EMINENT business mogul and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, on Wednesday, met with a cross- section of United Kingdom- based professionals of Abia State origin.
The former governor said all, regardless of professional backgrounds, should embrace politics, noting that the private sector plays a critical role in complementing government’s efforts in driving real growth and development.
At the parley held at London Hilton on Park Lane, Kalu said: “In view of global economic and political dynamics, governance requires input of business people and veteran professionals, who have the exposure and skills to formulate and execute policies and programmes that will have meaningful impacts on the people.
Before I ventured into politics, as a businessman, I sat on the board of government agencies, where I brought my wealth of experience to bear and added value to these public establishments. Everyone has a role to play in building a Nigeria of our dream. You don’t have to be an active politician to con- tribute to governance. You can make constructive criticisms when necessary while at the same time, contributing to national discourse.
“With the current leader- ship at the federal level in Nigeria, sanity is gradually returning to the public sector and with this, our country will be devoid of indiscipline and the menace of corruption,” Kalu added.
The former governor also commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the 2016 budget especially increased budgetary allocation to capital expenditure, noting that with the new budget, Nigeria will witness unprecedented infrastructure development that will ultimately translate into better lives for the citizens.
Urging the President Buhari-led administration to provide a friendly business atmosphere for the private sector to thrive, he added that practical strategies aimed at overhauling the Nigerian economy should be adopted, noting that the private sector holds the key to unlocking the country’s untapped economic potentials. Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Ike Udensi, a lawyer and an immigration expert, who applauded Kalu for his contribution to the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria, faulted politicians for not providing a level-playing ground for the private sector players to vie for elective positions.
Udensi urged the electorate to come out en-masse for Abia North Senatorial re-run election and cast their votes for Kalu, who he described as an astute businessman, a philanthropist par excellence and a consummate politician. He added that Kalu’s candidature is in the interest of Abians, regardless of party affiliation.
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