Eminent business mogul and former Governor of Abia State on Wednesday met with a cross-section of United Kingdom-based professionals of Abia State origin.
He noted that the expertise of seasoned private sector practitioners is needed in building and sustaining a desired society.
According to the former governor, politics should be embraced by all regardless of professional backgrounds, 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 the London Hilton on Park Lane, Kalu said, “in view of global economic and political dynamics, governance requires the inputs 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 , adding 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 contribute to governance. You can make constructive criticisms when necessary while at the same time contributing to national discourse.
“With the current leadership 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.
Kalu used the opportunity to commend President Muhammadu Buhari on the 2016 budget, especially the increased budgetary allocation to capital expenditure, noting that with the new budget, Nigeria will witness unprecedented infrastructural development that will ultimately translate into better lives for the citizenry.
While urging the President Buhari-led administration to provide a friendly business atmosphere for the private sector to thrive, he adding 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 potential.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Ike Udensi, an immigration expert, who applauded Kalu for his contribution to the social, 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.
He said, “in the private world, we operate under a healthy and competitive environment devoid of criminality as opposed to what is obtainable in Nigerian politics.
“People have patriotic desires to serve the society but are hindered by the undemocratic and unruly actions of Nigerian politicians who see politics as a do-or -die affair”.
Udensi urged the electorate to come out en-masse on the day of Abia North Senatorial re-run election to cast their votes for Dr. Orji Kalu, who he described as an astute businessman, a philanthropist par excellence and a consummate politician, adding that Kalu’s candidature is in the interest of Abians regardless of party affiliation.
