Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has stated that the crisis rocking Rivers State is capable of truncating the nation’s growing democracy. Kalu therefore called on President Goodluck Jonathan to wade into the matter.
Kalu made these remarks in London, United Kingdom on Saturday at a reception in honour of Senator Annie Okonkwo’s daughter, Dr. Nkem.
Dr. Nkem bagged a first degree (second class upper) in Medicine from the University of Cardiff, UK.
Kalu said at a time the younger generation was looking up to the country’s leaders, he was disappointed by the barbaric, shameful and undemocratic act of some so-called honourable lawmakers of Rivers State House of Assembly.
He tagged the lawmakers “dishonorable lawbreakers”.
He stated that the actions of the lawmakers are unpatriotic and called on the appropriate authorities to sanction all those found culpable accordingly to the law.
Kalu emphasized the importance of the rule of law in the survival of a nation, adding that the law should be applicable to all and sundry irrespective of social, political and economic status.
He said; “The law is a respecter of nobody and until the system gives the rule of law its rightful place, no meaningful development will be achieved.”
He noted that every Nigerian has a right to aspire to any position provided it is within the limits of the law.
He decried a situation where leaders expend federal and state resources to fight themselves for selfish political interests and ambitions rather than focusing on governance.
He also condemned the attack on Governors Babaginda Aliyu of Niger State, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and Sule Lamido of Jigawa State by persons believed to be hired thugs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The governors were in Port Harcourt to visit Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State.
He said the humiliation could happen to anyone, including the President if care was not taken.
He noted that it was highly unfortunate that the governors could be stoned by miscreants, with no one saying anything.
He said such behaviour without sanctions meant the right to freedom of movement is jeopardized and lawlessness is the order of the day.
He lamented: “As long as the President remains silent on these happenings, justice will not prevail.”
The former governor said the onus is on President Jonathan to use his good office to intervene in the crisis rocking Rivers State in the interest of the well being of Nigerians by sanctioning the key players and actors appropriately.
He advised the President not to allow some shallow minded and selfish politicians to derail him from fulfilling his promises to Nigerians.
Also, Kalu called on guests, who were mostly youths, to return home and not be discouraged by the challenges being faced in Nigeria.
He charged them to contribute their quota by imbibing and upholding the good values of the society.
He said: “We must work together for one united and indivisible Nigeria while strengthening our democracy.”
Father of the graduand and Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Annie Okonkwo, expressed his sincere appreciation to Dr. Kalu for honouring his invitation.
He told Kalu to join the progressives by teaming up with the APC, a call the former governor spurned.
The event was attended by Lady Chinyere Okonkwo, APC National Woman Leader; Mrs. Sharon Chiazor; and Barrister Ziggy Asikwe amongst others.
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