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‘I’ll reject ministerial appointment if offered – Uzor Kalu
Senator-elect and former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor
Kalu, has declared that he will reject a ministerial position if he were
offered one.
Kalu said this at the second annual lecture of Freedom Online, an online
newspaper.
The former Abia governor, who was elected on the platform of the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC), was chairman of the lecture.
He said: “I will not accept a ministerial position if I were offered one. I am
the elected representative for Abia North senatorial district.”
Kalu further noted that even though he is elected to represent Abia North, his
representation will cover the entire country because his oath of office will be
to serve the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I have just been elected to the Senate. I’ve not even been sworn in. Don’t
worry yourself; my vibrancy will always be felt by the people I represent. I
will give the people quality representation. When I was governor, I represented
the people of Abia state to the best of my ability.
“This time I am not going to represent only the people of Abia North, but the
people of Nigeria, which oath I am going to take.
“I am not going to be taking an oath that I am senator of Abia North, I am
going to take an oath of office as senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
So, even in Elewe, I am going to represent them as well as I represent the
people of Abia North.”
Kalu also reiterated he will contest for the position of Deputy Senate
President, because equity demands that all the major tribes of the country are
represented in the leadership of the Ninth National Assembly.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m the one there, what matters is that, in constituting
the leadership, all the major ethnic groups would be represented. It is fair, I
am not asking this for anything else, I am asking it for equity justice and
fair play. Even this one they are saying we did not vote for APC; President
Muhammadu Buhari has not said it. It is only some people in the media that are
saying it,” Kalu added.
He, however, said he will respect and abide by the decision of the party on the
matter.
“I still hope that the party will be gracious enough to zone the positions. I
don’t want to go against the party. It will not be a healthy relationship
between me and the party and the party and other people. We are capable of
going to war, but, it is not good to always go to war. I want the party to zone
the offices; they can say we are giving North East the position of Senate
president, we are giving South East position of Speaker; we have given South
East deputy senate president, we have given North Central deputy speaker and so
on and we will have peace,” Kalu further added.
Kalu, who was also awarded with a plaque for his support towards the lecture
,said the only way Nigeria will make progress is when the private sector drives
the economy.
Introducing the lecture’s theme: ‘Fixing the Economy: Less Politics, More
Substance’, Kalu said government has no business doing business, but should
concentrate on policy formulation as it cannot play the role of policy
formulation and implementation at the same time.
He added: “I see our economy as an economy that needs to be expanded.
Government has no business doing business. You cannot do policy formulation and
implementation at the same time. It doesn’t matter if it is one person buying,
what matters is that things are made to work.”
Former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who was guest of honour
disagreed with Kalu on restructuring.
Said Daniel: “Everybody agrees that we need change. Our people have become
poorer and there is no hope under the current system. We are setting the stage
for corruption with the structure we are running. The democratic system we are
running cannot guarantee good governance.”
In his remarks, Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media Mr. Femi Adesina,
commended the media organisation for the choice of lecture. He said Buhari is
worried by Nigerians’ habit of playing politics with every issue in the country
and hoped the lecture would enlighten them.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo, publisher of Freedom
Online said Nigeria is in need of change.
“Nigeria has a four-year cycle of elections, but, pitiably, there is no
four-year cycle of development. The world is moving forward and Nigeria has no
choice than to move in the right direction,” Akinadewo said.
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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.
“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”
Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.
As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.
In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.
As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal
…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets
Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.
To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.
In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”
According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.
Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.
Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.
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