Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports.
Kalu Idika Kalu, a two-time Finance Minister, has disagreed with Shiekh Ahmad Gumi on his remarks about Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and the Biafra agitation.
Gumi claimed in a post that the emergence of Obi had slowed down IPOB members’ agitation for Biafra, claiming that the ‘noise’ about Biafra is all about the South East clinching the presidency.
However, in an exclusive interview with Tracknews , Kalu stated that Obi’s background and upbringing bear no resemblance to what Gumi was implying.
He advised the Muslim cleric not to associate Obi with any self-determination movement in order to de-market him.
Obi’s goal, according to Kalu, was to build a more equitable economy that would get Nigeria out of the woods.
“I’m very familiar with Obi. He has collaborated with people from all over the country. His goal is to build a strong economy for the country.”
The former Minister also reminded Gumi that IPOB had already denied any ties to Obi, and questioned why he would make unnecessary political capital out of Obi’s ambition.
Kalu went on to say that instead of making comments that could exacerbate tensions in the country, Nigerians should thank God for saving the country.
He claimed that a few months ago, the country was on the verge of collapse when God intervened, “so that today, we are talking about the 2023 election.”
“We should be grateful to God for saving us from the crash. We were on our way to disaster when he abruptly stopped us. We need to ask questions.”
He advised Nigerians to carefully assess the presidential candidates’ qualifications and track records before making an informed decision.
According to the former Minister, Nigerians are now facing a common problem and need someone to lead them out of the jungle.
Insecurity, hunger, poor infrastructure, a lack of jobs, and other issues, according to him, are common among Nigerians of all tribes and religions, and the people, regardless of tribe, need someone with a solution.
Idika stated that he was familiar with the major party candidates, but advised Nigerians to make informed decisions based on competence.
