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Tag: Kalu

  • Onuoha-Bourdex to Kalu: Let’s show good examples to younger generation

    Barely three weeks to the rerun poll ordered by the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division; for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief (Dr.) David Onuoha-Bourdex, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), candidate in the election, has urged his Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), counterpart and former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, to exercise caution in his methods.

    Onuoha-Bourdex stated that the fact that “evidence abound in Abia North Senatorial District that I am the candidate to beat in the forthcoming rerun,” should not warrant that “these devious methods should be employed to deny me victory again.”

    In a letter dated February 5, 2016 and addressed to Kalu, Onuoha-Bourdex urged him to “desist from practices that could cause confusion, undermine transparency or precipitate crisis in the senatorial zone.”

    He informed the former governor that the idea of superimposing APGA logo on his campaign posters was in bad taste, pointing out that not only would the unwholesome practice confuse voters but give the impression that he (Kalu) is running on two platforms of APGA and PPA.

    While urging the PPA candidate to exercise caution and show less desperation for the senatorial election, Onuoha-Bourdex reminded Kalu that “as leaders we should endeavour to leave good examples for the younger generation.”

    Further, the APGA candidate warned that the era of winning elections by hook or crook is gone, pointing out that “we have to remember that these young ones are watching us and do only those things that would encourage them to toe the path of moral rectitude, honesty and good conscience.”

    “Abia North Senatorial District and Abia State in general deserve a new lease of life devoid of politics of brinkmanship, thuggery, subterfuge and unethical practices. After seventeen years of democracy, our state should be encouraged to mature into full adulthood and weaned from the childish pranks of yesteryears,” he said.

  • Ex-minister, Kalu backs Buhari to succeed

    Ex-minister, Kalu backs Buhari to succeed

    Former Minister of Finance Dr Kalu Idika Kalu is hopeful the Muhammadu Buhari administration will make good on its promise to inspire a better country.

    Kalu, a one-time presidential candidate, was speaking at a meeting in his native Ohafia, Ebem Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

    He urged the people and Nigerians to embrace the Buhari administration and its change agenda, saying that the President will succeed.

    He said, “In this administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria is going to witness significant change in all the sectors of the economy through its economic policies, which is going to assist Nigeria become the third largest economy behind India by 2050. Integrity is important to this administration. The APC-led administration will open up all sectors of the economy. It will reduce corruption to its barest minimum. People will get what they want without bribing but by merit and because the President is committed to run a transparent administration; people outside the corridors of power knowing what the government in power is doing, ask questions and peoples political views respected, there will be no more swindling of resources of the people, but service to the people; where payment of salaries will be as at when due.”

    Kalu also spoke on the war against insecurity and insurgency, saying the country would soon overcome the Boko Haram challenge and that unemployment will equally be addressed by the APC-led government.

    Earlier in his speech, Ohafia Local Government Area chairman, Mr. Emeka Nnaoke Uduma assured the economist that the people of Ohafia who worked for the President during the campaign were not relenting in their support for the party.

    Uduma disclosed that the party since the emergence of Buhari as the president of the country has continued to grow in strength and numbers, disclosing that many members of the PDP stalwarts in Ohafia have disclosed their intention to defect to the party from their former party who he said would be presented to the party as soon as their registration process into the party were completed.

  • Kalu for FIFA president!

    Kalu for FIFA president!

    I have always tried to restrain from writing on Orji Kalu, a former Abia State governor. But who can ignore his laughable new ambition. He wants to be FIFA boss. I laugh even as I pen these words. What struck me first was a conversation he had with editors when somebody asked him about his educational qualifications.  “We are talking about forwarding Abia to all forwardness,” he said with a flourish, “and you are talking about cerfiticate (sic).” Is this the sort of literacy you want for Nigeria? Nada. In local parlance, we should say he has committed foul, or “fa-fa-fa foul!!”

    Not long ago, he embarked on a nationwide trip from state to state, visiting governors. It was more of ego trip. He was jobless and bored, although boorish. He was, however, not boring because of his disastrous elocution and capacity to amuse after he had left the scene of his performance. Never mind that he writes a column. I would want him to write that column in public, so we can know if he is capable of the literacy he poses.

    Only a Kalu could have encouraged a headline last Saturday saying that Asiwaju Tinubu was under surveillance for a plot against Buhari. Publishers like him make editors look unprofessional. The story did not pass Journalism 101 test. If there was surveillance, what was the nature? The man was not even around? Two, if there was a plot, what was the nature of the plot, to overthrow him as President – which is treason; or to unseat him in APC? When a man does not know the difference between verb and noun, how can he become a good boss of world football? How can he distinguish score as verb and as noun? No one will vote him boss of Southeast soccer. It is enough that Ochendo has made him a mouse in Abia State, so he dreams to be an elephant of world football. What megalomania!

  • Abia North senatorial election: Kalu testifies at tribunal

    Abia North senatorial election: Kalu testifies at tribunal

    Former Abia State Governor and the senatorial candidate for Abia North

    Senatorial district in the last general elections, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has testified in the consolidated petition at the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia.

