Former governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to look into the Southeast people’s grievances passionately, saying the nation needed unity more than anything any individual is looking for.
Senator Kalu who represents Abia North in the Senate stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while fielding questions from journalists after receiving traditional title of Kibiya (Arrow) of Argungu Emirate from the Emir, Alhaji Mohammed Mera.
He insisted that unity of nation was more important than any individual interest, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari is father of the nation and should constitute a Committee to interact with the people of the Southeast.
Responding to question on whether he would run for Presidency in 2023, Kalu said he prefers to return to the Senate and not contest for the position of President, but stressed that what should be of interest to all Nigerians now, is unity of the country.
“There must be a united Nigeria first, before talking of 2023. Solving the problems of banditry, insurgency, kidnapping etc, should be the focus of all Nigerians now and not politics of 2023 by Politicians.
“All hands have to be on deck in achieving peace and unity in the country. Government alone cannot do it, Nigerians must support the concerted efforts being made by governments at all levels.
“For any politician to become President , Governor, Senator or whatever in 2023, there must be peace in the land first, the very reason why all politicians and particularly public office holders across political divides, should come together in stemming the tide of violence and disunity in the country”, he said .
On the violent secessionist move in the South East, he appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to look passionately on the region.
This is as he urged Governors in the zone to do more in mitigating the crisis in the area .
“The agitations in the Southeast need to be addressed or tackle out of politics by way of setting up a committee for required pacification.
“The Governors need to redouble their efforts in meeting those behind the agitations and violence just as the President needs to passionately listen to all concerned in the area”, he said .
He however added that come 2023, he prefers to return to the Senate but if Nigerians want him as President , he will be ready to serve in that capacity.
“OkI don’t have Presidential ambition ahead of 2023 because my plan for now is to return to the Senate which to me , is a very interesting place to mingle with other Nigerians and serve one’s father’s land ” , he added.
