Human Rights Protection: NHRC Holds Gubernatorial Townhall Across 18 States

Human Rights Protection: NHRC Holds Gubernatorial Townhall Across 18 States

Ahead of the February 2023 general elections, the National Human Rights Commission is organising a town hall for gubernatorial candidates in 18 states beginning from 1st to 3rd February 2023.

The Commission will be organising the town hall in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations, United Nations System in Nigeria and the Media. This is targeted at making human rights issues part of the election discussion, improving citizens’ participation in the general elections, deepening our democracy and the overall safety of citizens before, during and after the elections.

Mrs Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Deputy Director Public Affairs, stated this in a statement she personally signed and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN who made this disclosure in Abuja Monday stated that the town hall will provide an opportunity for governorship candidates of all the political parties in the country to highlight their plans and views on key issues of promotion and protection of human rights of citizens in their respective states.

According to Ojukwu, since the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of citizens, it is important to engage governorship candidates to clearly state what they have to offer to the people, particularly their plan on human rights protection. It is important to extract commitments from these candidates to close the widening gap in healthcare services, education, food security, potable water, sanitation, electricity, good road networks, brutality and impunity, civil protests and most importantly, the shrinking of civic spaceetc.

The NHRC Boss said that the effort is a part of the larger project, Mobilising Voters for Election (MOVE) designed to improve the overall electoral process in the country.

It would be recalled that a similar event was held for presidential candidates on the 10th December 2022 and each candidate at the town hall spoke on how he will fulfil and promote human rights in the country.

The Commission’s helms man notes that as elections draw near, political parties and their candidates should focus their campaign on human rights issues and not hate speeches, while presenting their manifestoes to Nigerians. “This will further serve as a self-assessment of the commitment to social contract of democracy”, the Executive Secretary added.

The town hall is scheduled to take place in the following States: Akwa Ibom, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Niger, Delta, Rivers, Nassarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Cross River, Kano, Kwara and Bauchi.

NHRC Appoints Special Independent Investigation Panel On Counter Insurgency Operations In North East

NHRC Appoints Special Independent Investigation Panel On Counter Insurgency Operations In North East

The National Human Rights Commission Commission (NHRC) will on Tuesday (7th February 2023) inaugurate a Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Implementation of Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-North East).

The inauguration will take place at Bukhari Bello Auditorium, NHRC Headquarters at 10am.

Mrs. Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Deputy Director Public Affairs of the Commission, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, who made this disclosure in Abuja Monday stated that the panel will among other things focus on investigating Reuters report which alleged that Nigerian Military was involved in abortion of many pregnancies in the North East in the last 10 years.

Besides, the international media organisation had alleged that the Military was involved in massacre of children as well as other Sexual and Gender Based Violence(SGBV) in the North East.

However, the Military has refuted the allegations saying that it was a ploy to malign the image of the Nigerian Armed Forces which has been at the forefront of the counter insurgency efforts in the North East.

It would be recalled that the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor during his visit to the Commission in December 2022 told the Executive Secretary that the Military is willing and ready for any probe, particularly as it relates to Reuter’s report as stated above.

Members of the panel are Honourable Justice Abdu Aboki, retired Justice of the Supreme Court ( Chairman), Ms Kemi Okonyedo, representing Women Rights Organisation, Barrister Azubuike Nwankenta, representing NBA, Major General Letam Wiwa rtd (Military Law and Intelligence Expert), Dr. Maisaratu Bakari (Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital Yola), Dr. Fatima Akilu (Humanitarian Expert, representing Civil Society), and Ms. Halima Nuradeen (Psychologist, representing Youths).

Arochukwu wards rally for Sen. Kalu, Pass vote of confidence for his reelection

Arochukwu wards rally for Sen. Kalu, Pass vote of confidence for his reelection

Constituents of Aro, Isu and Ututu wards of Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia-North have unanimously adopted the candidature of Senator Orji Kalu representing the district at the National Assembly to run for another term at the Senate.

Kalu candidate of the All Progressive’s Congress (APC) had just concluded touring the entire 21 wards in Isuikwuato LGA where he received unanimous endorsements.

