*Says gov’s visit to Buhari vindicates him

Former governor of Abia State and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has responded to questions on his recent positive views about President Muhammadu Buhari.

He also noted that visit by the APC national chairman, governors and a minister to Buhari in London Sunday has also vindicated him.

On June 2, Kalu had visited the ailing president in London and told Nigerians that the health of the president was improving with prediction of when he would return.

Since Kalu’s visit, the wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has also visited and with the hopeful message of improvement on the health of the president

Kalu made the remarks Monday, at a dinner hosted in his honour by Dr. Nasiru Abubakar in Shanghai, China.

The former governor while speaking on national issues also said Nigeria’s greatest problem is tribalism and religion. He said Nigerians are sentimental even in the least expected issues, and admonished that for the country to move forward, many things should be put aside.

In his response to the questions on why he speaks for President Buhari despite not being his spokesman, Kalu said he is a member of the APC and it: “Is my duty to support the government in power and to support the central government controlled by the APC. First, I speak as a member of the APC, second, as a friend of the president and also as a Nigerian who wants the country to move forward .”

“We should try to be our brothers’ keeper.” He continued. I am excited because just as we are seated here, the news is that President Buhari is receiving the national chairman of APC and some governors on visit .This has vindicated most of us because people wanted to kill us for telling them that the president is alive and will soon be back . I don’t know what people gain in seeing a leader to die instead of praying for their leaders.

He also thanked his host, Abubakar and the Nigerian community for their good wishes for Buhari and said: “I am sure you are aware Mr. President is getting well by the day and those that make hate comments or speak in the contrary; who attack people like us that tell them the truth that the president is alive and responding to treatment will by now know we had our facts right.” He mentioned that corruption is the greatest challenge of the Nigerian society, adding that people merely pay lip service to it.

On the reasons for economic setback of Nigeria, he said, mismanagement and theft of public fund are major factors. It’s therefore surprising to see them talking about ruling Nigeria despite their past records in mismanagement. I am sure most representatives of international communities in Nigeria are amazed about public fund looting . About three years ago when we first mentioned the alarming level of looting, they looked at us like people who were misinformed. But today, everybody knows better that we had facts.”

To get out of these problems, he suggested “cultural re-evaluation, political re-evaluation are among what the country needs urgently. Yes, the country needs restructuring, economic restructuring, political restructuring but not to divide the country. The country needs stability to move forward.

He insisted on the unity of the country and condemned hate speeches which he said come mostly by misinformed citizens.

“All those preaching hate and calling for dividing the country should rethink. I am happy that the leader of the Arewa has been talking to me and his statements are very positive. The youth leader of the Arewa Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shetima and I have been in touch and am happy about the assurances he has given. Look at how large China is and the world still supports her One China Policy.

“I believe that Nigeria in the nearest future will be good for everybody. I believe that we can live as people and as people who are civilized and love and accommodate each other’, he assured.