Posted by By Onuoha Udeala on
A RENOWNED political Philosopher, Edmund Burke stated that people should not be reluctant in making suggestions on issues that will affect them in future.
A RENOWNED political Philosopher, Edmund Burke stated that people should not be reluctant in making suggestions on issues that will affect them in future. The United States as Nigeria's most important trading partner as well as a global player, has always shown Interest in Nigeria's affairs. It was against this background that the United States started showing interest in the Post-Obasanjo government in Nigeria. In line with this stated objective, the State Department of the United States recently shortlisted five Nigerians they considered credible to succeed President Olosegun Obasanjo in 2007.
According to an impeccable White House report, Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State takes a lead among the four other credible Nigerians shortlisted and preferred to take over the reins of power in 2007. Apart from his popularity and track record of achievements, Governor Kalu, the report says, has been investigated and scrutinized by the American Government and found to be clean, qualified and possesses the local and international goodwill to be Nigeria's president come 2007.
The report says, Governor Kalu's critical and vocal assessment of the state of the nation and his stance on some national issues, have pitched him against some people, and as such subject of security investigation ostensibly to distract him from the presidential race.
This clean bill of health given by the Americans who are role models in constitutional democracy is heartening. It never came as a surprise since Governor Kalu has stated unequivocally his desire to return Nigeria back to Nigerians and has shown strong interest in running for the presidency in 2007. Like the Americans rightly pointed out, Governor Kalu is well prepared, has the structure and has already started campaigning while other presidential hopefuls are still afraid of the unknown.
The American endorsement of Kalu's presidential bid is coming two years after a French intelligence agency report also adjudged Governor Kalu as the most populous politician in Nigeria, who also has leadership acumen to run for the presidency. According to the French Intelligence Agency report, Governor Kalu's numerous accomplishments, closeness to the masses and Pan-Nigerian approach in governance has made him a household name which the agency said is an inestimable leadership asset.
As largely expected, this endorsement by the Americans has generated mixed reactions. While Nigerians who are desirous of a generational change have commended the United States for her unbiased and objective report, some critics who are interested in maintaining the status quo have dismissed the report with a wave of hand, arguing that the report was doctored to favour Governor Kalu who they claimed is a friend of the Americans.
While it may not be proper to join issues with critics who are entitled to their own opinions, it is important to point out that it was the same White House report that predicted that Bashorum M.K.O Abiola was to be elected president in the annulled 1993 Presidential election. This White House report also predicted ahead of time that Mr. John Kuffor was to be President of Ghana. There are numerous reports of the state department which have been used in the past by emerging democracies to chart a new course. We do not hope that this report on Governor Kalu will be different since their reports are credible, unbiased and subject to scientific analysis. Instead of diverting attention from the report, what critics should do is to accept the obvious and stop dissipating energy on frivolities.
The United States endorsement of the Presidential bid of Dr. Kalu is no doubt well-deserved. His leadership credentials and record of accomplishments are well known to Americans. Being the first public officer to declare his assets, Dr. Kalu was seen by the international community to have restored integrity and probity in governance. He was given Leon Sullian Award by the World Bank for his transparent and purposeful leadership. Governor Kalu remains the only State Governor who publishes the government's statement of accounts on quarterly basis detailing the revenue profile and expenditure of the state.
Since his emergence in the Nigerian politician scene as a member of the House of Representative in 1992, Governor Kalu has established himself as one of the dynamic and courageous politicians in the country. He has consistently displayed a high sense of patriotism and business-like approach to issues of national interest. He has put national interest above all considerations.
In addition, Dr. Kalu has established himself as one of the moving forces of the struggle for a just society and the establishment of an egalitarian society based on justice and fairness. Above all, his international exposure and experience in public and private life have enabled this patriot to invoke the alchemy of a great vision that has made his followers more committed to the struggle for a change and his opponents more determined to pull him down.
His political blueprint and agenda for a new Nigeria present a clear insight into Dr. Kalu's thoughts and prescriptions for a country of our dream. Governor Orji Kalu's life is characterized by public spiritedness and honesty. The government and the people of Nigeria have since recognized this quality. He has been honoured locally and internationally in recognition of his meritorious services to the country and mankind. He is acknowledged as a friend of everybody in distress.
His extra-ordinary peaceful disposition and genuine love for the suffering masses has elevated his humanitarian work beyond the mere offering of material succour through scholarships and donations to individuals and groups. He has challenged Nigerians to define our humanity through love, service and selflessness.
This is an attribute that a man that wants to be a national leader should possess in the post-Obasanjo era.