Subsequently on Sunday ,Kalu touched the following wards ; Aro Ward 3, 2 , 1 and 4 , Ututu ward A, B, C and Isu he was accorded solidarity commitments by the people for his reelection.

Projects facilitated by Kalu were listed at Aro Ward 3 and other wards, where he was treated to Massive reception of endorsements by constituents led by APC Arochukwu LGA Chairman, John Million.

Constructed and ongoing roads at Arochukwu, Isu , Ezeakuma were mentioned by the APC Chairman as Kalu’s achievements during his address in which he lauded the Senate Chief Whip and urged the people to back his reelection inorder to consolidate on his works.

In the aspect of education John also highlighted the construction of Eze Akuma and Agbaagwu primary schools as Kalu’s gains in their community including the reconstruction of three blocks of classrooms at Ututu.

Kalu’s party candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Dan Okeke gave more reasons the electorates should vote for the Chief Whip and himself saying with both of at the National Assembly he ( Daniel) will tap from Kalu’s influence and legislative experiences to bring Democratic dividends to his constituents.

Daniel outlined an array of projects which he facilitated for the community in his private capacity, assuring them that he’ll do more when elected.

Daniel canvassed for votes in favour himself and Kalu;

“Orji Kalu has constructed roads at Isu, Isuochi, Abam , Ihechiowa. In my private capacity I have built a customary court, ICT centres, gave out cash to entrepreneurs and so on.

“I have proven that I have the zeal to impact your communities but I can’t do more if I’m not in Government, where I can use my office to influence projects and empowerments that will better your lives.

“It’s important that you vote for our Senator so that he’ll put me through on how to attract more development, being a two time former Governor, member of House of Representatives and now Senator he has all the connections in government to bring good tidings to you all.

While acknowledging their votes of confidence and appreciation, Kalu expressed that the projects he attracted to communities in the course of learning the processes of Senate chambers stating that now that he had fully understood the workings of the Senate, they could imagine the avalanche of projects that would come their way when he gets re-elected.

He said; “Some have been there for 12 years and did nothing. I’ve just done a little over three years and I have been able to construct over 61 roads. In addition to schools, streetlights, boreholes and the rest of them.

“This is just the beginning , because I achieved all these under tutelage being my first time at the Senate , you can only imagine what I’ll do for your communities when I return because I have fully learnt the job.

“I have put in words in action by giving you what I promised in 2019, vote wisely for the APC and ensure you look out for the broom logo , though I am not happy with the state of Aro Ward 1 road and some others, it will be my priority once I return.

Kalu was accompanied to the community by the party’s candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Dan Okeke; Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Mike Ukoha; Dr. Maduka Ukaegbu, Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission and other party chieftains.

2023: Kalu’s endorsements soars as he rounds off Isuikwuato campaign tour

2023: Kalu’s endorsements soars as he rounds off Isuikwuato campaign tour

Endorsements for the return of Senator representing Abia-North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to the National Assembly soared on Saturday as the Senate Chief Whip transversed through additional wards in Isuikwuato LGAs whilst engaging constituents on the need to cast their ballots for his reelection.

While interfacing with the people, Kalu took stock of various infrastructural projects executed in their communities and gave assurances to construct additional routes.

Kalu the candidate of the All Progressive’s Congress (APC) got the backing of his constituents while making the final lap of his campaign tour of the 21 Wards of Isuikwuato Local Government Area after visiting the following places; Ndundu Ward 18; Agbama Isunabo Ward 20; Ikeagha 1 Ward 8; Ikeagha 2 Ward 9; Ugwuele/Mbaugwu Ward 19; Achara Ward 7 and ABSU / Umuanyi Ward 10.

Kalu was accorded encomiums for expediting quality projects like rural roads, installation of solar street lights, sinking of boreholes, renovation of schools and health centres, youths and women empowerment, scholarships to Abia North students to study Medicine and Surgery in South America, Agricultural grants and many more.

Right After embracing Kalu and his team, people of Ikeagha Ward 2 mentioned the construction of their community road which they described as the realisation of the promise he made to them in 2019. Afterwards they conferred their endorsement on Kalu’s re-election promising to cast their votes massively in his favour during the February 25th polls.

