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“Kalu: President-in-Waiting”—Odiegwu By Carlisle U.O. Umunnah
These days it is not only surprises in the country called Nigeria—it is much more, even a concoction of yo-yo jokes, corrosively ridden with corruption as its primordial for individual and groups ascensions to State-wealth. Suffice it to say that Nigeria, it is disturbingly a frontier were anything goes. It is a society where criminals are either gate-keeping criminals or they are scaring each other with multiplier-force threats, assassinations and disappearances. It is a society where accounting fraud is a user-friendly, laden with massive misappropriations of national, states and local government funds. As if that is not enough, stolen wealth in turn is celebrated and no questions asked.
Otherwise, where in this world would someone that lacks credibility such as Orji Uzor Kalu, Abia State Governor, after destroying Aba-Ngwa the commercial nerve center of the black-world due to lack of vision and leadership would dream presidency dream. It is only in a mediocre political landscape—Nigeria. Governor Kalu is beating his chest, parroting with both sides of his month that he will become the next president of Nigeria. As if, that is not enough, he has decided to call up his delusional followers from time to time for support. He is also telling some in some quarters to mark his word. Kalu said come 2007, he will become the next president of a country called, Nigeria.
Let there be no misunderstanding here as this writer respects the views of Dr. N.O. ENE. Dr. ENE, your views as an individual, scholar, former Biafran hero and more are indeed respected. Even so, ENE’s participation in past actions alongside my uncle: Caleb Sunday UMUNNAH, former DSP of Police HQ Obalende Ikoyi, Lagos, in the 60s in defense of Igbo-nation, Igbo freedom, family and liberty cannot be overemphasized. Be that as it may however, I take issue with some of ENE’s remarks in his article published at Kwenu.com titled: “Kalu: President-in-waiting”. In as much as we agree that it is called press freedom, freedom of expression and or academic freedom, it is important that individuals do thorough research on credibility and authenticity of individuals who parade themselves for public office rather than based commentaries on friendships or “there is none other persons running for the presidency” conceptualization. It will be disservice and in fact further degradation of the already failed State.
First of all, let it be said that Governor Kalu in this writer’s view does not meet the mark. This is because Kalu has refused to show leadership, responsibility in Abia State as its Chief Executive. The latter rather seems to have occupied space, picking fights here and there especially with Aba-Ngwaland, regardless Nwafor, Deputy Governor Abia-State. He has refused to show leadership, and responsibility as expressed in massive water-log along Ama-Ikonne which remains attended. Readers—please note that Ama-Ikonne is home to: His Royal Highness EZE IKONNE—Enyi-One [1] of Aba. He has refused to show leadership and respect to Ndi-Abia State, particularly with the mountainous trash dumps in Aba-Ngwa which exacerbated under Governor Kalu’s watch. The deteriorating trash milieu calls for a rethinking as the situation has grown even worse since he became Governor of Abia State. This dump-disposition was effectively showcased by Maazi Uche Nwaorah, in his report after he visited Enyimba City not long ago. In his article which, he backed up with snap shots of rubbish dumps across that great city was overwhelming for me because I attended my high School in that great City. Adding, injury to insults, Kalu was caught making insulting remarks about Ngwa-land its peoples and others in one of his secrete meetings with his cronies. According to sources, it was reported that he, Orji Uzor Kalu remarked that, “no Ngwa-man can write a check of 500.00 million naira.” But, what Kalu, forgot that that great nation, Ngwaland trained and raised him, thusly its peoples does not take insults for thank you. Ngwa-land has shown hospitality, leadership and responsibility to visitors as its primordial development lunched opportunity for its success. Ngwa-land and its peoples was and still is a strong heartland of Ndi-igbo pre-war and post-Biafran-war eras.
In 1929, Aba-Ngwa women riots showcased effectively its strengths, depicted its capacity as a fundamental technical base for mobilization. Through this mechanism, it expelled British imperialism from its soil. In 67-70, that courage was manifested yet again during the unfortunate Nigerian-Biafran war as aforementioned. It mobilized its intelligentsias/numerical positioning, being the largest Igbo-clan, occupying the greater Igbo-plate that made it possible to launch swift rapid re-enforcement that facilitated the speedy liberation of Owerri Sector. As it were, Owerri Sector failed twice to the enemy forces. Kalu should go and read history of Ngwa-land and stop his irresponsible acts against Ndi-Abia State and Ndi-Ngwa in particular.
One is prompted to facilitate inquiries: for example, what has Kalu done for Ndi-Abia that gives him confidence and credibility to run for the office of the presidency? Is it not delusional to think that Kalu who cannot run a local government, let alone Abia-State, can administer Nigeria-State? Point at one thing Kalu has accomplished in Abia State. Obviously nothing!
This is a man that lacks credibility that cannot even be trusted with anything. A character, that talks with both sides of his month and uses God’s name in vain, as security. Nigerians have had enough of Obasanjo and would prefer an effective productive leadership with water-tight credibility other than Kalu.
