Posted by By CHUKS ONUOHA, Umuahia on
Thousands of placard-carrying protesters took to the streets and major roads enmasse in different parts of Abia, chanting solidarity songs as they demand immediate release of former Abia State governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu.
Thousands of placard-carrying protesters took to the streets and major roads enmasse in different parts of Abia, chanting solidarity songs as they demand immediate release of former Abia State governor, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu.
Former Governor Kalu, they said, was arrested on spurious reasons of alleged money laundering and diversion of funds.
While some were protesting in their hamlets and villages, others headed straight to the Government House, Umuahia where they tendered their grievances before the governor, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji.
Speaking on behalf of his own group, Prince Felix Ogbonna, who hails from Ukwa area of the state, called for immediate release of the former governor who, he said, does not deserve such embarrassment.
"Tell Yar'Adua that we are also Niger Delta people and can still do something if we are pushed to the wall.
'Since he has said that he is forming a government of national unity, he should not allow anything that will divert his vision for the people of Nigeria. He should order EFCC to release Orji Kalu without delay," Ogbonna said.
Prince Ngozi William, spokesman of another group, said that they were in Government House to protest peacefully against the detention of Kalu and call for his immediate release.
"We say no to intimidation and harassment of innocent citizens. If the governor had committed the alleged offence, we are the ones that should have reported him, but in this case, he is innocent and should not be kept a minute longer in detention."
Others who made the same call included Chief Dickson Nwosu, Transition Chairman; Chairman of Umuahia North, Prince Dan Kalu, T. C., Chairman of Arochukwu LGA, Madam Love Alaezi from Bende LGA, and Chief Uche Akwukwuegbu, from Abia Central.
Nwosu said Kalu's arrest was not only illegal, but a spite on the Igbo race. Also, Alaezi said the architect of Kalu's travail were jealous of his popularity while Akwukwegbu described him as a man of the people.
Some of the placards they carried read: "We don't want selective justice, EFCC, release our son Orji Kalu now; Federal Government, free our leader, we say no to intimidation; OUK has no case to answer, EFCC is agent of PDP," etc.
Speaking to the protesting groups, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Kalu, said government had noted their grievances. "The government of the past is not government of today. We are sure that the government of Umaru Yar'Adua is a sensitive one that listens to the yearning of the people, we are sure that they will do something very soon. The governor said you should pursue your grievances peacefully.
'Please be calm in your demands because Kalu is a peaceful man," the CPS advised.