President General of Nvurunvu,Francis Ikwuaja who announced the community’s resolution said that they were optimistic that Kalu’s return to the Senate would translate to the facilitation of additional projects in their localities.

Francis reassured Kalu of the community’s votes; “It’s not surprising that you have bagged prestigious awards on rural development because of what you have been able to do in just three years , being a first time Senator. “We have decided to support you fully with our votes , so that you can do more for us. We urge you to keep it up and we are solidly behind you and more awaits you at the Senate when you are reelected”.

Similarly, at Agbama Isunabo Ward 20, another round of vote of confidence was passed by the community to adopt Senator Kalu as their sole candidate for the 2023 Senatorial elections.

While announcing their resolve to align with Senator Kalu and his return ambition, the community’s prime minister, Chief Sunday Nnadi disclosed that Kalu’s maiden Senatorial outing has been fruitful and rewarding to their community.

Nnadi urged the Lawmaker to pay more attention to their immediate Ward when he gets re-elected; “Our people passed a resolution to stand by Orji Kalu because he has done what he promised he’ll do for us in 2018. We also use this opportunity to ask him to extend this road to Isuikwuato when he gets elected for his 2nd term”.

It was no different at Achara Ward 7 where the community declared solidarity for Kalu’s re-election. APC Ward woman Leader, Ms Nwankwo Florence said that asides the road Kalu had also empowered the women folk, stating that they would willingly cast their votes in his favour.

At Ndundu Ward 8, the Chief Whip of the Senate landed the blessing of the constituents to run for another term at the Senate. Conferring the community’s support, National Youth President of Uturu, Chukwuemeka Chukwunenye, told Kalu that residents trust his capacity to continue his good works when he goes back to the Senate.

“We will extend the already built 2Km Nvurunvu Road to Isuikwuato, but you have to vote for the APC with the broom logo. Make your support count by collecting your permanent voters card (PVC) .

“If the community is good it is to the benefit of both the young and old male and female, rich or poor, that is why I have prioritised community development asides my lawmaking duties.

The former Abia Governor also sought the understanding of those whose rural access roads were not constructed , explaining that projects can’t be built at the same time but rather in phases.

He said his re-election will afford him the opportunity to execute more projects to those areas that had none; “My coming here is not to campaign but to show you my report card , because you all know me and I am confident of your vote.
“I have started working in your communities, other candidates without achievements will come to induce you with money and food items in order to deceive you but ensure you vote for me as your working Senator because my achievements are visible to all”.

Isuikwuato LGA Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Royal Okereke, urged the residents yet to collect their PVCs to do so before its closure, noting that their support for Kalu would amount to nothing if they didn’t vote on election day.

Notable community stakeholders who engaged Kalu at the various wards include; Ugwuele/Mbaugwu Ward 19 APC Chairman, Emmanuel Ohuegbe; ABSU / Umuanyi Ward 10 APC Chairman and Woman Leader, Kenneth Chukwudi Ezeala and Ms Okereke Ann; Ugwuele / Mbaugwu community youth Leader , Ekwuribe Victor ; Achara Ward 7 Youth Leader, Ukechukwu Ukeje; Isunabo Ward 20 Youth Leader, Amaobi Chimezie amongst others.

Abia Govt takes Onyejeocha to the cleaners over derogatory comments against State’s administration

Abia Govt takes Onyejeocha to the cleaners over derogatory comments against State’s administration

Member representing Umunneochi/Isuikwuato Federal Constituency, Nkiru Onyejeocha has been berated over unsavoury comments she made against the People’s Democratic Party led Government of Abia state.

Recall that Onyejeocha had referred to Commissioners in Abia State as “beggars’ ‘ during yesterday’s Presidential rally held yesterday for the Presidential candidate of the All Progressive’s Congress (APC), Asiwaju Tinubu.

In reaction to her comment, Abia state Commissioner for Information and Strategy , Barr Eze Chikamnayo described Onyejeocha as insane and power drunk, stating that her time of reckoning was near.

