₦airaland Forum

Photos: 5

Photos : 4

Photos 3:

Photos:2

Day Nigerian leaders converged to celebrate Kalu’s wife, Ifunanya

Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

The Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, threw the doors leading to his Aso Villa residence opened on Monday, October 26, 2020, to celebrate his wife, Mrs. Ifunanya Kalu, on her birthday.

From the political class, the business community, the legal profession, the military, police, the diplomatic corps and other spheres of human endeavours, they came out in droves to celebrate a humble and unassuming woman who has stood by her husband like the rock of Gibraltar. And for Kalu, it was a payback time for a woman who exudes the true character of a wife and friend. Since the commencement of the event till the curtain was drawn, the birthday shindig had the elements and characteristics of a first class party. This was attested to by the presence of the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan; the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovine Omo-Agege; the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Ahmed Idris Wase and the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.

Also present were a former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rt Honourable Emeka Ihedioha; former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and his wife, Sulola; the Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; the Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina. The roll call also includes serving and former Senators as well as members of the House of Representatives. Amongst them were the Deputy Senate Leader, Ajayi Boroffice, Rochas Okorocha, Sam Egwu, Chukwuka Utazi, Akon Eyakenyi, Elisha Abbo, Peter Nwaoboshi, Chimaroke Nnamani, Michael Nnachi, Umar Sadiq, Chris Adighije, Lee Maeba, Uche Ekwunife, Nkechi Nwaogu, and Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Engr Elias Mbam; the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Abhay Thakur and his wife, Dr (Mrs.) Surabhi Thakur; the South Korea Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Lee In-Tae, a former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, were also in attendance.

Also present were Hon Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu; Chief Chris Uche and wife, Ijeoma; a Deputy Inspector General of Police, Habila Joshua (retd), a former Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Chief Chuka Odom; a former Chief of Staff, Abia State, Hon. Mascot Kalu, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, Abia State, Dr Maduka Ukaegbu; a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnanna Kalu; a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abia State, Chief Solo Akuma, amongst others.

The event, although social in nature, did not leave out the spiritual side since God is the giver of life. Hence, both the Christian and Muslim prayers heralded the event after which the husband of the celebrant, Senator Kalu, took to the floor for his introductory remarks. Kalu said: “Today is not a speech making day. It is just a day to appreciate my better half who has tried so much in times of difficulty, in times of everything; she has always been with me. This lady came to Kuje Prison six months, everyday on time. No day hindered her not to come. She was there 1pm every day. We have never celebrated birthday in this house. Never! This is the first time and possibly, it will be the last time because we don’t celebrate birthday.”

Kalu also disclosed how the birthday bash was secretly planned and executed as he said there was no invitation, nor text message sent to guests. He explained that the guests who included senators, members of the House of Representatives, and his friends made up of past senate president and past governors, were all invited by phone call.

Kalu added: “And she didn’t know. When I was planning this, I told the Senate President, please don’t call her to ask whether you will be on time or not be on time because you will leak the secret. And I told the Deputy Senate President, please don’t ask any other person because there is no invitation. All the senators here, I just called them by phone. There was no invitation, no text messages.”

Kalu further thanked his wife for her untiring friendship and her personality, saying that life is a deep place to learn and as humans, “we continue learning every day.” He also thanked his colleagues in the Senate and all those who took out time to attend the party, while further appreciating his wife and all those who were out to appreciate her. Kalu equally thanked the senators of the 9th National Assembly for the support they gave him, including the Senate President and the Deputy Senate President, even as he said that the night was one to dine and wine.

As the event proceeded into the night, the trio of the Senate President, the Deputy Senate President and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, took turns to speak about the celebrant. Wase who took to the microphone first, wished Mrs. Kalu many happy returns and the blessings of God upon her and the entire family. “May God continue to keep you alive in good health and may God bless you,” Wase prayed. On his part, Omo-Agege said the event was to celebrate first, their colleague, their brother and a friend, but more importantly, his wife. Omo-Agege recalled that the Holy Bible enjoined Christians that he who finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord.

He said: “We are here today to have that manifested by our brother, the Chief Whip because of what the wife means to him. It is one thing to be told the story of who she is, it is another thing to observe, and see, and know exactly who she is and who she has been to the husband. We all saw how she stood by the husband 100 percent as he went through his challenges. “I told a couple of people at the time whenever we went to the prison facility and we saw her. I said yes, this clearly shows that it is not only in good times that you know who your friend is, but also when you have your challenges.

Frankly, they don’t come any better than her, she is the kind of woman you would have or you want to have as your wife.”

Omo-Agege further said the Senate Leadership were at the residence of the Kalus to join Senator Kalu to celebrate his wife and to wish her the very best and to further reassure her as they did, not too long ago that the family can always count on them and they will always be there for the Kalu’s family. “And the only prayer I have before I drop the microphone is that celebration will never cease in this family. Happy birthday!” Omo-Agege chorused.

Addressing the gathering, Senate President Lawan said: “This evening is meant to be an event for appreciating our sister, our wife, Ify Orji Uzor Kalu and that is what I intend to do. Our brother, you are lucky to have Ify as your wife. You know those of us who wedded in the Church, they will say ‘for better, for worse.’ But that is easier said than done. Ify has demonstrated clearly that she is a practical demonstration of for better, for worse.