Not long ago, Kalu granted an interview to Mr. Omoyele in his Maryland home. In that interview, Governor Kalu made sweeping remarks including allegations that President Obasanjo is a killer. That Obasanjo was trying to kill him and others. Curiously, when Kalu got back to Nigeria and the aforementioned conversation published in national newspapers, Governor Kalu quickly recounted, denied knowing who Mr. Omoyele was, let alone granting him interview and what not.
In another instance, Governor Kalu also published an Open Letter in national newspapers allegedly stating that Obasanjo was plotting to kill him and others—through his henchman: Tony Anenih—Mr. Find fix and finish [FFF]. Governor Kalu later again, recounted his letter and remarks and later on wrote an apology letter to President Obasanjo. Orji Uzor Kalu allegedly claimed to have bankrolled Obasanjo’s 2003 rigged elections but came short when he was called upon to present evidence or reproduce proof of these claims. At some point, truth will surely swallow lies and fraud and heal the sufferings of our peoples, someday. Evidently, it is clear that Nigerians, Ndi-Abia, and Igbo-land are sick and tired of individuals with no credibility leading her into doldrums. What’s more, the question is if Kalu failed in Abia State, what gives anybody confidence that this same individual can today lead a society a-washed with multi-ethnicity, multidimensional complexities found in a country called Nigeria?
This writer empathizes with ENE. First, ENE do no have all the information, neither does he understand the political space of Abia State especially when comparatively place side-by-side with the Coal City—Enugu State, home to ENE. In as much as individuals are at liberty and free to share their visions and views, it is also important to encourage these thinkers, individuals and others to leave Abia-politics alone for Ndi-Abia until they hopefully and thorough gain better insights and acquaint themselves with its fiefdom. I premised heretofore, that one should be informed that Governor Kalu has failed woefully in Abia State thence it will be an impossibility that he can administer well the larger political space such as Nigeria. It is a truism, that Igbo should produce the next president of Nigeria, but Nigeria and Ndi-igbo do not need another multinationals, IMF, Bank idolizers like Kalu for another lengthy space of time. Western worshipper immersed with anti-peoples policies and prepackaged programs will do no good for greater Nigerians.
I asked before and I ask again, can someone point at one thing Kalu has done for Ndi-Abia other than that he assisted to mend the rift between Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu and Dr. Alex Ekwueme, which is humbly appreciated! Even going by that, why it that Kalu is having hard time mending fence with Aba-Ngwa and Ndi-Abia as a whole? Yes, he brought the likes of Alhaji Ibrahim Babangida and Alhaji Mohammed Buhari and what not. What a great accomplishment! However it is erroneous to think that transformability of such reconciliatory conceptualized axiomatic by Kalu is to Abuja as feasible. The assumptions that such will translate into national reconciliations and development is purely delusional to say the least. If Governor Kalu in his own state—Abia, cannot reconcile himself with Ngwaland and its peoples, cannot reconcile himself with Igbere and Abiriba peoples what made anyone think that Kalu can reconcile Nigerians with its multifaceted, multiethnic-conflicts?
In short, Kalu’s pretension is a replica of Obasanjo’s nationalism. It is no longer news, that Obasanjo, for many years was busy running around western world bettering their tourism industry, making headlines about peace and security at the African Union forum [AU] as its Chairman; making headlines about peace and security in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan claiming international statesmanship, which indeed was a stolen legacy of General Malu’s accomplishments in these places, which he now made his own. We have seen that the reverse is the case in the homeland. This hypocrisy is manifested by the destruction of Odi-oma, Ijaw-land and the whole of Niger Delta and other nations within Nigeria-state all under Obasanjo’s orders. For me, this is the highest hypocrisy of the 21st century. Just recently, we have seen Oyo State descend into lawlessness; a lawlessness that is Obasanjo’s creation through his mentor—Adedibu: “The Garrison Commander of Ibadan” as Dr. Abati would want us to believe. Obasanjo’s silence when it comes to Oyo State crisis speaks volumes. What Obasanjo did do though, was his shameless act of worshipping Adedibu six times—while, the greater people of Oyo State were left in limbo. Left in political impasse with discredited, illegitimate government headed by discredited Akala.
Let’s return to Kalu’s failings. Governor Kalu on his recent visit to United States via London made one of his usual remarks about multinational corporations in Nigeria when Dr. ENE, in a phone conversation asked him about the Delta crisis. His response according to ENE: “Oh no, we have moved beyond that; the matter will be resolved amicably.” He had assured the oil companies that Nigeria is not a terrorist state, that the unfortunate incident should not discourage them.”
But what ENE forgot to ask in his phone conversation with Kalu was, what are the remedies to eliminating atrocious acts of multinationals and other corporate entities that have taken-over our lands, murdered and continue to murder our peoples’ every other day. Yes, oil companies that through oil-spillage, carbon-monoxide-emissions, and contaminations of our waterways with, multidimensional devastating ecological degradations created by these multinationals that reduced our people as endangered spices. Therefore, the masses privation and degradations cannot be dismissed by mere wishes. What ENE could have asked in his conversation is, what can be done to save our peoples, protect our people from these ecological criminality against homeland across the land. It is unfortunate that a scholar like Dr. ENE will descend to this level of praise singing of an individual who cannot even run a State to become his “President in waiting”.
