Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has congratulated Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, on his re-election.
Commending candidates in the election, for exhibiting patriotism and maturity before, during and after the election, Kalu applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders for conducting a transparent election.
He said Anambra people have spoken with their votes and that the will of the people is paramount and unchangeable.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, yesterday, Kalu said: “I wish to congratulate Chief Obiano, governor of Anambra state, on his success in the November 18 governorship election.
“The people of Anambra State have, again, reaffirmed their confidence in the Obiano-led state government. People came out en masse, to cast their votes for their preferred candidates, in a peaceful atmosphere.
“Since it is the wish of Ndi-Anambra, which is obvious from the outcome of the election, so be it.
“I believe governor Obiano will extend a hand of fellowship to candidates of other political parties, in his desire to improve the common lot of the people.
“Democracy is about good governance and regardless of party affiliation, it is imperative to continually engage those at the helm, in a bid to build a decent society.
“ We can be in different political parties, but, we must all have a common goal of improving lives.”
Kalu also admonished politicians to play the game by the rules, and stressed that politics should not be seen as a do-or-die affair.
…APC will win Abia in 2019
From Chuks Onuoha, Umuahia.
Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is working hard to win the governorship seat of Abia State in 2019 .
Kalu said the party will not only win the election, but will win convincingly, “as I have thrown the doors open for all who want to join and become part of its success, including the incumbent, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.”
He further said “if Ikpeazu joins the party today, he would be made the party’s flag bearer for the 2019 governorship election in the state.”
Kalu, who stated this when he addressed newsmen in his Igbere country home, yesterday, explained that the party’s constitution is clear on the issue.
The former governor said as far as the party is concerned, any sitting governor who defects to the party gets automatic ticket to contest the election, if he is in his first term.
“We’re working hard to win the governorship seat of the state in 2019 and we’ll win convincingly that I know. What I don’t know is who would be the candidate. But, if the incumbent comes over to our party, he’s going to be the candidate of the party.
“The laws of the party are very clear on it . If the governor comes into the party today, he’s going to get the ticket of the party,” Kalu reiterated.
Asked whether Ikpeazu is making moves to join the APC, Kalu replied that he is not aware of that and pointed out that he has not spoken to the Abia governor in the last two years.
He seized the opportunity to speak on Igbo presidency, where he stressed that it is in APC that the Ndigbo will realise their ambition in 2023.
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s second tenure will usher in Igbo presidency whether it’s me or any Igbo man. That’s why we’re endorsing him for second term. You heard the other day when Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi endorsed the president for a second term? The president already has bi-partisan support. And I am sure that Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State would not be ungrateful to the man who did so much for him, because, without president Buhari, Obiano wouldn’t have won the governorship election,”said Kalu.