“My sister, today, you are a shining example to many women. In life, we go through so many experiences. Some pleasant, some not so much pleasant and when you have your better half always supporting you, it is much, much easier for you to survive in whatever condition you find yourself. And that is why our brother is lucky to have Ify.” Lawan further said though it was the first time such celebration was taking place in the family; it was a very well deserved birthday by Mrs. Kalu. He also appreciated Kalu whom he said, went through an unpleasant experience, but said whatever measure, Kalu’s belief in God, his faith and his trust in the nation’s judiciary and prayers from family, friends and well wishers, made him to survive the situation.

Lawan added: “And when you came out, you are better than before. I recall that you tried to come up with legislative intervention on how to make life in the prison better, even though it is not something that anybody will like to have or to go through no matter how good that place is. But that is to show that the experience you had, had shaped your opinion and your kind heart to ensure change so that those who have to go through that system do not suffer unnecessarily.”

Raising a toast to Mrs. Kalu, the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said she believed by God’s grace, Mrs. Kalu will not die an untimely death but will live to see her great grandchildren.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/day-nigerian-leaders-gathered-to-celebrate-kalus-wife-ifunanya/

...asks President Buhari to address the nation.

The Nigerian Senate has asked the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to accompany and protect genuine protesters in the on-going #EndSars protest.

The Senate made the resolution while granting the additional prayer moved by Senator Yusuf Yusuf (Taraba North) at the conclusion of a motion moved by Senator Olujimi Abiodun (Ekiti South) and 108 Senators.
The Senate further urged President Buhari to address Nigerians on the efforts being made by the Federal Government at address the demands of the protesters in order to quell the on-going unrest.

Earlier; Senator Aleiro, while speaking on the motion called on the Federal Government to deploy the force and other extreme measures as a means of halting the protesters. The Kebbi central Senator cited the hijacking of the protest by hoodlums which resulted to the burning and vandalizing of public properties.

However; Deputy President of the Senate , Sentor Ovie-Omo Agege deferred with Senator Aliero. Agege identified with the demands of the protesters saying that he was also victim of police brutality in 2015.

Senator Agege, while explaining to his colleagues narrated how he was sprayed with tear gas which damaged his eyes thus resulting to the use of medical glaases today. He advised the protesters to be orderly and shun violence while also appealing to them to give Government chance to address their demands.
Details later…

Cracks in Tinubu’s Camp Widens as Cold War between Fashola, Osinbanjo Aregbesola Deepens 


A major political crisis has continued to fester between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and four of his political protégés, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,  Minister of Works and Housing,  Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Interior , Rauf Aregbesola and former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi  Ambode following moves to deliver political structures to All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate ahead of 2023

The APC  National Leader, Tinubu, has established his stranglehold over Lagos State and the party machinery after he completed a two-term of eight years as governor from 1999 to 2007.

Tinubu has continued to hold sway in Lagos dictating who becomes what in terms of political appointments and elective positions such as governor.

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice between 1999-2007 .  Babatunde Fashola was Chief of Staff to Bola Tinubu and later served two terms as Governor of Lagos State from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015. 

Aregbesola had served for eight years under Tinubu  as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure before he became governor of Osun State.  Ambode served as Lagos governor between 2015 to 2019 and failed to receive  ticket  for a second term due to his disagreement with Tinubu. 

 However , it was learnt that  Osinbajo,  Fashola,  Aregbesola , Ambode had in recent times began subtle moves with politicians from other regions to build a formidable political base ahead of 2023 elections.

A source close to Tinubu said the cold war worsened when Osinbajo,  Fashola,  Aregbesola,  Ambode , recently shunned Tinubu’s invitation for an exclusive political meeting .  It was learnt that only incumbent Lagos State governor,  Babajide Sanwo-Olu and another unnamed Lagos Senator attended the meeting .

Sources also said the actions of the four are  not unconnected with the body language of power brokers in the North.  It was revealed that the North has no plans of ceding power to the South West , adding that the North are scheming to return  power to themselves and pick a South Easterner as Vice President.

Further investigations also revealed that  notable political  stakeholders in the North while giving reasons,they intend to keep power in the North cited that Tinubu was becoming a political burden to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Southwest region.

The Northern leaders also cited the Godfather roles played by Bola Tinubu and the former Chairman of the APC ,Adams Oshiomole which fueled crisis and acrimony amongst members of the party that led to the party’s loss in the September 19 gubernatorial election in Edo State.

In Ondo State though the All Progressives Congress won  the October 10 Gubernatorial election, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who was reelected was initially never in the good books of Bola Tinubu. Mr Tinubu was then  advised to avoid making any broadcast or statement that can make the people of the state reject Mr Akeredolu in the election which he obeyed .

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/10/16/cracks-in-tinubus-camp-widens-as-cold-war-between-fashola-osinbanjo-aregbesola-deepens/

She can't even shave, see as "bear bear" full around her navel...

Judex Oloro,

The Hausa community in Cross River State has assured Ohaneze Ndigbo that they support the quest for somebody in the South East to become the President of the country in 2023.

The Supreme Leader of the Hausa and Fulani communities in the state, Alh Salisu Abba Lawan, who gave the assurance when members of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Cross River paid him a courtesy visit on Wednsday in his palace at Bogobiri area Calabar, noted that this us the first time Ndi Igbo is leading a powerful delegation to his community.

