Former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida says the Senator representating Abia North Senatorial district, Orji Uzor Kalu, has the capacity to be the next President of Nigeria.
Babangida made the statement in a documentary which aired on AIT on Sunday.
The former military leader has been vocal about the qualities or type of personality he wants to see occupy the number one seat of power in the country.
Recall that Babangida had said in an earlier interview that the next President should be someone who is widely travelled across the country and has friends everywhere he goes, a good politician who understands economics, and the person should be in his sixties.
Here are three reasons why the former Governor of Abia State fits the bill, according to the qualities enlisted by Babangida.
1. He is detribalised and well travelled
Orji Uzor Kalu has been quoted saying “When Professor Jubril Aminu helped me, he did not remember my tribe, he saw me as a Nigerian in need of mentorship. The same goes for President Babangida and that’s why I don’t see tribe when I choose the people to work with in business or politics and guess what? I don’t see the symbols of religion. I see only the good in every one”.
His goodwill and friendship earned him the traditional title Dan Baiwan Hausa (meaning, gifted child) by the Daura Emirate.
Kalu is loved in the South and celebrated in the North. He has sold himself well through business, politics, and sports, such that he holds long standing friendships that extend to all major regions in Nigeria.
An Igbo man from the South East, educated in the North, and with businesses in the South West, he is what you call a complete Nigerian.
2. He is a good businessman
Apart from being the chairman of Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers in Nigeria, Kalu is also the chairman of SLOK Holding, a conglomerate that consists of SLOK Nigeria Limited, SLOK United Kingdom Limited, SLOK United States Incorporated, SLOK Korea, Supreme Oil Limited, SLOK Airlines, etc.
At the age of 33, he headed First International Bank Limited.
With businesses in Ghana, Togo, Cotonou, Guinea, South Africa, Liberia, Botswana, The Gambia, and other African countries, he is a man well versed in business and certainly understands economics.
Babangida advises that when choosing the next President, qualification should be considered over ethnicity and religion.
3. He is young and energetic
Born on 21 April, 1960, Kalu is only 61 years old.
Orji Kalu can be the bridge between the South and the North, as he enjoys the trust of both tribes.