FROM ILIYA GARBA, MINNA

FORMER Abia State gov­ernor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has appealed to the committee of former Heads of State to sup­port the Buhari-led govern­ment so that he can succeed in moving the country forward.

Kalu, made the call during a Sallah visit to former Mili­tary President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar at their respective homes in Minna, Niger State capital yesterday.

He said, “we are here among other issues to urge you to find a way to advise the present government to con­tinue to do good to the people of Nigeria”.

The former governor who led a delegation of his friends and associates told IBB that they were at his residence to felicitate with him on the cel­ebration of Sallah which has been the tradition.

He said, “we wish you good health, more long life because you still have contributions to make to the development of our dear country in terms of advise and otherwise; adding that, “on behalf of all of us, we pray God to be with you and bless you with longer life”.

According to him, IBB is the most acceptable leader that ruled this country whether anybody agrees or not as it is a statement of fact, saying, “you have people in every nook and cranny of this nation and that is what we call, wealth, not the money at hand because wealth means humility to relate with the people at the top.”

In his remarks, IBB ex­pressed delight over the visit, which he said, “I want to thank you and your friends for this special visit. You really made my day”.

“I have always enjoyed your company so your pres­ence and your friends is of immense benefit to all of us. I want to assure you that we will remain friends,” IBB stated.

On the rumour making the rounds about his death, he said, “I have been sick but it is also true that I am not dead yet”.

Also speaking, Gen. Ab­dusalam Abubakar said, “Your Excellency, it is a pleasure having you and your friends and wished that other people in Nigeria will cultivate the habit of Dr. Orij Kalu, stressing that, “every­body is his friend, we are all brothers and sisters and hope our children yet unborn will maintain this relationship”.

Answering question on the crisis in Niger Delta, he advised, “that I have said be­fore that they should put their arms and let’s discuss why they are fighting. Let us sit-down and discuss.”