Ndi Igbo Should Populate APC, Says Ex-Minister, Kalu Idika Kalu

Prominent statesman and former Minister of Finance, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, has called on Igbo people to take their rightful place in the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying “Ndi Igbo should be there”.

Kalu made the remarks during a courtesy call on him by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, LL.D, CFR and APC leaders in his home country in Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government of Abia State over the weekend.

The former minister emphasised the need for Igbo representation at all levels of the party.

He said: “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.”

Kalu also commended the legislative strides of the Deputy Speaker and his commitment to national duty, saying he is making Ndi Igbo proud.

The former minister who was a presidential aspirant in 2003 also promised to contribute more of his quota especially from his wealth of experience to the development of the State and the nation when needed despite his age.

“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. And 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”.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu eulogized the former minister for his contributions to national development, saying his name will continue to resonate around the world.

“As a student in secondary school, when they asked who the minister of finance was, we would raise our hands. If you want to get it correctly, you will have to say Dr Kalu Idika Kalu.

“And you have maintained this dignity, pride, this integrity, without spot for these donkey years. The man we are standing beside is about 87 years of age. 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 and what sustained you, impeccable result, transparent, 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, your experience.

“The man we are standing before is a man who aspired to be the President of this country in 2003. Like 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.

According to the statement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Speaker also presented a brochure, detailing his legislative works as the Deputy Speaker for two years to the elder statesman, praying God to bless him with more years of fruitful living in good health.