is becoming endless,” he said.

    Slok Nigeria’s lawyer, K.C. Nwofor (SAN), agreed with his colleagues.

    But, EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) denied that the prosecution was responsible for the delay.

    He said the defendants were to blame for filing an interlocutory appeal that went up to the Supreme Court for nearly 10 years.

    EFCC said the defendants allegedly diverted about N3.2billion from the Abia’s treasury while Kalu was the governor.

    Trial continues today.