    Kalu, the candidate of the Progressive People’s Alliance [PPA], is contesting the declaration of Mao Ohuabunwa as the winner of the election.

    The former governor testified as the 1st Petitioner, PW5, for about three hours, insisting that he should be declared the winner of the election, based on the result of the two local governments of Bende and Isuikwuato.

    Kalu, under cross examination by the counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Onyeka, said that the election in the district was inconclusive in areas like Arochukwu, Ohafia and Umunneochi council areas.

    Speaking in an interview after the session, counsel to Kalu, Kelvin Nwufo, SAN, described Kalu’s testimony as excellent, adding that he could be declared winner based on the result of the two local government areas.

    According to Nwufo, it happened in 2007 when Nkiruka Onyejiocha was declared winner based on the result of one local government, Isuikwuato, adding that it was later confirmed by the Appeal Court.

    He said Kalu’s testimony was hinged on three depositions, including the deposition in support of the petition, deposition in support of reply to the reply of the 1st respondent and “our reply in respect of the reply to the 2nd -9th respondent.

    Kalu’s counsel said a forensic expert would testify in the case on August 20, 2015, because the respondents’ objection to his testimony was granted by the tribunal, which ruled that they be served the witness’ report to enable them prepare their reply.

    The matter was adjourned to August 14, 2015 as scheduled by the tribunal.

  • Atiku, Ladoja, Kalu, Daniel advise adherents to be good

    Atiku, Ladoja, Kalu, Daniel advise adherents to be good

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Abia State Governor Orji Kalu, Accord Party National Leader and former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja yesterday led other eminent personalities in urging Muslims to embrace the virtues of forgiveness and understanding as they celebrate the end of Ramadan fasting.

    Atiku, in a statement by his media office, said: “One of the basic components of Ramadan fasting is to seek the mercy of God to forgive us our sins, and thus it becomes imperative for us as humans to extend the grace of forgiveness and common understanding to other human beings as well.

    “Being good Muslims requires that we follow the examples of Prophet Muhammed, who was always quick to forgive those that transgressed against him and lived a life of building common understanding among people.”

    The statement added that at a time such as now when Nigeria is at the threshold of a new beginning, it was important that all hands be “on deck and old gaps are closed to support the new political leadership”.

    The Turaki Adamawa while congratulating every Muslim for the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting season noted that it was a season of abundant grace from God almighty for the forgiveness of our sins.

    Ladoja called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take special interest in the plight of Internally Displaced Persons due to Boko Haram attacks.

    He said if they were not properly catered for, they would become more vulnerable to exploitation and the youth among them might be recruited by terrorists.

    Ladoja, in his message, also urged the Federal Government to ensure that victims in camps were properly catered for so as not to become willing pawn to terrorists.

    Asking Nigerians to continue to exercise restraint in accordance with the teachings of the Ramadan fasting, Ladoja said the “main lesson of Ramadan to Nigerians is that when people are committed to change, change is possible”.

    “If it is possible for people to restrain themselves from sinful ways during the Ramadan month, it shows commitment and that has implication on our attitude to change. If people are committed to change, they will change their bad ways. I urge Nigerians to shun bad behaviours, sins and other vices that may hamper growth and development”

    Kalu congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of the compulsory 30-day Ramadan fasting.

    The former governor, in a goodwill message by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, said: “I wish to join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating this year’s Eid al -Fitr.

    “Despite the completion of Ramadan fast, the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians alike need to sustain the virtues of the holy month by maintaining the love, togetherness and peaceful co-existence that characterised of the holy month.

    “The discipline and self-restraint as exemplified during the holy month is the only way to live a good life and make the society a better place to live.”

    The immediate past Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel urged the adherents of the faith to keep up with the virtues gained during the Ramadan period which included piety, patience, tolerance, perseverance, humility, self denial and service to humanity.

    Daniel urged Muslims to embrace the spirit of love, forgiveness and brotherhood preached by Islam and other religions.

    Congratulating the faithful on the successful observation of the Holy month, he implored the people to celebrate with moderation and in the spirit of Ramadan which encouraged peace and charity.

  • Kalu urges Buhari to help reduce media cost

    Kalu urges Buhari to help reduce media cost

    Former Abia State governor, Dr.  Orji Kalu, has urged  President Muhammadu Buhari to come to the aid of the print media owners to avoid job loss due to increasing cost of production in the industry.

    Kalu, who spoke yesterday said  with the way things are in the print media, the industry is getting closer to the edge of the precipice, warning that it runs the risk of running at a loss because of the rising operational cost that is threatening the existence of most media organisations.

    He, therefore, appealed to the president to urgently intervene to prevent job cuts.

    ‘The operational cost media houses have to contend with is huge and keeps rising daily. “We are dying from the burden. Our businesses are suffering. From the cost of newsprint to ink, blankets and plates, our consumables in the print media are expensive. The Sun Publishing uses 2,800 tons of newsprint every month, for instance. Add that to the cost of freighting, the dwindling fortunes of the naira and power challenges and it becomes obvious that our business terrain is facing more difficulties by the day. The Federal Government needs to come to our aid. If this bad tide is not stemmed, media owners may resort to downsizing to save cost and that will further worsen the nation’s already bad unemployment figures,” Kalu lamented.

