APC’s Registration:Only PDP Has Interest of Nigerians At Heart,Says Kalu

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party remains the only party with the interest of Nigerians at heart.
Kalu, who spoke with newsmen against the backdrop of the recent registration of the All Progressives Congress, said only the PDP can deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians in the quantum they expect.
Kalu, who was on his way to deliver a lecture on Governance and Politics in Nigeria at the Atlantic Council in Washington DC, United States of America, told newsmen at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport that it was good the Independent National Electoral Commission registered the APC.
He said: “In a democratic setting, there should be a level playing ground for all political parties for the sake of our growing democracy.”
Kalu also said it was time to reposition Nigeria’s agricultural sector for economic growth and development.
He noted that before the discovery of and boom in the oil industry, agriculture was the mainstay of the national economy, accounting for employment, foreign exchange earnings and food security.
He said if all Nigerians would embrace agriculture, Nigeria’s vast potentials will be fully maximized.
He said: “There are vast and robust opportunities in the value chain of agriculture.
“We need to move from subsistence to mechanized farming.
“Also adding value to primary agricultural products will improve the prices of Nigeria’s products in the global market.
“Food security can only be guaranteed if the sector is completely transformed.
“I urge government at all levels to provide agricultural credits, improved seedlings, create awareness and advocacy for farmers on improved agricultural practices, engage our teeming youths in agriculture and above all build infrastructure.”
While acknowledging the positive programmes and policies of the Federal Government in the agriculture sector, Kalu called for increased private sector participation in farming and agro allied businesses.
Kalu also commended the National Assembly and other stakeholders on the Petroleum Industry Bill.
He said: “We need to periodically update our laws and policies to meet current realities.
“The PIB, when passed, will be beneficial to both local and international players in the oil industry.”