He recalled that virtually all major groups in the country have produced President since the return of democratic rule in 1999 except the East, maintaining that as we approach 2023 we should look in the direction of Igbo to lead the country in the interest of justice.

Alh. Lawan said: ‘Let me thank the Ohaneze Ndigbo for coming to strengthen the bond of friendship between Hausa and Fulani communities and the Igbo brothers living in the State.

‘We cannot claim to have a country that belongs to all of us while leaving a major component part out of the leadership of this country. I am assuring you that Hausa and Fulani communities in the state would be educated on why an Igbo should be allowed to be President of the country in 2023,’ he said.

According to him, the country must forge ahead and forget issues that brought about the civil war, regretting that since Gen Aguiyi Ironsi held power for six months after the first military coup, no Igbo has led the country.

While appreciating the enormity of talents that abound in Igboland, Sarki Lawan applauded the approach of Igbo living in the State, noting that members of his community would be sensitized and the new relationship.

On his part, President of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the State, Barr Ugorji Nwabueze, who led the Igbo delegation, said it was important for the two tribes to understand that justice demands that the north support the aspiration of the Igbos to lead the country in 2023.

Ugoji, who doubles as the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on non-Indegens, promised that an Igbo leadership at the highest level would be beneficial to all components parts of the country.

According to him, ‘unity demand that justice be done to the Eastern part of the country.’

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/well-support-igbo-presidency-in-2023-says-sarkin-hausa/

MORE PROMINENT NIGERIANS ARE COMING TO THE SAME CONCLUSION ON NIGERIA'S NEXT PRESIDENCY

In May 2020, Rambo was the first, outside some pastors, to state publicly that the next President of Nigeria would be an Igbo man. Today, many prominent Nigerians are coming publicly to the same conclusion. See Dr. Ezeife's position in the Punch article below.

Another prediction made is that the next President of Nigeria will be Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. Yes, a few months ago, OUK would appear to be the most unlikely Igbo politician to make it. But when destiny is knocking on your door, even one minute can be like a century.

On reading these predictions, some of you thought that I was paid money to market OUK. But that's not true. First, it is not possible to market an unlikely candidate. Otherwise, I will market my father or my uncle. Besides, how much money can compensate me for the embarrassment I will feel if I were to make unrealistic predictions? Also, what does OUK or anybody else stand to gain from sponsoring unrealistic predictions?

Before making any prediction on OUK as the next President of Nigeria, I ran rgorius reality checks and sensitivity tests. And the results always came back to the same conclusion. They pointed to OUK. Certain things are not just a matter of what I feel or what you feel. You must accept that there are certain inexorable forces that shape the course of history and determine the destinies of men. Those forces seem to have converged around OUK for the next presidency of Nigeria. All I have done has been to attempt to provide to you some analythic logic for the trend that I can see. We need to move away from emotions and respect the forces beyond our control.

You can explain the ascendancy of OUK as you like. You can call him a child of destiny. You can call him lucky, even though that won't be fair if you knew how smart and hard working he really is. You can call him a child of circumstance. It doesn't natter how you explain him or rationalize the development. But every indication points to him becoming the next President of Nigeria.

Even the little doubt I had was wiped away when I watched videos of his triumphant return to Abia State recently. The outpouring of the people and emotions of support was historic. I saw the making of a President. The events were compelling. It is what it is. Dr. Ezeife calls it the hand of God.

https://punchng.com/god-wants-igbo-to-be-president-in-2023-ezeife/

Senator Umar Sadiq representing North-central Senatorial District in the upper legislative chamber has said that the Southeast part of the country should be given the chance to produce the next president in 2023.

The Kwara North-born Senator who bared his thoughts on the 2023 political discussion , cited equity and fairness as basis for consideration of the Southeast region to produce the next President of the country.

Sen. Umar in an exclusive interview with Sunday Sun, described zoning as a useful tool for all inclusiveness in politics to address the needs and aspirations of all interest groups in a multifaceted society both religious, cultural as well as traditional.

In his words; "Though it has its weaknesses, but it is a very good tool in balancing and stabilising the polity. It is a good tool that can be used to accommodate and address the needs and aspirations of all interest groups in a multifaceted society both religious, cultural as well as traditional. So, I believe in zoning.

Speaking on the 2023 Presidential ticket, Senator Umar said that zoning the Presidential ticket to the Southeast will guarantee stability in the nation's polity, since other regions had produced presidents for the nation.

He said, "I would imagine that because of that fundamental principle of all inclusiveness and for the need to stabilize the country, the presidential ticket should be zoned to the region that has never enjoyed the seat. So, if you zone it to the South we have the Southwest, the South-south and the Southeast and out of all the three Southern zones, to me I think the Southeast is the only region that has not enjoyed the seat of the president. With simple logic and sympathy and all of that we imagine that if any party decides to zone its presidential ticket to the South, the Southeast should be considered first.

Umar also listed the gains of President Muhammadu Buhari since 2015 till date, while adding that more is needed to be done. He bared his mind on the Kwara Otoge Movement, the Water Resources Bill, his book and other pertinent issues.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/2023-presidency-equity-fair-play-in-favour-of-southeast-senator-sadiq-2/

Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was on Saturday morning sighted at the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

Airport correspondent learnt that Kalu who arrived in company of his friends and associates was scheduled for a visit to Maiduguri in Borno state.

