Governor Kalu in his usual characteristic manner, exhibited high degree of respect and decorum. Even when Dim Ojukwu requested that he should sit down and address him, Governor Kalu politely declined and rather opted to stand up as a mark of respect for this Nigerian who led his people during the Nigerian civil war. Governor Kalu described Ojukwu as a distinguished Nigerian whose contributions to the making of a new Nigeria would long be cherished. He wished Ikemba well and promised to visit the elder statesman to seek his wise counsel regularly. Chief Ojukwu, in his characteristic oratorical skill, thanked Governor Kalu for coming to pay homage to him. He described Governor Kalu as an ally in the struggle for a better Nigeria, and opined that he is the only Igbo man in the struggle for the presidency he would like to identify with. While extolling Governor Kalu’s leadership credentials, Chief Ojukwu prayed for him and wished him success in his presidential bid.

Though I used one stone to kill two birds, I was very grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to hear Chief Ojukwu pouring encomiums and blessings on this young Governor that has written his name in gold. The first thing that came into my mind after that short but impressive ceremony of courtesy call was whether Ojukwu was actually passing the mantle of leadership to Dr. Orji Kalu. That visit was symbolic and Chief Ojukwu's speech was emotional and has a lot of spiritual implications. It was spiritual in the sense that it was like the biblical story of Moses and Joshua. The Bible records that Moses, in the presence of the congregation of the people of Israel, laid his hands on Joshua and an extraordinary wisdom descended on him. It was at the laying of hands that Moses actually passed the mantle of leadership to Joshua before God finally commissioned him. Though Dim Ojukwu did not lay hands on Orji Kalu, but the prayer was prophetic, and may have signalled the dawn of a new beginning in Igboland. There is no doubt that Governor Kalu and Ojukwu have been consistent and critical against injustice in the country, particularly as it affects the Igbo nation. It was the persistent injustice against the Igbo that forced Dim Ojukwu, among other reasons, to fight the Nigerian civil war. It was the same seeming injustice and ill-treatment against some Nigerians, particularly the Igbos, that made Governor Orji Kalu have head-on-collision with federal authorities. His demand for justice, equity, good governance and rule of law, has led to his conflicts with the Federal Government's agents and sycophants.

It never came as a surprise that Chief Ojukwu has decided to endorse a man sharing many things in common with him for the presidential job. I was moved when Dim Ojukwu repeatedly said "I bless you, I bless you, I bless you. God will keep you alive to fulfill your destiny". Dim Ojukwu meant every word he said about the endorsement of Governor Kalu for the presidential project. The endorsement of Dr. Kalu’s presidential project by Chief Ojukwu, a chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, a foundation member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has a lot of political implication. For APGA kingpin to see something good in Dr. Orji Kalu, a PDP man as a presidential hopeful is something commendable. This is a salutary effort towards consolidating the message of politics without bitterness in Nigeria. ill-treatment against some Nigerians particularly the Igbos that made Governor Orji Kalu have head-on-collision with Federal authorities. His demand for justice, equity, good governance and rule of laws has brought him to trouble with the Federal Government agents and sycophants. The endorsement of Dr. Kalu’’s presidential project by Chief Ojukwu, a chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, a foundation member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has a lot of political implication.

[ Photo Above: Governor Kalu - Recent Photo ]

Ojukwu's endorsement of Dr. Kalu who is a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has a lot of political implications. When late Waziri Ibrahim of blessed memory preached his politics without bitterness during the Shagari era, little did he know that years to come Nigerians would embrace it. It is heartening that Chief Ojukwu and Governor Kalu have demonstrated that politics should, be seen as sports, which must be played and embraced in the spirit of sportsmanship. Despite the seeming political differences and ideological persuasion between Kalu and Ojukwu the Governor decided to give respect to whom respect is due; while Dim Ojukwu thought it wise to openly identify with Governor Kalu in his presidential bid.

Nigerians should emulate Governor Kalu and Ojukwu’s new relationship. Politicians regardless of political affiliation should appreciate each other and emphasise those things that unite Nigerians and use our diversity as a source of strength. For the Igbos, there is a lesson to learn from Ojukwu ; for Kalu, new partnership. It is the time to call a spade a spade and unite if they are serious to take over the presidency from the Southwest geo-political zone. The Igbos should unite and fight for their rights. During a conference in Ibadan last year, our members were united in our demand that Igbos should be fairly treated in the nation. They frowned at the least number of states given to them and the non-appointment of their sons to command position in the armed forces in addition to the deplorable road network in the Southeast. They openly canvassed to ensure equity and justice, the Igbos should be allowed to take a shot at the presidency. It was equally requested that the Igboman should be given the opportunity and that he must be somebody that is acceptable to Nigerians who has local and international contacts. He must also place national interest above all considerations. It was agreed that Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has all these leadership attributes.

Now Dim Ojukwu has endorsed Governor Kalu, he should continue with the struggle, and grab the presidency. The Igbos should stop dissipating energies and work in concert with other ethnic groups to ensure, that Orji Uzor Kalu’s bid for the presidency is realized.