The nine men were literally saying their last prayers under the captivity of rampaging Libyan rebels before God sent an angel in form of the CNN reporters.
Kalu said,”I was really moved.You could see our young men in tears,those nine men would have been wasted even as the Federal Government granted the rebels recognition.I saw two of them with Edo marks.I heard the voice of an Igbo boy.Thank God for CNN, we are better informed of the happenings in Tripoli.”
The ex-governor bewailed the lot of compatriots who travelled to Libya as a gateway to Europe but were forced to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea.
“It is unfortunate.Under Muammar Gaddafi,Nigerians were hounded.In the present dispensation,there is no difference.Libyans seem to have forgotten the role our fathers played,as soldiers of the West Africa Frontier Forces in cold Tobruk to liberate them from Fascism,”he cried out.
Kalu also highlighted the contributions of such stars as Victor Ikpeba and Tony Osheku to the development of Libyan sports.
“There are Nigerians doing legitimate business in Libya.When many superstars shied away from that country,Victor Ikpeba was there.Chikelue Iloenyosi followed suit.Until recently,Tony Osheku was coach of their national athletics team and produced an African quarter-mile champion.Today, Izu Azuka plays for Al-Ittihad.Our countrymen cannot all be mercenaries and migrants.We deserve some respect and apology,”Kalu pointed out.
Signed.
Emeka Obasi.
