A group known as the Association of Concerned Citizens of Nigeria for Peace (ACCNP) has promised to stage one million-man march to support the presidential ambition of Senator Orji Kalu.
The Group said the one million-man march shall be hosted in Minna, Niger state capital and Abuja, the federal capital.
National coordinator of ACCNP, Chief Orji Philip Orji said Kalu will also be honoured with the award of Ambassador of Peace in Nigeria.
He noted that the march and the award are in recognition of Senator Kalu’s relentless and laudable efforts in negotiating peace and building bridges of reconciliation across the length and breadth of the nation over the years.
According to him, “I must say that this peace march and rally for Senator Orji Kalu was not initiated by me. But it is the collective decision of the group, whose sole aim is the promotion of peace among Nigerians. Kalu has been building consensus and peace among elites and other Nigerians for decades and we feel he deserves to be honoured so that other leaders can emulate him.
“Remember, Kalu has been promoting peace right from when he was governor of Abia state. He had in the past brought leaders like the late Ikemba Nnewi, Odimegwu Ojukwu, President Muhammadu Buhari and former military president, Gen. Babangida together and many more”
Extolling Kalu’s qualities, Chief Orji said “Kalu is one in a million. His milestone achievements are there to speak for him. He is humble, he is a philanthropist, he has a heart of forgiveness, he is a lover of peace and friend of all”
Speaking further, the national coordinator said, ” His Excellency, Sen Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is a golden gift from God to Nigeria, he became governor at the age of 39, he is equally a gift with leadership charisma, that is why he was not influenced or distracted by youthful exuberance”.
According to him, because of Kalu’s peacebuilding efforts, he has received a total of 500 chieftaincy titles across the country. “It will interest you to know that His Excellency has 500 chieftaincy titles across the 36 states and FCT. He is detribalised and at home with Nigerians from all parts of the country “
Some of these titles include “The Ahaejiejemba one of Igbere, his home town, Ikenga Ata of Igbo- Ukwu, Akuzuluigbo One of Eziama, etc.
“In the Southwest, he is the Aro of Ogbomoso, Babameto of Ijesha land and Gbobaniyi of Akure etc. While in the north, he is Dan Baiwa Hausa of Daura, Kibiyan Kabi of Argungu Kebbi state, Bana Zaki of Lapai Niger state, Garkuwa Karami, Kano, Dangaladima of Ilorin, Kwara state, Kachalla of Misau, Bauchi State etc”.
On why the rally will be held in Abuja and Minna, Orji said “The one in Minna is for the 19 northern states while that of Abuja is the grand finale for the whole country.
Asked if the peace march was to kickstart Senator Kalu’s presidential ambition, Orji denied but explained that the group would campaign for Kalu should he join the presidential race.
“The primary aim of the peace march is not to promote Senator Kalu’s presidential ambition. But if you ask me, it is not far from it be sure we are talking about his achievements and laudable efforts in promoting peace in Nigeria. So, if he has done so well, such a person deserves to be president.
“Although we are not campaigning for him now, we may be doing so in the near future. But first of all, peace must be there and that is why we are honouring him with the noble award of peace ambassador of Nigeria. People may read different meanings into what we are doing but that is the intention”, he stated.
Orji explained “We are peace-loving Nigerians who want peace to reign in the country and we have identified one individual who has done so well for the nation in terms of peace and bridge-building”
Continuing, he said “Recently, Senator Kalu was on Arise TV and he said if his party zones the presidency to the south, he will contest. But as we speak, the national convention of the APC has not been held nor has the National Working Committee (NWC) met to zone positions, so we cannot be campaigning now. There is time for everything”, he stated.