The visit according to our correspondent, was connected to the wedding ceremony of the son of Kalu’s bosom friend, Dr Lawan Bukari, a former registrar of University of Maiduguri(UNIMAID) . Dr Lawan according to reports was the Dean of Student Affairs of University of Maiduguri when Kalu was a student.

However, Kalu’s flight became stalled after one of the engines of Kalu’s jets stationed to ferry Kalu and his entourage refused to start. Our correspondent learnt that on the Pilot’s advice, the former governor and his team had to disembark from the aircraft.

Among Kalu’s entourage were : Senator Abubakar Kyari , Dr Daniel Kanu, Alhaji Mustapha Habeeb, Hon. Usman Zannah, Hon. Ibrahim Bukar Mohd, Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu , Hon. Obinna Oriaku among others

Kalu was seen visibly angry as he left the airport unceremoniously to his convoy . Airport staff who usually benefits from Kalu’s generosity were also seen wearing long faces .

It will be recalled that Borno State Capital hosts the University of Maiduguri which was attended by Kalu and President of the Senate,Senator Ahmed Lawan where they were both roommates. The Chief Whip’s first foray into the world of business also started in Maiduguri where he engaged in the manufacturing and supplying of furniture around the state.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/10/03/breaking-technical-faults-aborts-orji-kalus-visit-to-maiduguri/

That's tyhoid, it comes in different crazy forms... you obviously changed drinking water and maube ate out.

We thank God at least I am richer than two people on that list...

If you know the level of complicity in all these ? Well I won't talk sha, I don't wanna be a guest at DSS. My only advice for Gov Zulum is to play along . Leave these people and their multi billion dollar spinning industry. He's too small to face them. The goal is to complete his tenure alive and well.

I thought this frog eyes man is done licking his wounds... Edo Election had nothing to do with anyone's selfish ambition. The people voted for their choice.

Anambra Indigenes Beg Kalu To Run For President


Indigenes of Alor community in Idemili South local government area of Anambra state on Friday trooped out en mass bearing placards with various inscriptions pleading with Chief Whip of the Senate and former Governor of Abia state, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to run for office of the President in the 2023 general elections.


The elated indigenes held a peaceful procession at the palace of the traditional ruler of Alor , His Royal Highness Igwe MacAnthony Elibe Okonkwo chanting songs and calling on Nigerians to support South East to produce next Nigerian president.


Senator Kalu had visited Alor, home of the Honorable Minister for Labour and Employment for the funeral ceremony of late Chief Mrs. Priscilla Mary Ejiakardo Amolue


Sources close to the Senate Chief Whip revealed that the former Governor who was expected to pay a courtesy call on the traditional ruler had on a tip off from the state security services about the procession immediately reschudeled his visit to the traditional ruler to a new date.


It will be recalled that Kalu in a recent interview appealed to Nigerians to allow President Muhammadu Buhari concentrate on the completion of his tenure rather than distracting him with who replaces him in the future.


Meanwhile Kalu’s presence at the funeral caused an overwhelming sensation at the home of the Amolues’ . Shouts of Mmiririenyi Ndigbo filtered the air as he sang worship songs and danced with the women and youths .


With Kalu at the event were former Chairman Independent Democrats, Hon Edozie Madu; Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife of Anambra Central ; Hon. Mascot Uzor Kalu ; Chief Chidozie Nwankwo, Barr. Sylvester Okonkwo , Hon. Osita Chidoka , Hon. Madukwe Ukaegbu and Hon. Chibuike Jonas .


With his entourage , Kalu proceeded to the home of Chief Chidozie Nwankwo in Oko where he was entertained by the astute business mogul and chieftain of All Progressives Congress(APC )


The former Governor later left for Enugu from Oko where he flew back to Abuja at exactly 7 PM.


https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/09/26/anambra-indigenes-beg-kalu-to-run-for-president/

Lekki without water

Poverty! Poverty!! Poverty!!! How many times did I call you, please stay way from me, I no do again!!! Leave me na by force?? In fact God punish you.

Oya money locate me now!!!

House of Representatives spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has dismissed media reports that the reason behind Tuesday's visit of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio to the National Assembly was to settle issues with regards to the probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Hon. Kalu explained that there was no way the Minister could interfere with the probe, stating that the investigation had already been concluded and the report had been submitted by the committee.

The Minister on Tuesday, paid a visit to the newly appointed clerk of the National Assembly, Ojo Amos Olatunde, in his office at the National Assembly Complex.

Akpabio had initially met with the NASS clerk ,told reporters that the purpose of the visit was primarily to familiarize with the National Assembly clerk and to solicit continuous cooperation of the National Assembly towards the development of the Niger Delta region.

However, Reps Spokesman Benjamin Kalu while shedding more light on the motive of the Minister's visit said that Akpabio embarked on a friendly visit to the National Assembly.

He said “As representatives of the people, our doors are open to everyone inclusive, Ministers as they are part of the people we represent. If they knock on our door, we must open it and hear them out.”

“The Honorable Minister supervising NDDC was at the National Assembly today to familiarize with the new clerk of the National Assembly. It has nothing to do with the House of Representatives or the Senate. As a former member of the National Assembly, Akpabio has access to the National Assembly at all times because once a senator, always a senator. “

Speaking further , Kalu confirmed that the report of the investigation had already been submitted.