    He said all media houses are producing every copy of the newspapers Nigerians read at a loss.

    ‘The average cost of printing a copy of a newspaper is N500 and we sell for N150 or N200. That means media owners are subsidising every copy our readers get with N300. How long can we go on like that and stay in business? The government has to intervene to ensure journalists keep their jobs and we stay afloat,” he added.

    Kalu said the media industry deserves a special intervention fund from government at a reduced interest rate among other palliatives to carry on with the business of publishing.

    He urged other members of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) to speak and lend their voice to this appeal to the government.

    “All members of NPAN must join this appeal. We all need to work together on this. It is our battle, it is about our survival and if we don’t work together, all our businesses are at risk.

    “For as long as our operational costs keep going through the roof,  the fortunes of newspaper houses will keep diminishing,” he warned.

  • Kalu extols Amuka’s virtues

    Kalu extols Amuka’s virtues

    Publisher of The Sun and New Telegraph newspapers, Dr. Orji Kalu, has described the Publisher of Vanguard titles Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, as a veteran journalist whose contributions to the media industry are enormous and commendable.

    He noted that the seasoned media owner and journalist had over the years dedicated his intellectual resources to nation building through objective, balanced and developmental journalism.

    Kalu made the remarks yesterday in a goodwill message to commemorate the 80th birthday of Mr. Amuka.

    He said: “Uncle Sam, I wish to convey my sincere congratulations to you and your family as you clock the glorious age of 80. With over five decades in journalism, you have remained a shining star in the industry. Despite your age, you continue to inspire and motivate the younger generation in the profession including my good self. To clock the age of 80 is a special grace from God and it is my prayer that He will grant you longer life and continued blessings in the service to humanity.”

    He added, “Uncle Sam who has several columns to his credit has demonstrated hard work, dedication and highest level of professionalism in his endeavours.?”

    The former governor noted that “Sad Sam” column authored by Mr. Amuka provided readers fulfillment and mental satisfaction.

    Kalu, while wishing the celebrator a joyous celebration, called on journalists to emulate ?Mr. Amuka in their media pursuits.

     

  • PDP is the problem of itself-Kalu

    PDP is the problem of itself-Kalu

    Former Abia state governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu on Thursday afternoon said that the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) is the problem of itself.

    Speaking after a visit to the former military Head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida at his Uphill residence in Minna, Kalu said that the political terrain in the country after February election would never be the same.

  • NPAN condoles with Kalu

    NPAN condoles with Kalu

    The Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has condoled with the publisher of The Sun, Chief Orji Kalu, over the death of Mr. Dimgba Igwe.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, the Secretary-General of NPAN, Comfort Obi, said the circumstances of Igwe’s death was devastating, noting that life had become cheap in the country.

    She said: “How do we explain that Igwe was knocked down by a reckless driver. His untimely death has exposed our incompetence as a country and the sorry state of the health sector.”

    Obi added that there were no street cameras despite the millions of naira allegedly spent on the project.

    “Forty-eight hours after his death, there is still no clue as to the brand of the car or the registration number.”

    She said Igwe, who spent over 30 years in journalism, died at a critical period of the media history.

  • Ajimobi, Aregbesola, Kalu console with ex-governor

    Ajimobi, Aregbesola, Kalu console with ex-governor

    Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo State), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun State) and former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu were part of those who consoled with the former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja yesterday over the death of his mother, Alhaja Alimot Ladoja.

    Ajimobi, in his condolence message, said the death of Ladoja’s mother was unfortunate.

    He said: “Even though our dear mama, Alhaja Halimotu Ladoja, died at the ripe age of 94, we are still saddened with her demise.

    “She was a not only a devout Muslim, but also a quintessential mother, who was caring, loving and an epitome of motherhood.

    “Besides, mama was also a good example in philanthropy. She was always ready and prepared to share whatever she had with the less-privileged.”

    He prayed the Almighty Allah to grant her Aljanah Firdaus and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Aregbesola, in a statement by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, expressed gratitude to God for the late Alhaja Ladoja’s  “enviable life style.”

    While praying for the repose of her soul, the governor extended his condolence to the Ladoja family, the government and the Oyo people.

    “Personally, I consider her as a mother-figure and source of inspiration, who remained a devout Muslim and committed to improving the lives of others up to the time she breathed her last. We will miss her a lot,” Aregbesola said.

    The governor noted that her death was not only a loss to her immediate family, but also to the people of Ibadan land and the state.

    Kalu urged Ladoja not to mourn, but rejoice that not only did his mother live long enough, she also lived a fulfilled life.

    Kalu, in the message by his Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, said what Ladoja needed now was to pray to God for strength to put the loss behind him and focus on contributing his quota to the nation’s development, especially with the 2015 general election in sight.

    He prayed for the repose of the soul of Alhaja Ladoja and the fortitude for her family to bear the loss.