Former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu says President Goodluck Jonathan is unprepared to lead the country, adding that all the president “wanted in 2007 was to get a full term in office as governor.”
Kalu said this at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife on Thursday at the Professor David Ijalaye annual lecture.
He traced the failure of Nigeria’s socio-economic development to “unprepared leadership,” lamenting that Nigeria had been beset with reluctant leaders forced upon the masses by the ruling elite.
Kalu, whose lecture was entitled, ‘Leadership: Key factor to a better Nigeria,’ said the lack of committed and foresighted leaders was the bane of the country’s development.
Making a case for true federalism, Kalu bemoaned the deplorable condition of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway even as he supported the call for the creation of state police.
He, however, clarified that for state police not to be used as agent of oppression, police chiefs like Divisional Police Officers must be elected, “like we have in the United States of America”.
Tracing the emergence of Nigeria’s past Heads of State and Presidents, Kalu said past leaders such as Maj.-Gen. JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Sheu Shagari, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, and Jonathan were all unprepared for leadership.
He said, “Goodluck Jonathan became Bayelsa State Governor when his former principal DSP Alamieyiesegha was impeached.
“All he wanted in 2007 was to get a full term in office as governor. But he was drafted to be Vice President and within three years he became president. Was he prepared to be president? The answer is no.”
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There are people that when they speak I will listen. Kalu is one of those that I do not border to listen to whatever he is saying. When he was the Governor of Abia State what did he do? I am not from the state but I know that Abia was a classical example of states that was allergic to development during his time as the Governor of the state. Most roads in Aba the commercial city was impassable and overtaken by weeds and refuse so also schools. This was the state of most infrastructure in other parts of the state where such exists.So, What is Orji Uzor Kalu trying to say here. Well he is only seeking for relevance and once he is made this or that he will keep quiet and continue his politics of underdevoplement and familyocracy. Uka Agwula.
ReplyDeleteI dont understand why these good for nothing politicians always refer to America. Why dont they refer to America when we talk transparency, accountability,infrastructure, oppression etc always shifting responsibilities n trading blame. Nedum -PH
ReplyDeleteI seriously think people like Orji Uzor Kalu should be arrested for saying things like that about the president when he himself did nothing while he was in position. I know we are not in any military regime but the president is an important personality in the country no matter who it is and shouldn't be spoken about just anyhow and by anyhow kinda person. Can't there be a little discipline in this country? Ogis
ReplyDeleteOrji was just was just a puppy,toothless dog(governor)arrest him for insulting President Good luck,
ReplyDeleteUptil now Abia state is still impassable, vehicles are falling down on d road. Orji u dat was a prepared Governor what were u able to do in ur state? Madness!
ReplyDeleteHe was nt already, bt due 2 some of our leaders he was force inn
ReplyDeleteOrji Uzor Kalu Shut up when people of calibre talks you shouldn't say a word you are a perfect representation of failure so shut your trap
ReplyDelete