Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North has urged Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to reconcile any political differences with President Bola Tinubu to secure increased federal funding and accelerate development in Zamfara. Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the renovation of Zamfara College of Arts and Science in Gusau, Kalu emphasized that political alignment with the presidency is crucial for the state’s progress.
Kalu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), clarified that he was not asking Governor Lawal, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, to switch parties but to maintain a cordial relationship with President Tinubu, who is a key APC figure. He recounted his own experience maintaining a strong bond with Tinubu despite being in different parties, noting their long-standing personal friendship and cooperation.
He stressed, “Once you leave economic diplomacy and play politics, you will lose, Zamfara people will lose. Go and take the federal money. If you do politics, you leave the federal money. If you do political economics, you get the federal money and develop Zamfara State.” Kalu also called on Governor Lawal to collaborate with former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari, highlighting that unity among Zamfara leaders is essential for delivering development and improving the lives of the people.
The senator underscored the need for Zamfara to attract federal attention and resources, urging the governor to be on good terms with the presidency without necessarily abandoning his party affiliation. He cited his own political journey, noting that despite party differences, shared ideas and cooperation with Tinubu helped achieve common goals.
Kalu’s advice reflects the broader political reality in Nigeria, where states aligned with the federal government often have better access to resources and development opportunities. His call to prioritize economic diplomacy over partisan politics aims to ensure Zamfara’s growth and the welfare of its citizens.
