Former Abia state Governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has began a process towards building bridge across religious, political and ethnic divides in the country even as he asked that the traditional rulers be given roles in the nation quest for peace and stab ility.
Dr. Orji Kalu also quickly debunked insinuations in certain quarters that his visits to royal fathers in the country has political colouration.
He acknowledged that the visit he had since embarked upon, to traditional rulers and other prominent Nigerians in various geo political zones of the country has been one of the processes towards realising his dream of a truly united Nigeria.
Orji Kalu who, at the weekend, visited the Soun of Ogbomoso in Osun state, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Arowolaran, emphasized that the visit had nothing to so with politics, but a continuation of his bridge building across religious, political and ethnic divides.
Orji Kalu said that he had visited some other parts of the country, including the North, and would continue with the visit as a way of ensuring that the country remains one.
He dismissed the notion that his visit had any connection with the 2015 elections, adding: “you know me that I shoot straight and say it the way it is. I am not set for politics. I am only conferring with traditional rulers all over the country.
“The country is so dear to my heart. We must live peacefully. The country belongs to us all and we must continue to support our leaders.
“Just the way I have called for support for President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, so also do I want to appeal for us to support the Soun in order to move Ogbomoso forward. The people of Ogbomoso must also support the kabiyesi.”
Earlier, Oba Oyewumi had described Orji Kalu as an uncommon politician, saying that Kalu had demonstrated the qualities of a good leader with his conduct before, during and after his gubernatorial tour in Abia State.
The Soun had conferred on Orji Kalu the title of Aro of Ogbomoso six years ago, but was not at the chieftaincy award ceremony as he was out of Nigeria then.
Kalu’s visit was the first official visit since then
Oba Oyewumi said that Orji Kalu has remained an astute businessman with a capacity for helping those in need.
At the Palace of Oba Okunade Sijuade today, Dr. Orji Kalu said that since the traditional rulers are the closest to the people, they have huge roles to play in the restoration of peace to Nigeria.
He called on Ooni not to abandon his bridge building initiatives, even as he commended the monarch for his consistency in preaching and practicing the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or tribe.
“You are known across the country and worldwide as a man of peace and I must tell you there is still much more to do. I want you to galvanise our people to support our leaders instead of fighting our leaders and ourselves.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has done well for Nigeria and needs our support.
“The Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has done well and we should support him.
“Kabiyesi, you have also done well and I am calling on your subjects to also support you.”
Dr. Orji Kalu wanted Nigerians to live in peace with one another, irrespective of culture, age, colour and tribe.
The Ooni congratulated Dr. Orji Kalu, whose businesses, he said, have created robust job opportunities for Nigerians.
Oba Sijuwade advised his guest to continue to support the peaceful co-existence of the country as he had always done, wishing him well in all his endeavours.
While in the Palace of Oba Aromolaran of Ilesa, Osun State, Dr. Orji Kalu said his visit is aimed at preaching love and unity, adding that as the custodian of tradition and representative of the people, traditional rulers have dominant roles to play in maintaining peace and stability.
The Owa described Kalu as an exemplary Nigerian who has contributed to the social, political and economic development of Nigeria.
“Right from your days as Governor of Abia State, I have always followed your selfless initiatives.
“Based on this, coupled with your accomplishments in life, on behalf of myself, the Ijesaland traditional council and the good people of Ijesaland, I hereby confer on you the chieftaincy title of Bobameto (the Chief Strategist) of Ijesaland.
