Vincent Ujumadu
30 December 2004
Umuahia — GOVERNORSHIP candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State in the 2003 general elections, Chief Onwuka Kalu, has said that he has put behind the bickering that trailed the election, and pledge to henceforth cooperate with the winner of the election, Dr. Orji Kalu in the interest of democracy.
Chief Kalu, who spoke when governor Orji Uzor Kalu paid him a visit at Abiriba as part of activities marking the 50th birthday of the APGA candidate, observed that having attained the age of 50 years, his ways of approaching issues would definitely change.
His words: " I contested the governorship election, and because I was not satisfied with the result, I went to court. Though the matter is still pending in court, brothers will continue to be brothers and friends will continue to be friends. Whatever that would be the outcome of the election petition, it would not affect our relationship. The fact that one contested election and went to court should not be the basis for enmity, rancour and bitterness. It does not mean that we do not have differences, but we should resolve our differences in a civil way, using the legal means. I am not a spoiler and that is why everything is moving on smoothly in the state in order not to derail the nascent democracy. The important thing is for us to understand that there is need for peace to reign so that at the end of the day, our people will be better for it."
He hoped that Governor Kalu's visit would serve as an olive branch for the building of a good understanding between them, adding that "because our country has some teething problems due to the long military rule," there is need for everybody to pursue the path of peace.
He said further: "We are grateful to General Abdulsalami Abubakar (who was present during the visit) for handing over power to General Olusegun Obasanjo. At that time, because a lot of people had burnt their fingers in the endless transition that was going on, many people did not take part in the process that gave birth to the present democracy. However, some bold men took part and helped to build the democratic system we are enjoying and I am happy that Governor Kalu was one of those bold men.
I am so happy that the democratic seed that was sown has germinated, and our governor is helping to water it. I believe that with our combined experiences, we can get our country out of the woods. In other words, there is need for all of us to work as a team and by working together, there is a lot we can do for our country."
In his speech, Governor Kalu hoped that the APGA candidate would become wiser, more rational and accommodating with the attainment of the age of 50 years, stressing that there was need for them to form a new alignment and orientation.
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