OPINION

PDP: OUK is a mighty man in battle

 By Odimegwu Onwumere

Orji Uzor Kalu

Every battle starts with provocation and the fear to lose a war is unsafe than war itself. This is why those who know the art of war are always constant in their struggle to surmount every unwelcoming block. The former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu deserves more than doffing a cap for these.

His well celebrated return to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was aplomb, a party he was a founding member. The unique side of this re-entry into the PDP was that it took place at his Igbere country home, a folder that showed that he was a prophet recognised at home, against the contrary.

Kalu was not only re-admitted into PDP, but was issued with a membership card. And he gave reason for this action in his own word: “All the founding members of the PDP have met and decided that we should all go back to our party because if we continue to leave it to the brutes, they will put it into shame and Nigerians no longer have confidence in the party.’’

It is obvious that Kalu did not beg to return to the party. Many people and politicians mounted pressure on him to do so. Ask the leadership of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) they would attest to this. Many people who graced the epoch event believed that Kalu had impacted definitely on the lives of several persons.  He cannot be forgotten!

Many Nigerians knew that Kalu had a large heart in doing things, joined with goodwill. His going back to the PDP is not novel. Afterall, who has not? Needless to mention names. But it is on record that a host of Nigerian politicians who left one political party or the other later genuflected and rejoined another political party. In Kalu’s case, why he deserves much applause is that he was not holding any political position, like many politicians jumped ship.

Kalu reminds one of one Alice Walker saying that for in the end, freedom is a personal and lonely battle; and one faces down fears of today so that those of tomorrow might be engaged. Kalu has taken the battle of ascendancy to the Abia State politicians who did not want his presence in the PDP.  They ganged-up against him, which has turned out to be a futility. Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is a mighty man in battle!

These PDP politicians in Abia State wanted to deprive Kalu his fundamental right to free association and the freedom to decide what he does politically at his own will, but he went ahead to tell them that they were light featherweight politicians. Bravo!

Those that are calling Kalu names because he rejoined the PDP are just exposing their selfish nature. Kalu did not swallow his words of saying that he was leaving the party previously for good. What he has done by rejoining the party is what any sensible and patriot who is accentuated by the love of his country will do. He has gone back to the PDP to help re-address it. Gracias!

One thing again that some people should understand is that Kalu did not say that he rejoined the PDP for what he might get, but for what he would contribute to the party. And he had been contributing. He is brilliant!

Kalu is not a fool who embarks on a journey that does not better humanity like those who went to the Abuja headquarters of the PDP to try stopping his rejoining the PDP last year. Kalu has shown them today that he is not a coward; he is a man who dares challenges. Ask an ex-president of the country and he will tell you that anybody’s wisdom starts at confronting Kalu, let alone those PDP politicians who attempted learning politics under Kalu’s tutelage, but because of their egocentrism, they could not be patient enough to learn the art of politics from the master strategist.

  

Kalu’s comeback to the PDP will be a blessing to the party, especially in the Abia State chapter. He is back to rebuild a house that yesmen have corrupted. Ariri Eri Mba, Emetu Mba Ahu Mba is back to the PDP, and there is no how the small masquerade can stop the Ijele when he is on stage. Many people are saying that they can now vote for the PDP in the next election because of Kalu; they can see everything turning around for our good because Kalu is involve; they love him with all their strength and are happy for him for taking this rare decision.

It is obvious that Kalu’s return to the PDP has started jittering the gangsters in the Abia State PDP block who have always endangered the party in that state. Kalu stands for good, at least, to thwart their perpetual gang-up to maim Abia State financially, psychologically and physically.

However, Kalu should use his discretion to repositioning the PDP and as well continue to reposition Ndigbo. He should learn and add to his wisdom from one Ann Landers who was quoted as saying that all married couples should learn the art of battle as they should learn the art of making love. Good battle is objective and honest – never vicious or cruel. Good battle is healthy and constructive, and brings to a marriage the principles of equal partnership.

Odimegwu Onwumere, Poet/Author, contributed this piece from Aba, Abia State.