In a social media post on his handle tagged “Nkiru Onyejeocha is a Megalomaniac ; Her time of reckoning has come…” , the commissioner said that the Reps member was known for her trademark of affliction of arrogance, tactlessness and brazen idiocy.

Chikamnayo warned Onyejeocha to keep the state Government away from issues bedeviling the state chapter of the ruling All Progressive’s Congress with regards to its Governorship and House of Representatives tussle.

According to him the likes of Onyejeocha had crippled the APC, which has permanently polarised and finished – locked the party in a fratricidal war of attrition, wits and wanton opportunism.

The statement reads;

Nkiru Onyejeocha has gone mad again !

Her madness is a bit disturbing to me personally because I had thought that the elevated office which she occupies in the Federal House of Representatives on behalf of the great people of Umunneochi/Isuikwuato Federal Constituency would have somewhat cured her of her trademark affliction of arrogance, tactlessness and brazen idiocy.

But like all psychopaths, Nkiru Onyejeocha who in the full view of a shocked world, turned her unsuspecting husband, Ikemba Kingsley Onyejeocha, into a fugitive and beggar in his own house , is now shamelessly referring to Commissioners in Abia State as beggars in an infantile attempt to instigate the innocent public and denigrate the Abia State Executive Council. Her endless oscillation between lucid moments and absolute insanity is an unfortunate source of embarrassment not only to her Constituency but indeed to all men and women of goodwill.

Nkiru Onyejeocha while pointing her dirty, crimson fingers at Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu without cause or reason has thrown caution to the winds in a vain attempt to fraudulently amass cheap political attention at a time she should be bothering about the deep mess and chasm into which her devious activities has thrown the once manageable Abia APC. Today, with the likes of Nkiru Onyejeocha, Abia APC is permanently polarised and finished – locked in a fratricidal war of attrition, wits and wanton opportunism.

Ironically, while the whole Abia, except , perhaps, the deluded Nkiru Onyejeocha, is aware of her chequered antecedents and deplorable data, she keeps pretending to be holy, hypocritically pontificating on issues that directly indict her in all dimensions.

Several times, we offered helping hands to help cure her of this self-inflicted malaise but like the notorious biblical Jezebel, her over bloated feeling of self importance does not allow her to see reason. Like a pig, Nkiru cannot stop wallowing in the mud of infamy. Despite repeated efforts to avoid this abominable bigot called Nkiru , she has refused to respect herself . Nkiru Onyejeocha prefers to overprice herself and dabble into avoidable conflicts that threaten the prevalent atmosphere of peace in the State. Sadly, with the upcoming elections, her moment of reckoning with the electorate has come.

One would have thought that she would have limited her foolhardiness and infantile manipulations to the Hammer House of Horror called APC in Abia State where her entrance has brought nothing but division and decay; but not Nkiru Onyejeocha! She will always overreach herself, prancing about like the proverbial Nwa Nza that challenges her gods to a wrestling contest.

Commissioners in Abia State will not reply to Nkiru Onyejeocha neither will Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu stoop low to her lowlife. Like Lucifer, let her continue wandering around and conspiring with other fallen political demons.

We can only pity her and ignore her rantings propelled by an excess dose of inferiority complex. Her restlessness is obviously borne out of her realisation that all her scheming and deceptive posturing have landed her in a perennial cul de sac.

On a personal note, I will advise Nkiru Onyejeocha to thread with caution and avoid investing in ant infested firewoods. If she continues in her usual braggadocio, the lizards will visit her neighborhood and all her thick putrefaction will be exposed to her own loss and chagrain.

A word is enough for the wise.

Abia-North: Sen. Kalu Inspects Ongoing construction works at Abam, Okafia

Abia-North: Sen. Kalu Inspects Ongoing construction works at Abam, Okafia

Senator representing Abia-North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Monday undertook a personal inspection of ongoing construction works he facilitated at Ozua-Abam and Okafia-Igbere areas of Arochukwu and Bende L.G.As respectively.

According to Kalu who presides as the Senate Chief Whip, the inspection exercise was to have an on the spot assessment on the level of work done if they were being executed with the approved standards.

