Opeyemi Adesina
A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has taken his campaign for the emergence in 2015 of a president of Igbo extraction in Nigeria to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kalu on Monday met with Nigerians in the DRC to sell his message to them.
The meeting, which was well attended, saw the former governor defending the reasons why the Igbo must produce the president of Nigeria in 2015.
Kalu, who was received by over 700 Nigerians living in the DRC at the N'Djili International Airport, DRC, said the Igbos had been marginalised in terms of occupying the leadership position in Nigeria.
Among those who attended the meeting from Nigeria with Kalu, the Coordinator of Njiko Igbo, were Mr. Braddy Nwosu, the acting Publicity Secretary of Njiko Igbo, and Dozie Madu.
Those who received Kalu included Orozo Ife, President of Njiko Igbo, DRC; Prof. Chukwu Aka of the University of Kinshasa; Mike Smith, the Managing Director of United Mining Company, chaired by Kalu; D.D. Kali, the Managing Director of International Insurance, DRC; and Felicita Singer, daughter of former foremost Chief of Army Staff, DRC and Managing Director, First International Bank.
Kalu while thanking everyone who came to honour him, admonished them to be law abiding citizens of Nigeria in the DRC by engaging in lawful businesses.
He informed them of the aims and objectives of Njiko Igbo, which he described as a platform for the integration of all Igbo sons and daughters both at home and in Diaspora irrespective of age, religion and political party for a common voice towards the attainment of national leadership position.
In response to a question by Aka, who asked whether Kalu belongs to any political party, he answered: "I am not in partisan politics.
"We are working hard to bring political parties in Igboland, namely APGA, PPA, UPP together to ensure a mega regional platform for the achievement of Igbo president in 2015."
Kalu also emphasised his resolve to commit his energy, time and resources to fight for unity in Igboland.
He charged Nigerians in the DRC to ensure that they participated in the political process of Nigeria through voter registration and census.
He also used the opportunity with other Nigerians at the airport to pray to God for the quick recovery of the First lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, who has been indisposed.
The President of Njiko Igbo, DRC thanked Kalu for honouring their invitation to address the Igbo community on October 14, 2012 and assured him of the support of all Igbo sons and daughters towards the actualisation of the Igbo presidency in 2015.
On Wednesday, Kalu paid a private visit to President Joseph Kabila-Kabange of the DRC.
He praised the leadership style of the President, who he said he's stabilised democracy in the country.
He said this has brought economic growth and development to DRC, while assuring him of the support of over 50,000 Nigerians living in the country.
Kalu also used the medium to appreciate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, for his role in the peace building process in the DRC and the African continent, stating that without his efforts, DRC would still have been a war torn nation.
Responding, President Kabila described Kalu as a patriotic African who is committed to the growth of DRC and Africa with his vast business interest in mining, oil and gas, banking and insurance in the continent.
The President stated further that Kalu’s businesses in the DRC have provided employment opportunities for both Congolese and Nigerians and assured him of his commitment in ensuring a business friendly environment for investors.
On October 12, 2012, Kalu is billed to meet and discuss business relationships with the President of France, the Prime Ministers of Canada and Lebanon and many other African Heads of State who are in Kinshasa to attend the Conference of Heads of State of Franco phone speaking countries.
A Special Assistant to Kalu, Oyekunle Oyewumi, who is also in the DRC, said the former governor will have an interactive session with the Igbo community in DRC on the new Igbo political movement, Njiko Igbo, in order to educate them on the aims and objectives, mission and vision of the group and to seek for their support and co-operation.
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