Independence Day: Embrace ‘Change Begins With Me’ campaign, Kalu tells political class, others
Eminent businessman and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has urged Nigerians to embrace the “Change Begins With Me “ campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari led-Federal Government , noting that for the country to progress, people at the helm of affairs must place national interest above selfish ambition.
While acknowledging the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers like Sir Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Alvan Ikoku and a few others which were anchored on patriotism, selflessness, discipline and togetherness, he urged people at all levels of government to toe the path of these past leaders in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
According to the ex-governor, there is a need for attitudinal change and reorientation as the current economic challenges facing the country call for financial discipline as individuals and as a people.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 56th independence anniversary celebration, Kalu said: “As we mark yet another independence anniversary, we have every cause to celebrate while reflecting on past experiences toward building a brighter tomorrow.
“Nigeria as a nation is blessed with enormous potential including human and material resources and as such she should not lag behind among the comity of nations.
“It is important for leaders both in the private and public sectors to adopt strategies that will not only create employment and wealth for today’s generation, but also guarantee the future of the unborn generation.
“The political class should desist from the blame game and focus their energy and resources on initiatives that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
“Inasmuch as people have grievances, we cannot undermine the peace and harmony of the country for ethnic, tribal, religious and political interests.
“If the tenets of democracy are strictly adhered to by the government and the governed, there will be a meeting point by both parties and ultimately the country will be better off.”
The businessman- cum-politician who used the opportunity to commend President Muhammadu Buhari on the efforts made so far in fighting Boko Haram and other terrorist groups, called on the Niger Delta Avengers (NDAS) and other militia groups to embrace dialogue for the sake of the national well-being, pointing out that the problem of Nigeria is the problem of all Nigerians and as such everyone is a stakeholder in the Nigerian project.
While tasking prominent Nigerians to support the government through humanitarian gestures, he called on the people not to lose hope in the country’s leadership.