At Okafia-Igbere the former Abia Governor examined the ongoing erosion control project while at Ozua-Abam the ongoing Ozu Abam Township Road was inspected by Kalu and his team.

Speaking at Okafia Kalu noted that the erosion control project which has now reached its advanced stage will go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the people in the area and boost the economic growth of the area. He stated that the project was graciously approved by the federal government to address the perennial problem of erosion at the area.

Kalu, who was on a private visit to Abam, briefly inspected the road project Ozu Abam Township Road which is one of the over 80 road projects currently ongoing in Abia North Senatorial District.

Shortly after he was taken round and briefed on the progress of work by the project manager of the construction company handling the project, the Senate Chief Whip appraised the level of work done.

In a brief address, Kalu noted that the Buhari led administration had been executing infrastructural projects through various government ministries and agencies for the wellbeing of the citizenry.

The senator described the projects as well envisioned, adding that it underscores the administration’s sincerity of purpose and responsiveness in tackling the challenges of its citizens.

He appealed to residents of the area to cooperate with the contractor handling the project so as to achieve a durable and lasting solution to the erosion menace ravaging the area.

Abia-North: Accolades flow as Sen.Kalu delivers another road project in Umunneochi

Abia-North: Accolades flow as Sen.Kalu delivers another road project in Umunneochi

Constituents of Umunneochi local government area of Abia North, Abia state have again become beneficiaries of another road project currently being executed in their Senatorial district as facilitated by the Senator representing the zone at the National Assembly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

The project which is the Construction of the Umueze Isi-Obinolu Road in Obinolu Ngodo Isouchi, Umunneochi adds to other road works executed by the Abia North Senator within his three and a half years at the Senate.

Recall that last year Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Senate announced the construction of additional nine rural road projects for Umunneochi LGA.

Some of the roads include;1km Ogwumabiri rural road; Construction of 1km Umuaku Isuochi rural road; Construction of 1km Aroikpa rural road; Construction of 1km Lekwesi Umuchieze rural road; Construction of 1km Ubahu Nneato rural road ; Construction of 1km Amauba Obulo rural road Nneato and Construction of 1km rural road at Obilorji Isuochi road.

Presently, the ongoing 2km Umueze Obinolu road being constructed with double drainages has reached its advanced stage with accelerated laying of Asphalt. The development has since thrown the community into massive Jubilation being the first of its kind since the existence of the community.

In a brief chat with the Sun , a community youth stakeholder identified as Comrade Paul eulogised Senator Kalu commending him for the durability of the work being done.

According to Paul the entire community were indeed grateful to Kalu for remembering them in his infrastructural development drive in Abia North.

Paul declared the resolve of the community to reward Kalu with their votes; “Since I was born I’ve never seen a tarred road in this community. The Traditional leaders and the entire villagers will forever remain grateful to Kalu because this project will improve our economic activities. I am happy I’m alive to witness this happening with my two eyes.

“This Road is just one aspect, Kalu has worked on our schools, installed solar powered street lights to improve our security, his tenure at the Senate is satisfactory and we assure him of our votes in the forthcoming elections”.

Others who spoke said completed and ongoing road projects delivered with drainage were the best dividend of democracy they’ve ever received in their entire history.

Asides the construction of schools, health centers and provision of motorised pipe borne water for communities, Kalu in over three and half years facilitated the construction of over 60 roads spread across rural communities in Abia North.

On Education Kalu also facilitated the construction and reconstruction of Schools coupled with the distribution of learning at various schools in Umunneochi. Some of the beneficiary Schools are; Isuochi secondary School ( Methodist secondary school) at Nkwoagu isuochi; Umuaku Secondary School; Umulem central school;.Isuochi (Ngodo) technical school; Umuaku central School; Lomara secondary school; Lokpanta primary school;Lekwesi central school; Ugwu leru primary school;.Nneato central school; Maria Assumpta primary school Eziama Nneato; Holy rosary secondary school, Obulo Nneato;.Eziama central school;Nneato Central school, Ebelebe and Ndi Awa secondary school, Isuochi and others.

