Four distant years to the next Presidential elections,former Abia state governor Orji Uzor Kalu Tuesday flashed a Yellow card to individuals preparing for the the plum job, warning that Aso Villa remained a mystery to men of ambition.
Kalu disclosed that in democratic Nigeria,no President ever planned to rule until providence changed the course of history.
He said,”The best way to lose the position is to plan for it.General Olusegun Obasanjo was picked from maximum detention to monumental attention in 1999.Alhaji Umaru Yar’adua thought of retirement before a higher rating came in 2007.Dr. Goodluck Jonathan hardly settled down as Vice President when death rejigged his position in 2010.All these men virtually got the job on a platter of gold.”
In explaining the uncanny mood of Aso Villa,the former governor added that the country’s first Executive President Alhaji Shehu Shagari was ousted while on holidays in Abuja barely three months into his second term.
“Shagari’s second term ambition died with the December 31,1983 coup.It also took the life of Brigadier Ibrahim Bako and detention of Guards Brigade Commander Col.Mohammed Bello Kaliel.Since that period,ambitious civilians have never been so lucky to win elections to the Villa”, Kalu explained.
The ex-governor also played with the word “Aso” as he advised those angling for the position to learn from history.
“Aso is the Gwari word for victory.So whoever goes to The Villa is a winner.It also means abomination in some parts of Igboland where it serves as name.In Yoruba it could stand for dress.For those who want to earn victory in 2015,it is abominable to begin a dress rehearsal now.Patience is the name of the game.And after Goodluck,let us all like Ndigbo, wait for the hand of God,”Kalu summed up.
