Orji Uzor Kalu Honoured

Society Watch

Certainly, anyone who would like to write the biography of Orji Uzor Kalu will find enough materials that will make the book an interesting read for readers. He had started recording great feats even before he became the colossus that he is today.

The Senate Chief Whip has been a detribalised Nigerian, whose circle of friends cuts across the corners of Nigeria. Perhaps, this is evident in the honour bestowed on him in Kebbi State on Friday, November 5, 2021.

The Argungu Emirate in Kebbi State, led by the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, conferred the traditional title of Kibiyan Kabi (Commander of the Archers of Kebbi Kingdom) on the former governor. Earlier on October 12, the Senate Majority Leader, Abdullahi Yahaya, in company with representatives of the Emir, had presented a letter to Kalu at his Abuja home.

The conferment ceremony, which was witnessed by eminent personalities across the country, was held during the annual international fishing festival in Argungu. It was gathered that the ceremony coincided with the 25th coronation anniversary of the monarch and the wedding ceremony of his first daughter, Habiba to Abubakar Haruna, Garkuwan Kabi, MD/CEO, Kaduna Electric.

During the ceremonies, Kalu was showered with encomiums. Speaking at the event, a prominent Nigerian, Haruna Ahmed, said: “Yesterday, to my admiration, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu and other distinguished senators had arrived in Kebbi ahead of the event by Kebbi Emirates. Going by the facts on ground, I am persuaded to believe that Kalu is one of the rarest political leaders from the Southern part of Nigeria, who truly understands the essence of unity.

“It’s surprising that Kalu is the only Southern leader, who doesn’t just derive joy in harmonizing with the Northerners, but also feels comfortable eating, sleeping and living within us. As a Northerner, I know quite a number of politicians from the South who only come to Kebbi and leave the same day, but this is not the case with Kalu, who has already spent a night with us and I am sure would spend more time with us, which for me, is a sign of genuine love.

“Indeed, the honour given to him today by the Kebbi Emirates is well-deserved as he is not just a great son of Southern Nigeria but also an adopted son of Northern Nigeria
I want to also use this medium to appreciate Kalu for his love for the unity of the Nation, for being a great example for other political leaders by teaching us through action and words to shun tribalism.”

In his remarks, Senator Kalu thanked the Argungu Emirate for considering him worthy of the traditional title. He described the gesture as a laudable testament to Nigeria’s unity and thanked His Royal Highness for the honour done to him. He also congratulated the Emir on his daughter’s wedding.

The title would be the second from Kebbi for Kalu, as he has previously been honoured by the Gwandu Emirate council in 2004.