Obasanjo hungered for Third Term,would have still failed if he dared” – Orji Kalu reveals

Obasanjo hungered for Third Term,would have still failed if he dared” – Orji Kalu reveals

Claims by the former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo that he never harboured the intention to thwart Nation’s constitution inorder to elongate his tenure in office has been carpeted by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

The Abia North Senator known to have played a leading role to derail the former President’s Third Term agenda described the Obasanjo’s recent statement where he claimed that he never wanted a third term as President as “fallacious” revealing that the ex President told him personally that he wanted to seek a third term in office.

Speaking during Wednesday’s Live News interview on TVC’s “Politics Tonight” , the former Abia Governor also dismissed Obasanjo’s claims that he (OBJ) would have succeeded to get the Third term.

According to Kalu , Obasanjo would have still failed if he attempted to forge ahead with his Third Term agenda disclosing that he (Kalu), Senators , some governors and world leaders had already been on ground to quash the agenda.

Giving more insight ,Kalu who was Governor within the same period with (1999-2007) Obasanjo narrated how Obasanjo told him of his plan to seek a third term in office as against the Nation’s constitution.

In his account, Kalu stated that on two occasions during his visits to the Presidential villa in 2006, Obasanjo mentioned how some current African Leaders were still in power even after he met them in 1976 when he became Military President and left in 1979.

According to Kalu Obasanjo cited examples of long term serving African Presidents such as ; Former President of Benin Republic Mathieu Kérékou; Late Togolese military President Gnassingbé Eyadéma; Late Libyan President, Muammar Muhammad – Gaddafi and so many others.

Kalu said he now realised that the former President desired to elongate his tenure in office, he however discouraged the Obasanjo to perish the idea stating that the constitution only allowed for two terms.

The Senate Chief Whip added that Obasanjo went as far seeking the intervention of African Presidents such as Former South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki to beckon the Nigerian Governors as at that period to support his Third Term plan.

On his part Kalu noted that he had informed former US President George Bush Jnr , Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and other world leaders who stood against former President Obasanjo.

On allegations that some Senators were given fifty million naira to support Obasanjo to get a third term in office.

Kalu said he didn’t know how many Senators were given money to back Obasanjo’s third-term ambition, however, the late Uche Chukwumerije, a Senator who was representing Abia North senatorial district when he was Governor showed him fifty million naira which was given to him to support Obasanjo’s third term bid. He also said Chukwumerije returned the money after showing it to him.

According to Kalu, the reason why he did not contest to become a Senator in 2007 after the end of his second tenure as Governor was that he wanted Chukwumerije to remain in the Senate as a form of appreciation for returning the money given to him.

In his words ;
“It’s a lie for President Obasanjo to tell Nigerians he never wanted a Third Term, Because I know at the Villa on two occasions he (President Obasanjo) told me that people that he left during his first tenure as President (1976 – 1979) were still in power , people like President Former President of Benin Mathieu Kérékou; now Late Togolese military President Gnassingbé Eyadéma; now Late Libyan President, Muammar Muhammad – Gaddafi and so many others.

“I used to be very close to former President Obasanjo and I chatted with him and he (Obasanjo) said Oh!!! “When I left they killed Nigerian Airways. I will never leave again until I die”. “And I told him that his tenure is only for two terms”, that was when I realised he wanted to seek a third term.

“And one day it came out of his mouth and I tried to school him and told him not to even imagine it , that we have only two terms as stipulated in the constitution after that I immediately informed former Presidents of South Africa ; Late President Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, Mbeki is alive he can testify to what I am saying.

“It’s a lie for President Obasanjo to tell Nigerians he never wanted a Third Term, Because I know at the Villa on two occasions he (President Obasanjo) told me that people that he left during his first tenure as President (1976 – 1979) were still in power , people like President Former President of Benin Mathieu Kérékou; now Late Togolese military President Gnassingbé Eyadéma; now Late Libyan President, Muammar Muhammad – Gaddafi and so many others.

