As Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu the former Governor of Abia State continues his “Peace Advocacy Tour” aimed at promoting peace and cultural understanding in the country, the APC chieftain paid a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan His Imperial Majesty OBA SALIU AKANMU ADETUNJI (AJE OGUNNISO 1) OLUBADAN OF IBADAN.
Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu who used the visit to canvass support and showcase the achievements of the President Buhari led administration also commended the renowned traditional ruler for his efforts in uniting the Yoruba race. He urged traditional rulers in the country to use their role to promote peace and tolerance in the country despite our cultural differences .
He said: “I can’t pass through Ibadan without stopping by as a matter of courtesy. I am a titled chief in Ibadan Land of many years back in the late 90s. I was a made a chief here.
“We are here to encourage you traditional rulers to continue playing the leadership role of uniting the country and promoting peace.
“Nigeria is at cross roads where some of our leaders are at fisticuffs with each other. Some have become hypocrites with the major aim of discrediting others who are doing their best to move the nation forward.
“For this respect we shall continue to support the President. We have known him many years back he has been here before to visit you and I know you are very close to the President. That is why we have brought you the message of peace for traditional rulers to continue to support the president to be able to conclude his 8 year tenure.
“We urge the Olubadan, the traditional rulers and people of Oyo state in general to support the president and give him full backing as the election draws nearer so that he can complete the good works that he has started.
“The President is a committed democrat. In the APC we are very open as a party though we might have disagreements or mis-understanding. Even as a party we respect you. It’s the more reason we decided to pay you homage with this visit.
“We want to thank for the good deeds that you have done for the people since the assumption of office for the Ibadan people and the entire Yoruba land.
“Ibadan is a very important community in the history of this country from the days of Chief Awolowo, Akintola and the rest of them.
Let’s not forget that one of our greatest leaders General Ironsi was killed here with his friend General Akintola. We recall that he insisted he should be killed with his friend.
“I urge all Igbos to remember that event and use it as uniting factor for us as a dear nation.
“We thank you for the support that you have always given the President and if you have any issue you can seek an audience with the President for the issue to be resolved amicably”.
In his response, the Olubadan commended the ‘’Peace Advocacy Tour” Initiative by Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu aimed at promoting peace in the country and showcasing the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari .
The King also said that he has been a keen monitor of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu right from his days as student in the University of Maiduguri up until this Present moment.
He thanked God for making Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu steady at the pinnacle of success. He also thanked Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for his contributions to the development of the Nigerian Democracy.
He commended the former Govenror for investing in people in th area of human capacity development.
The royal father described Kalu as a selfless Nigerian who does not only live for himself but for others.
On the message of peace from President Buhari the traditional ruler said he has no personal misunderstanding with the President, saying most of the soldiers that have become Presidents passed through Ibadan even that the honour’s list at the military cantonment in the city also bears the name of the President as second on the list.
He urged Dr. Orji Uzor kalu to extend his business investments to Ibadan. He prayed to God Almighty to guide and protect the former Governor and his Team as they continue their journey of peace tour.
