Former Abia state governor Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu who clocked 53 Sunday ,turned spiritual preaching peace,love and reconciliation among politicians and looking forward to the day President Goodluck Jonathan and opposition leaders would embrace themselves.
Kalu talked of that great moment when the President would engage Buhari in a squash competition in Aso Villa, and the day Dame Patience Jonathan's dinner hostess could be Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
He said,"there is so much tension in the land. We should play politics without bitterness,afterall, government is about service to the people. I want to see Gen. Buhari sweat it out in a friendly squash game with Dr. Jonathan.How sweet it would sound to find The First Lady in the Ikoyi home of Senator Tinubu serving herself dinner. That is the kind of atmosphere that i wish my country".
The ex-governor recalled that in the Second Republic Chief Obafemi Awolowo accepted National honour from President Shehu Shagari even as an opposition figure. "Papa Awo received Shagari's compliments,party politics was set aside. Even
Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe did not reject the Mercedes birthday gift the then President sent to the Owelle. They respected Shagari as much as he regarded them,"Kalu added.
He urged politicians to be dynamic in their pursuit as they are supposed to serve the people in whatever capacity possible since no two persons can occupy one position at the same time.
"We could serve in any capacity as long as we have the interest of Nigerians. We are copying the Americans. I wish to remind us that their sixth President,John Quincy Adams became a member of the House of Representatives after his Presidency. Walter Mondale who was Vice President Under Jimmy Carter[1977-1981] served as Ambassador to Japan in 1983. Back home,Shagari was Local government chairman after his tenure as minister. Adeniran Ogunsanya, Maitama Sule were state commissioners after service as Federal ministers. Even Buhari served in the Abacha government, and first Nigerian Inspector-General of Police Loius Edet was a state Commissioner afterwards. That is service. I wish this country peace," Kalu said.
Kalu talked of that great moment when the President would engage Buhari in a squash competition in Aso Villa, and the day Dame Patience Jonathan's dinner hostess could be Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
He said,"there is so much tension in the land. We should play politics without bitterness,afterall, government is about service to the people. I want to see Gen. Buhari sweat it out in a friendly squash game with Dr. Jonathan.How sweet it would sound to find The First Lady in the Ikoyi home of Senator Tinubu serving herself dinner. That is the kind of atmosphere that i wish my country".
The ex-governor recalled that in the Second Republic Chief Obafemi Awolowo accepted National honour from President Shehu Shagari even as an opposition figure. "Papa Awo received Shagari's compliments,party politics was set aside. Even
Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe did not reject the Mercedes birthday gift the then President sent to the Owelle. They respected Shagari as much as he regarded them,"Kalu added.
He urged politicians to be dynamic in their pursuit as they are supposed to serve the people in whatever capacity possible since no two persons can occupy one position at the same time.
"We could serve in any capacity as long as we have the interest of Nigerians. We are copying the Americans. I wish to remind us that their sixth President,John Quincy Adams became a member of the House of Representatives after his Presidency. Walter Mondale who was Vice President Under Jimmy Carter[1977-1981] served as Ambassador to Japan in 1983. Back home,Shagari was Local government chairman after his tenure as minister. Adeniran Ogunsanya, Maitama Sule were state commissioners after service as Federal ministers. Even Buhari served in the Abacha government, and first Nigerian Inspector-General of Police Loius Edet was a state Commissioner afterwards. That is service. I wish this country peace," Kalu said.
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