An elder statesman and former Minister of Finance, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, on Sunday called on the Ndigbo to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in large numbers and take advantage of the ongoing e-registration exercise of the party.
Describing the party as where the ethnic group should “Pitch their tent”, Kalu said the APC offers a political platform where the interests of the Igbo people should be firmly represented.
Dr. Kalu, who was a presidential aspirant in 2003, made this plea while hosting the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, alongside other APC leaders at his country home in Ohafia, Abia State.
He stressed that the Igbo deserved a stronger presence within the ruling party and should not remain spectators in national political decision-making.
“When they were gathering to set up the APC years ago, I talked to some of our people. Ndi Igbo should be there. They deserve to be there. They have earned their right to be there at the high table,” he said.
READ ALSO:
Commending the Deputy Speaker for his legislative performance, the former Minister said Ben Kalu’s leadership and national engagement reflected positively on the Igbo nation.
“So, I must tell you without any equivocation that I’m so proud of you. Abia has to continue to move forward from where we have come.
“I’m sure that anytime I have an opportunity to contribute by way of advice, by way of presence, by way of walking towards the call for duty, regardless of age, I will. I’m still very strong. I thank the Almighty Father. I don’t feel any constraints up there.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker described Dr Kalu as a symbol of integrity, excellence, and service to the nation, noting that his legacy continues to inspire generations.
“As a student in secondary school, when they asked who the Minister of Finance was, we would raise our hands up. If you wanted to get it correctly, you would have to say Dr Kalu Idika Kalu.
“You have maintained this dignity, pride, this integrity without spot for these donkey years. The man we are standing beside is about 87 years old. That is the man we are talking about, without spot, without blemish, a good example for some of us who are in national service.
“When we remember that people like you walked this path, we’ll tend to bend down to learn from what sustained you, your impeccable results and transparency.
“You are a role model to all of us, and we pray that God will keep you alive so that we will keep coming close to you to learn from you, your wealth of knowledge, and your experience.
“The man we are standing before is a man who aspired to be the President of this country in 2003. As I said, it’s not easy to remember all that constitutes his profile.
“We keep talking about him, we keep remembering the things he has done, projecting the Igbo race up there. Thank you for being the image of Ndi Igbo,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also presented Dr Kalu with a brochure highlighting his legislative achievements over two years in office and offered prayers for his continued good health and long life.