In his words “The agency under Akpabio's ministry has undergone an investigation, and a report on the concluded NDDC probe is currently before the House of Representatives for consideration. His visit today has nothing to do with the finished investigation but to fine-tune the relationship moving forward for the interest of the Niger Delta region.”

“The National Assembly has been asked severally if it supports the idea of the party legislature and executive coming together to discuss from time to time about issues of national importance, the answer is yes, we are in support of this; that is why the leadership of the two houses, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (Speaker of the House) and Sen. Ahmad Idris Lawan (President of the Senate) are key partners of President Muhammadu Buhari’s new project of the tripartite committee.The purpose is to make sure the dividends of democracy reach the people.”

Kalu assured that members of the ruling All progressive's congress (APC) in the National Assembly were working in unison with the Executive arm to achieve the party's manifesto.

He said “All the same, the manifesto of the party that brought the Government into place is pursued and protected by the three Arms of Government though they may differ, yet the purpose of Government should remain the same and be the focal point.”

“Our assurance to Nigerians is that we understand the mandate of section 88 and 89 of the oversight functions, and we will never sacrifice it on the grounds of relationship. Although it is good to have relationships within the arms of Government, no Arm of Government should sacrifice her independence based on a cordial relationship with the other Arm of Government.”

All the principles of separation of power are following our relationship with the Arms of the Government. The visit of any Minister to the National Assembly will not stop the legislative functions of the House."


https://igberetvnews.com/1364750/nass-akpabios-visit-nothing-nddc-probe-reps-spokesman/

Kenneth Udeh,Abuja


Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has said that a cordial working relationship between members of the executive and legislative arms of Government will enhance the development plans of the Niger Delta Region.


Akpabio made this assertion on Tuesday while addressing the press during his visit to the National Assembly. The former Senator now Minister, was at the offices of the acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Olatunde Ojo; and Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, where he met with them separately behind closed doors.


The minister harped on the need for both arms of Government to work in harmony inorder for the Niger Delta commission attain optimum performance.


In his words"As governor of my state(Akwa Ibom),whatever achievements we made were collective efforts,through the cordial and close working relationship of the house of assembly with my administration.


"Whatever achievement we shall make in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by implication will require the cooperation of the entirety of the National Assembly.


"As a minister it's important I ensure that the cooperation comes on board so that it can benefit the Niger Delta.


Speaking further, he said "My presence here today is part of my support for the President's decision that there must be a much more cordial relationship between the executives and the legislature.


"Infact the President recently set up a tripartite committee made up of the party, the national assembly and the executives to ensure oneness because we are all running one Government. We also committed to leaving a lasting legacy for Nigerians but we can't achieve that if certain arms of the Government are not cooperating.


Speaking on the NDDC probe , Akpabio debunked the statement,in which
he accused members of the National Assembly of fraud concerning contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.



The minister had, during an investigative hearing at the House of Representatives, over the probe of N81.5 billion alleged irregular expenditure by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC,claimed that 60 percent of NDDC contracts went to the federal lawmakers.


However, as the House threatened to initiate a criminal complaint of perjury and explore the possibility of a civil defamation suit against him, Akpabio denied he ever referred to members of the 9th House of Representatives as beneficiaries of contracts in NDDC.


He clarified that the NDDC was yet to fully implement any budget since the commencement of the 9th National Assembly.


Also, Akpabio while responding to questions after a visit to the acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Olatunde Ojo, said the misunderstanding between him and lawmakers was caused by mischief-makers.


On the peace talks being initiated and whether he had resolved to exonerate the lawmakers, who allegedly collected 60 percent of the contracts in NDDC, Senator Akpabio said: “No no no, you are wrong.


“That was not what the Speaker demanded. The Speaker wanted to know whether there was undue influence from any section of the National Assembly in respect of contracts in the NDDC.


“He (Speaker) did not say whether they were contractors. So I’m hearing it from you.”


On why he was at the National Assembly complex, Akpabio explained, “I am a Senator. Seeing me in the National Assembly should not be a surprise as a former Minority Leader and a Senator, and I believe that I’m a Senator for life.


“So nobody will refer to me as Governor Akpabio, but they refer to me as Senator Akpabio. This is like homecoming and the National Assembly ought to have resumed today (Tuesday). But they postponed it; so I intended that as soon as the resumption takes place, I am here


“It’s part of my effort to support the President’s decision that there must be a much more cordial relationship between the Executive and Legislature.


“In fact, the President recently set up a tripartite committee made up of the party (APC), the National Assembly and the Executive to ensure oneness because we are running one government.


“It is important that we all remember that whatever we do, we want to leave a legacy for Nigeria and we cannot do this if all the arms of government are not cooperating.


“So far, I believe that whatever disagreement that could have occurred between my own ministry and the National Assembly must have been as a result of mischief and that mischief must be put to rest so that we can work in one accord for the sake of the nation.”


After meeting with the acting CNA, Akpabio also met with the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olubunmi Tunji -Ojo.


The meeting which lasted for over three hours was held in Suit 3.10 in the House of Representatives new wing and had in attendance the chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu.

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/09/16/akpabio-speaks-on-revamping-nddcclarifies-statement-on-nass-probe/

The Bible that I read and digested teaches us to attack hate with love. Even when people speak slander against us. The message this man is passing yo his followers is revenge . Even Oyedepo that was insultes kept mute. Shame on this pastor and the sheepish followers are even hailing him.

