The arrowhead of Britain’s opposition and Member of Parliament, Hon. Ed Miliband, has urged a former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, not to relent in his quest for the enthronement of good governance in Nigeria.
Miliband, who spoke at the launch of Diversity Group of the British Labour Party in London, United Kingdom, said that Kalu has a track record in the fight for the institutionalization of good governance, urging him not to relent.
Miliband described Kalu, who was a speaker at the launch of the Diversity Group, as a tested and trusted politician and leader.
He said: “The civilized countries have known you long before now and that is why you were given this golden opportunity to speak at this dinner.”
The dinner, held at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, Central London, was attended by Members of the UK Parliament (House of Lords and House of Commons), top UK government officials, shadow ministers, professionals, Nigerian-British citizens and corporate bodies.
Among those in attendance were Hon. Keith Vaz, MP, Chairman House Affairs Select Committee; Lain McNicol, Secretary General of Labour Party, UK; Dr. Joe Ukemenem, Chairman, Nigeria for Labour; Turkish main opposition Leader; Mr. and Mrs. Tunde Adebayo, Mr. Joseph Oladosu and representatives of Mitchell and Integer Group, UK.
Miliband said the dinner was to celebrate the launch of the Diversity Group of the Labour party.
He noted that Labour party is an all inclusive party termed a Nation’s party with members and supporters across the globe irrespective of age, religion, colour, tribe and race.
He called on all UK citizens and residents, friends and supporters of the party to support the cardinal objectives of the Labour Party anchored on a responsive government for the betterment of the lives of the people.
He reaffirmed the commitment and dedication of the legislators to promoting good governance by legislating laws that will bring smiles to the faces of their constituents.
He noted that the legislative mandate given to them was for the promotion of the rights of the people and not for selfish purposes.
Kalu said the essence of government is to bring smiles to the faces of the people.
He described parliamentarians as strategic stakeholders in the promotion of a responsive government.
He noted that parliamentarians need to ensure government provides infrastructure – road, water, health facilities, schools, scholarships; social safety nets; healthy bi and multi lateral relations amongst others as promised to the people.
He said not everybody can have the opportunity to be in the House of Lords and House of Commons but those who are there should see themselves as representing all and sundry.
He is of the firm belief that with a forthright House, other key players in government will not take the citizen for a ride and called for healthy working relationship of the Members of Parliament and other partners in government in improving the society to make it a better place for all to live.
He thanked his host, guests and other well wishers who made the occasion great and reassured them that anytime he is called upon, he will not hesitate to accept the invitation.
He extended an invitation to Rt. Hon. Miliband MP and other Members of the Parliament and they accepted to be Kalu’s guest in Nigeria in order to share experiences.
Corroborating Midiland, Vaz re-affirmed the commitment of the parliament to ensuring that government meets the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
He said as parliamentarians, “we are the voice of the voiceless and we have been playing patriotic roles by legislating laws that will bring great improvement to the society.
He used the opportunity to appreciate Kalu, the Guest Speaker for the insightful knowledge, while noting that he has shown the world that his experience in public and private spheres of life have prepared him for future challenges.
He commended his achievements in politics business, philanthropy and called for the emulation of his qualities by leaders.
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