“I used to be very close to former President Obasanjo and I chatted with him and he said Oh!!! “When I left they killed Nigerian Airways. I will never leave again until I die”. “And I told him that his tenure is only for two terms”, that was when I realised he wanted to seek a third term.

“And one day it came out of his mouth and I tried to school him and told him not to even imagine it , that we have only two terms as stipulated in the constitution after that I immediately informed former Presidents of South Africa ; Late President Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki, Mbeki is alive he can testify to what I am saying.

“It is true that he gave Senators 50 million naira each because that is why I didn’t come to the Senate in 2007, because Senator Uche Chukwumerije (fmr Abia North Senator) supported us to fight Obasanjo’s third term. He told his children before he passed on that I relinquished the Senate for him because he helped us to derail third term.

“I don’t know any other Senator that collected but my own Senator representing me at Abia North, because he brought the money to me and said the money came from the Central Bank of Nigeria, he showed me the notes, snapped it and I told him to return it back to them.

” I told him I am younger, but you are a great man. 50 million means nothing given back to them and he returned it and I promised him that in 2007 he will go back to the Senate.

“When I went to visit him in the hospital, he told his children in attendance that I left the seat for him because he returned the money and helped us fight the third term.
“The man Obasanjo strongly wanted a third term but this country is stronger than any one man , this country is not a one man show , nobody can wake up one morning and squeeze Nigerians in a bottle”, and say he wants to take over this country, it’s impossible.

“I wasn’t the only Governor who stood against him , we had the now late Former Governor of Niger State, Abdulkadir Kure; fmr Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and so many other Governors who went against him and we paid a huge price.

2023: Tinubu’s skill to assign responsibilities aligns with contemporary requirements of modern democracy – Sen Orji Kalu

2023: Tinubu’s skill to assign responsibilities aligns with contemporary requirements of modern democracy – Sen Orji Kalu

Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has said that the ability of the Presidential flag bearer of the All Progressive’s Congress (APC) , Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to delegate responsibilities to competent persons in Authority will be beneficial for the country when eventually elected.

Shedding more light, the former Abia Governor noted that Tinubu’s skill to assign responsibilities is in line with the contemporary requirements of modern democracy, noting that the era of leaders single handedly conceiving and executing policies was over.

Kalu made this assertion while speaking on Political Paradigm, a political programme of Channels Television aired on Monday.

The Chieftain of the ruling APC cited the rapid growth of Lagos State to back his assertion, explaining that Tinubu as Governor had set the stage for development in the state. Kalu maintained the consistent political platform of Lagos put in place by the former Lagos Governor since 1999 has added to the growth and development witnessed in the state over the years.

He said ; “Tinubu will be one of the greatest Presidents we shall ever have because of the skill of delegation. He has the skill and the modern way of leading people is no longer everything (Powers) to yourself.

“You must assign the job to other people who are competent , you must tell the people to do it and he has proven that as Governor of Lagos and after.

“Why Lagos is growing is because the leadership has been under one route and political party since 1999. So consistency matters a lot. I believe that Tinubu will do a lot of things differently for the benefit of Nigerians especially the business people.

“Lagos is a business center and he knows we can’t Govern effectively without involving the business people,so we have to enter a strong partnership with them.

“When people said Buhari wasn’t going to support Bola Tinubu, we went to the President and told him this is our party it’s not about anybody and you can see the President has come out willingly to identify and campaign for our party .

Responding to questions on the alleged ill health of the APC Presidential Candidate, Senator Orji Kalu dismissed the claims describing them as mere public insinuations.

Kalu clarified that Bola Tinubu was very stable and healthy, he revealed that the Presidential hopeful works round the clock to attend to campaign activities and retires to bed at “3am” Daily.

Kalu added that it was normal for humans above the age of 40 years to witness few health challenges, which however can be managed to function effectively.

“His (Tinubu’s) health is very stable. No man above 40 is not sick. There is not one, no Nigerian above 40 that is not sick,” Kalu said on the pre-recorded Channels TV Programme.

The APC chieftain also stressed that some political opponents forged incoherent statements attributed to Tinubu at rallies.

“These are things you people go to forge on the internet. All these things can be forged by political opponents,” he said.