Kenneth Udeh,

Senate Chief Whip, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, was a guest of a radio station in Umuahia, Abia State, recently, where he spoke for the first time on his rumoured presidential ambition and other issues. The programme coincided with the 29th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, which he governed from 1999 to 2007.

*What is your assessment of Abia State at 29?

To build a nation or state is one of the difficult things to do. Leadership is a very big burden. The young men of today were not there when I was governor. But the legacies will linger.

That was why as governor, I made education free and compulsory. I also introduced the Work to Learn Programme for artisans. People in Ariaria International Market, Ahia Ohuru in Aba and the Town Market in Umuahia, were going to school in the evening. We also went further to pay their WAEC fees to encourage them because education is number one.

That made all the traders hawking goods on the road to go to school.

*You have pointed out the areas that you actually excelled when you held sway in Abia State. What areas do you think the present government can improve on to move Abia forward?

Well, it is not my duty to come to radio to discuss the present government or past government.

Government is an institution and I have a channel that I can use to pass whatever I want them to improve on to the governor. I was once the governor of the state, so I have a channel through which I can send my opinion about governance.

If I discuss the governor publicly, it means being former governor or being part of the state is no longer there. Some people in All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and others can do that; Orji Kalu cannot do that on radio. I am a very courageous man, but I want unity and peace so that whenever I advise, it will be taken seriously in-house.

They will know that it is not for political reasons, cheap popularity or witch-hunt because this is what has been happening. So, I am changing the scenario as I can send letters; I can send information; I can send text messages to the governor.

I can advise directly or indirectly. I can advise through his Chief of Staff, I can advise through the Secretary to State Government, I can advise through his commissioners. That is what leadership is all about. I am not running to be governor of Abia State, neither am I running to be anything that will conflict with the interest of my party.

I am a former governor. The publicity secretary of APC can criticize the governor, members of APC can criticize the governor or praise him because they have never been governor, but I have a channel through which I can pass my grievances and understanding of people to the governor of Abia State.

*You moved a motion for an amendment to the administration of criminal justice system in Nigeria. How is that amendment going right now at the Senate?

I did not only move a motion; I have proposed amendment to the criminal justice system. I have also proposed an amendment to the criminal justice system, so that it could be strengthened for it to be free and fair to all because a free society is critical to the survival of democracy.

There are two parts to democracy; one is the hard part and the other one is the soft part or what I will call the software and hardware of democracy.

The software of democracy is like rule of law, being fair to all, obeying traffic light, making sure you pay the police man on the road, making sure you obey the laws. I am not doing it because I went to Kuje Prison.

A lot of Nigerians are suffering for doing nothing and those are the amendments I want to see because I am victim. A victim must be able to correct what is injustice in the eyes of the people. I am doing it not because I want to score a point; I am doing it because I saw a defect in our law.

Those defects would be discussed in the Senate and they will go for concurrence in the House of Representatives.

So it is not what I want, it is what is good for Nigeria. For any leader to start talking about society, he must be able to do what is right to the society. When I was governor, we obeyed the laws.

When they say Obohia Road, I was building a deep underground drainage that will channel water to waterside and I had an injunction by Justice Akomas; I obeyed the injunction and that was why the road was not built. The Landlords there took it that the road will destroy their houses, that I will come and pay them compensation.

The road was not built and the place is still a slum. If you disobey the law, you might have a rowdy society. Any system must obey the law but if you are not satisfied with the court of first instance, you go to the second court; if you are not satisfied, you go to the final court, which is the Supreme Court.

We must strengthen the administration of criminal justice not with any bias or with anybody in mind. The society must continue to improve. We are only 60 years in existence as a nation. America is over 300 years and still amending her laws.

So, we will continue to amend our laws to suit the majority of the people of our nation.

*Still talking about your activities in the Senate, we understand that you also called on the Federal Government to improve the Eastern rail line. How are you liaising with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that it is done?

As a senator, I have no direct relationship with the minister of Transportation. The relationship is with the president and commander in-chief of the armed forces. We make laws and send to the President for ascent.

Once the President ascents to it, he will direct his ministers to implement the law where it concerns them. What happened was that the Eastern rail line was not included in the projects to be executed with the loan.

So, I raised a motion because I was in prison when it was passed. I came back and reopened it and said we must be included from Port Harcourt to Enugu to Makurdi and outward to Maiduguri line.

It is an essential, most viable line you can think of both in terms of commercial and movement of people. I drew the attention of my colleagues and the Senate President, who was kind enough to give me opportunity to propose a new motion which the Senate is still looking at.

It is not politics, it is what is due for us and we must keep asking for it. I am not a Senator that has been sent to the Senate to start making noise. I am a senator that is sent to bring result. It is not the number of bills or the number of times I stand up to speak in the Senate that is the issue.

If you go to Abia North, you will see that speaking in the Senate everyday is not the issue. All the communities are having roads to themselves and the only one I am advising the state government to do is the road from Umuahia to Ohafia which is a state road.

*You have been in touch with the people of Abia North; what do they expect from you going forward?

Well, people expect much from senators, members of the House of Representatives and even members of the state House of Assembly. People are expecting us to build roads but it is not our duty to build roads. People are expecting us to bring water but it is not our duty to bring water.

People are expecting us to send their children to hospital but it is not our duty. We are only lawmakers.

