[Photo Left: Gov. Orji Uzor Kalu ]
The destination Saturday, July 30, for Nigerians who live in Chicago, USA was Hyatt Regency, O'Hare Airport. Nigerians and their friends trooped to Hyatt Regency on that day to kick-off Governor Kalu's presidential campaign. Heavens roared as attendees arrived by air and earth glorified with rainbow colors of cars and costumes as people streamed in. The streets swelled, the lot filled and the hall constantly cooled from human heat. The aroma swirled around Hyatt, of different faces, and colors; spices from the kitchen gracing the air. It was completely an African village scene.

The Hyatt rally hall reminded one of the close ties between Nigeria and U.S., as the countries' colors sandwiched the stage. Holding the stage in balance were the countries' flags; Nigerian flag to the left and U.S. flag to the right. Voices crisscrossed in American and mixed English accents. Pessimism traded in shadows as hope filled minds and echoed amongst groups. The hall was called to order at 8.40pm for the entry of the guest of honor, Gorvernor Orji Uzor Kalu. Silence was interupted as Kalu walked through the crowd with all sorts of applause bestowed on him. Silence fell again as the action governor sat on the high table.

Minister Grace Nwachukwu led the rally in prayer at 8.55pm, followed by the singing of Nigerian and United States anthems by Mary-Jane Aju Elumelu-James. The mammoth crowd was taken to the wall behind the high table with the video projection of Dim Ojukwu. It was a video of Ojukwu's endorsement of Kalu's presidential candidacy.

Different speakers spoke on the good qualities of Governor Kalu for the leadership of Nigeria. Notable among the speakers was Hon. Okey Mbonu, a commissioner in Prince George's County, Maryland, USA and Communications Director, Reality 2007 who described Kalu as modest. Mbonu described Kalu as the people's servant who never abused power, and who started serving the people at a tender age of 25. He added that looking for Kalu in a Mercedes or SUV in his convoy was a big mistake, as he rode in Toyota vans.

A business associate of Governor Kalu, Travis Short, CEO, Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc. described Kalu as an honest and intelligent man. Short said Kalu always told him of his plans to bring Nigeria out of the woods to prosperity as the elected leader. He said Kalu emphasized steady power supply, jobs and reliable telecommunication in his blueprint for the economic transformation of the country.

Governor Kalu took the stage at 11.00pm with very loud applause. Kalu thanked all for their support and loyalty towards making 2007 a reality by entrusting him with the presidential mandate. He described Travis Short as a business associate who helped build his Slok Shipping Line, by building wonderful ships for his company. The action governor to the astonishment of all, said Slok Shipping was the first Nigerian company financed by U.S. banks. He continued that Slok Shipping paid off the loans and is in the good records of banks and financial institutions. The night rolled gradually, the action governor rolling back the virtual time that kept all eyes awake to the rising sun. Kalu told the crowd to see the night as time of hope and thanksgiving and not too much talk. He said he would be the contractor and Nigerians the clients, as he would deliver all that is needed to make Nigeria great. Kalu trumpeted his would-be contract with Nigerians to include efficient power supply, food sufficiency(agriculture), education and judicial reform.

"If you are worth leading Nigeria, you are worth dying for it", the action governor living up to his title declared to the rally. He added, "I am afraid of nothing but God." Kalu rested his case for the night for his people by telling all in attendance to go home and spread the news of hope for the people in 2007. He said such hope was as simple as Nigerians casting their votes for him.

[Governor Kalu - Recent Photo ]