Sir, with all due respect to you this writer is really disappointed in your praise-singing of a character like Kalu. What is wrong with Dr. ENE, running for the president of Nigeria rather than praise-singing for Kalu? How about ENE projecting Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, a better qualified personality that has credibility with incredible track record? I thought, the good book says—charity begins at home—or is that not applicable to a Nigeria-state.
Wonders shall never end, indeed. One wonders whether this is a manifestation of what is to come or a turning point or rather prophecies that is about to be fulfilled in the homeland, and in other lands. Paraphrasing, God said in the scriptures, that he will use the mundane things of this world to confound the intelligence of the powerful and great ones. I do not want to be dragged into conservatism of the Republican Party lead government under George W. Bush of the United States. The political theater of America speaks for itself and needs no explanation of its leadership failings and successes. The fact that there are dirty politicians does not mean that we do not have credible individuals to lead Nigeria. Again in my view, Nnamani is polished and can steer the affairs of Nigeria in a pretty respectable way with good governance agenda, good practices. Dr. ENE stated further:
“The other day, I asked someone about it. He told me pointblank that politicians are dirty! Okay, the last time I checked, we were not electing a pope; we just need someone who wants to be president, who has the means, and who would work at becoming president by any means possible. Interestingly, there is no other serious and open contender to the Aso throne. IBB is bidding his time, hoping that Obasanjo would hand over the party keys. Buhari is still on the 2003 legalities; he knows PDP has the power. Marwa's chicken is cooked; he can now forget all about 2007 and hold on to his Al Barka Air. Atiku is busy surviving; the worst he can do now is to start a fight he would lose in round one! Besides Enugu’s Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, who would probably hang his political stethoscope for his medical stethoscope next year, and Zamfara’s Sharia governor, whom no one is taking seriously even in ANPP, the other governors are busy trying to survive.”
There is no point mixing apples and oranges. There are good Nigerians, who would like to assist Nigeria but have refused to join issues with them, would not leak anybody’s back. In fact, it is an overstatement to assume that there are no presidential candidates out there campaigning for elections. If reverse is the case, it is Obasanjo’s creation and his third-termism. I agree with Dr. ENE, that in 2006 not even a single candidate is seriously campaigning, coming forward with their manifestoes and what they will do for Nigeria except Kalu. Meanwhile, the election is just some months away. It is a shame! The fact is that Obasanjo is yet to open the political space and Nigerians allowed him to play politics with their future. Obasanjo uses EFCC to do his dirty job. This scapegoatism methodology as adopted by EFCC has discredited this body. The said agency for the most part, is haunting political opponents and disposable party members regardless the challenges and constraints of EFCC.
Shall we return to Kalu idiosyncrasies—it is agreeable that Kalu is the most vocal individual running for presidency—while, the rest are either hiding or contemplating on doing so perhaps in 2007 after the electoral results are out. Be that as it may, that does not make this man a presidential material. Readers note that, any projection and protection of foreign multinationalism in Nigeria that is not commensurately measured in like manner to the protection and projection to the sanctity of lives of our people in my view is a crime against humanity. Below is another disturbing remark accredited to Kalu’s credibility and credentials all in Nigeria:
“Do you get what I am sensing? The man is already talking presidential. It is no longer about Abia State; it is now about Nigeria and foreign policy issues, just like a credible candidate for the presidency -- the only one running in the ruling and winning party. So I forced the question directly: “Do you really believe that you will be the President of Nigeria in 2007?” “God has willed it and no one can stop me. I don’t know how, but it will happen; you mark today’s date.” Marked!”
Finally, I do not see anything particularly surprising, or intriguing about Kalu in his quest to lead Nigeria. However, what I do see is a man who is running away from his responsibilities in Abia State as narrated above, dehydrated by other colossal failings insofar presented in this article. Kalu has failed in Abia-State. It is unfortunate that Kalu is curiously trying his chance in a country run by chance rather than ethics and character.
It is only a question of time, this distraction and diversion will be unmasked for all to see. My thing is that hunger, privation and illiteracy have reduced our peoples to penury. The earlier we change that with responsible people’s oriented leadership the better for her. Otherwise, how can individual[s] without agenda, that lacks business ethics, lead the homeland to continuous ruinations? This writer wishes Kalu and his followers luck in his quest to become the president of Nigeria. “Kalu: President-in-waiting.” Odi-egwu—it is does not stop to amaze me. What’s up with Nigeria!
In this writer’s view, rather than waste efforts, time and money trying to market an unmarketable Governor Kalu, it is significant that we mold our efforts, concentrate on a capable man. A man that has credibility, incredible track record—ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about Chimaroke Nnamani—the, Governor of Enugu-State. If not, only will backwardness be our portion, not only will it be a time well wasted but obviously, a congealed circle of mediocrity—infinitum.
Carlisle U.O. Umunnah Is New York-based Freelance writer Contact: cuu1_liberties@yahoo.com February, 2006 |