However, we can use our contacts to get something for the people. I am not the governor of Abia State, a commissioner, minister or president; these are people you expect to do projects.

My job is to make laws but we also move out of our primary area to use our face to attract projects to our areas. Because I stood my ground to ask the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to do some community roads, you can see that they are already saying I wanted a favour.

When people tell me to write to the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Science and Technology to give them jobs, I am constrained because such letters can be a reference point tomorrow when there is a conflict between the Senate and the ministries.

There have been series of calls for you to contest for the office of President in 2023. Many individuals, organisations and even religious bodies are making the call; do you have any intention of contesting for the office in 2023?

I am a Nigerian, so asking that kind of question is out of it. But it is very unfair to President Muhammadu Buhari that in the first year of his last term in office, some people are already talking about who will be president.

They should give the President time to deliver what he promised to Nigerians and show the gains and profitability of the democratic process. Yes, if you give me the presidency, why not, I will take. I am capable of doing the job.

The problem is who is capable of doing the job. For now, I am focusing on my constituency; there is a lot of job to be done. If you give me opportunity, I will like to go back to the Senate for a second term, but if the people of Nigeria want me to be president, they will show the hand. I can do the job. I can build a 20th century economy for our people.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/those-talking-about-2023-not-fair-to-buhari-kalu/

Following his visits to two former Nigerian heads of state, and Emir of Minna, the Senate Chief Whip,Orji Uzor Kalu is currently on trending on Twitter.

Senator Kalu had on Monday declared his willingness to run for Presidency if given the mandate. Sen. Kalu said this while addressing the media after his visit to Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, also said that zoning is not a Constitutional matter but party affairs, adding that his party, the APC could not have zoned the presidency.

The Senate Chief Whip's comments however elicited various reactions from thousands of Twitter users. Many of whom expressed various opinions with regards to Sen. Kalu's position.

The twitter thread titled "Orji Uzor Kalu" which was monitored by Nigeria Daily revealed the reactions of various users.

Some Twitter users described Kalu as the next President of Nigeria stating that he was a better candidate for the APC, while some questioned the unity and seriousness of the Southeast in their quest to produce the next President in 2023.


Below are some of the reactions as captured;

@iamMchenry wrote "Who is a better candidate now. Pdp will give the ticket to Atiku not peter obi. In Apc, OUK will do a better job than el rufai and tinubu. Check their stats where they were governors." @iamMchenry


@obi_nwosu wrote :"Some may not like the sound of this, but Orji Uzor Kalu and Rochas Okorocha are currently the top politicians giving Igbo presidency 2023 a serious image. I will not be surprised if one of them ends up being the next president. They have both been on bridge-building missions"


@SodiqTade wrote: "Orji Uzor Kalu is a Presidential Material in APC .He is way better than many in that Party."


While @litmusorange wrote : "Keep shouting o, a political party will give Orji Uzor Kalu ticket and he'll win. Orji knows what he's saying. The same Nigeria that elected Buhari in 2015 and 2019.

Another user @teamlaycon also wrote : "The only thing that’s making these people rejoice is because OUK was a better performing Governor than his successors. He might be whatever you call him BUT
*he never owed civil servants
*didn’t owe doctors
*maintained roads
*brought Aba to the map
*made living in Aba Safe then"



https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/09/01/2023-senator-kalu-trends-on-twitter-after-speaking-on-presidential-bid/

Senate Chief Whip and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has disclosed the reasons for his private visit to Niger State.

Kalu was in Minna , Niger State on Monday to pay a visit to the former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Governor of Niger State , Sani Bello and Emir of Minna , Dr Umar Faruq .

Kalu who responded to questions from members of the press on national issues at the residence of General Abubakar explained that his visit to Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Sani Bello and Emir Umar Faruq were on a private ground , not as Chief Whip of the Senate.

Asked his opinion on the call from the Senate to sack the service chiefs and If his Visit was in connection to the call,
Kalu said , “ well I am just in Minna to see my two bosses . To first congratulate President Babangida on his health and also to welcome former President Abdulsalami on the success of the minor health operation he had recently .

“As regards the change of service chiefs, the issue will be addressed through a collective decision of all members of the Senate, I am not here today as the Chief Whip of the Senate. I am in Minna on a private visit as a private citizen but once I am informed about the decision taken by the Senate I would make it known to the public if necessary .
The Senators are 109 in number, and we have democracy deeply entrenched in the Senate where we all discuss and agree on issues collectively.The Senate has not taken a position so if I comment on it , I may be wrong.

Asked if he has an ambition to contest for President, Kalu said he is only interested in returning to the Senate .
“For now I am Senator and principal officer of the National Assembly, and if given the opportunity I would like to return to the Senate but if I am also given the opportunity to serve the country I won’t refuse.

On issue of zonning the Presidency, the former governor described the matter as one that would be addressed by the political party. Senator Kalu pointed out that the party’s decision remained supreme.

In his words; it’s an issue of party, the parties have every right to decide the zone which would produce the candidate to represent it in the polls.

The Chief Whip also dismissed the insinuation that there was crisis in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as result of zoning.

He said ” In APC we have no issue of zoning, anybody can contest for election, zoning does not exist in the party’s constitution. As long it is not a constitutional matter the Presidential bid remains an open basket which anybody can vie for.” He said

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/08/31/why-i-visited-ibb-abdulsami-others-kalu/

The major problem in you people's relationship is lack of money ...

