Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has advised politicians in the state, and the country at large, to watch their utterances in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy and nation building.
Kalu, publisher of The Sun newspapers, gave the advice sequel to the ruling of the three-man panel of the National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Umuahia, which, on September 9, ordered a supplementary election, within 90 days, in eight wards in Arochukwu Local Government Area, as well as several polling units in Ohafia and Isukwuato LGAs, where votes were cancelled during the February 23 senatorial poll in Abia North Senatorial District.
Kalu urged his political associates, followers, members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to make derogatory statements or remarks against any member of the three-man panel led by Justice Cornelius Akintayo.
Rather, the senator maintained that Nigerians, regardless of creed, religion or party affiliation, must continue to accord the judiciary the respect it richly deserves as the last hope of the common man.
He expressed optimism that the Court of Appeal will correct the mistakes of the tribunal and affirm his victory at the February 23, 2019 senatorial poll in Abia Senatorial District.
Senator Kalu made the declaration, Sunday, while addressing a group of Abuja-based professionals of Abia State origin, emphasising that the rule of law must be respected at all times. He reiterated that the result of the February 23, 2019 National Assembly election in Abia North Senatorial District was a clear testament to his popularity and goodwill among the people.
“My victory in the February 23, 2019 National Assembly poll was landslide,” he enthused. “I beat my closet rival, Mao Ohuabunwa of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with over 10,000 votes.
“I am aware of the controversies the ruling of the panel has generated. However, I am appealing to our people to tread with caution for the sake of peace and harmony in our state and advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.
“As a strong advocate of the rule of law, I have confidence in the judiciary. Despite the condemnation of the tribunal ruling by Nigerians in many quarters, I am optimistic that the appellate court will do the needful and correct the anomaly.”
The former governor-turned-senator stressed that the judiciary was a vital pillar of the country’s democratic development, stating that the future of Nigeria’s democracy was dependent on the judicial process. No nation can attain greatness without respect for the rule of law, Kalu added.
