A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, has urged France to assist with the deepening of democracy in developing countries, especially Nigeria.
Kalu said without the support of France and other countries with advanced democracies, it would be almost impossible to set up the right structures that will enable the tenets and dividends of democracy be put in place and felt by the governed.
Kalu, who spoke during a visit top the French Parliament on Wednesday, said that with most countries striving for democratic perfection having tasted military rule, moving from one end of the divide to another will not only be tedious but almost impossible without assistance.
According to a statement by the former governors Special Adviser, Oyekunle Oyewumi, Kalu was received during the visit by Mr. J.K. Franso and other legislators at the Foreign Affairs Committee room at the Parliament in Paris, France.
Kalu, who was quoted as having had strategic and fruitful discussion on democracy and security challenges in Nigeria, urged France and other advanced nations to support the democratic process in developing countries, most especially Nigeria, having been deprived of democracy by the long years of military dictatorship.
He advocated a platform for democratic review by comity of nations as an avenue to share practical and real life experiences on the process of institutionalizing and effecting true democracy across the globe.
He said: “When democracy takes its rightful place in the society, all citizens will embrace their government without poising any security risks to the nation.”
Kalu commended Nigeria’s former Head of State, retired General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for taking the bold step to relinquish power to civilians after several years of military rulership.
He also commended other Nigerians and groups that fought for the return to democratic rule in Nigeria.
He challenged the groups and individuals not to rest on their oars as it still remains their responsibility to ensure government remains responsive to the plight of the people.
Franso thanked Kalu for the visit to the French Parliament, describing it as a welcome development that will lead to strengthening relationships across race, religion, tribe and sex.
He said both developed and developing countries must come together to re-access the road map for ensuring sustainable development and reiterated the support of French parliamentarians in the formulation of policies that will promote genuine democracy and global peace.
While in France, Kalu was hosted by Nigerian professionals.
Kalu used the opportunity of the meeting to sensitize the Nigerians about Njiko Igbo, a proactive political group for the Igbo race home and abroad.
He said the aim of the group is to reach those in and out of government irrespective of age, religion, sex, party affiliation or association in order to collectively further the interests of Ndigbo in getting the dividends of democracy.
He informed the gathering that he will continue to champion the cause of Ndigbo in demanding for their right to occupy the seat of Nigerian president after years of marginalisation.
Kalu said: “Now that I am relatively young and out of partisan politics, I will commit my energy, time and network of contacts to reposition the Igbos in national leadership positions and regional development so that we can have peace and rest of mind in our old age.”
He cautioned Nigerians to be careful in exchanging words and making inflammatory statements on the controversial debate raised by Prof. Chinua Achebe in his book, adding: “Let us forget the past and forge ahead to develop our dear country, Nigeria.”
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