Kalu  Calls  for Tenure Extension of  APC Caretaker Committee 

Chief Whip of the Senate and  former Governor of Abia State,  Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has  urged All Progressives Congress (APC), National Executive Council (NEC) to extend the tenure of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker Committee to March 2021 .

In a statement signed by Kunle Oyewumi of Kalu media office on Monday ,  the Chief Whip said there is no need for fire brigade approach on the December proposed convention adding that winning Edo state election is paramount to the party at the moment.

He expressed his worry about the caretaker committee not offering their best due to time constraints adding that majority of the participants would be very busy with their national tasks during the December proposed period .

Kalu noted that National Assembly lawmakers and ministers will be on the budget preparation and defense and will not be in better position to offer their best to the party .

The statement partly reads:  "It is with deep Patriotic concerns and  the future growth of our great party that I am appealing to the National Executive Council to  consider extending the tenure of Governor Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker Committee to March 2021 against the December proposed period.  This is to give the caretaker committee members the needed time to put things in order and hand over properly to a new leadership in the end .

 
" I don't see any need of fire brigade approach for them to hand over to a new leadership by December. The committee is expected to focus their attention on Edo State because the Edo State election will determine the strength of any new leadership.  

Further Speaking, the Chief Whip disclosed that holding the convention in December would also not give the party the desired results needed.  This according to him was "because National Assembly will soon enter budget presentation and defense and Ministers will begin to make appearances in the National Assembly from October until November.  Some of the Ministers would also need to travel to their wards and make adequate preparations for the Congress. "   the former Governor said .

https://thenigeriadaily.com/2020/08/24/kalu-calls-for-tenure-extension-of-apc-caretaker-committee/

Bros me sef I no go lie I seem am too

Firespitter:
But she get better nyash naa.

The guy should be happy just look at her dried breast...

General elections were held in Nigeria on 21 April 2007 to elect the President and National Assembly. Governorship and State Assembly elections had been held on 14 April.

Umaru Yar’Adua of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won the highly controversial presidential election, and was sworn in on 29 May. Election observers from the European Union described the elections as “the worst they had ever seen anywhere in the world”, with “rampant vote rigging, violence, theft of ballot boxes and intimidation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Abubakar ineligible to run due to fraud charges. A High Court had ruled that the commission could not disqualify candidates, but INEC claimed that the constitution barred candidates from running if indicted.Another superior court, the Court of Appeal, ruled in favour of the Electoral Commission by saying that it has powers to disqualify candidates. Abubakar attempted to get on the ballot via court challenge. In a case that came before the apex court, the court ruled that INEC has no constitutional powers to disqualify any candidates for the election, clearing the way for Abubakar to run. The Supreme Court, the country’s highest judicial body, confirmed this ruling and reaffirmed Abubakar’s candidacy.

Orji Uzor Kalu,  a two term governor and candidate of the People’s Progressive Alliance vowed to end the perceived ‘peripherialization’ of his zone in the national journey – and in effect lead a new Nigeria. 

Adebayo Adefarati, the candidate of the small Alliance for Democracy, died shortly before the election on 29 March 2007. This raised the possibility of the election being delayed, as the law provides for a delay under the circumstances if requested by the party that had nominated the candidate; however, a spokesman for INEC said that the election would not be delayed. He said that the party could nominate a replacement candidate.

Official figures on voter turnout were not released but the turnout was estimated at 57.5 percent of 61.5 million registered voters.
The first results to be released, from Rivers State, showed a large majority for Yar’Adua. On April 23, Yar’Adua was declared the winner by INEC, which said that he had received 70% of the vote( 24,638,063 votes). Buhari was in second place with 18% of the vote ( 7, 606, 772 votes),. Abubakar came third with 3, 266, 458 votes while Kalu came fourth with 1,458, 755 votes. Both Buhari and Abubakar rejected the results. The opposition candidates believe the election was rigged in Yar’Adua’s favor.
Outgoing president Olusegun Obasanjo stated in a televised address that the election “could not be described as perfect”.
Results, announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Maurice Iwu, were:

The results did not disclose the total votes scored in the states or the percentages of the scores by the presidential candidates.

Many years later , the same contenders are still in the ballot paper . Buhari continued to contest until he won in 2015 and 2019 respectively. Abubakar who later decamped from the ruling All Progressive Congress to the opposition party , People’s Democratic Party contested again in 2019 and lost . Kalu won senate election in 2019 and was appointed Chief Whip of the Senate.

Permutations for 2023 elections are gearing up with rumors of Abubakar and Kalu contesting again . Abubakar is a Northerner and Kalu is a Southerner.

Nigeria, a country with geopolitical sentiments would likely not allow a Northerner lead the country after Buhari’s tenure . In such situations, Kalu and other eligible candidates from the South may need to battle for the presidential seat .

The party won gubernatorial elections in 2003 and 2007 in Abia State. The party also won the governorship election in 2007 in Imo State. The Governor of Abia State is Chief Theodore Ahamefula Orji and deputy Comrade Chris Akomas while the Governor of Imo State is Chief Ikedi Ohakim.

In the 21 April 2007 Nigerian National Assembly election, the party won three of the 360 seats in the House of Representatives and one of the 109 seats in the Senate.