Kalu, Lalong, Shittu meet with President Buhari in Daura

Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, Plateau State Governor, Solomon Lalong and Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, yesterday had a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at his Daura residence.

The meeting was held shortly after the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, conferred the Dan-Baiwan Hausa (the Gifted Son of Hausaland) chieftaincy title on Kalu.

Farouk said Kalu was honoured with the title in recognition for his contributions to the unity of Nigeria, adding that Kalu deserves the title for the love he has shown the Buhari administration since its inception in 2015.

The council approved the conferment of the title in recognition of Kalu’s contributions to the country’s stability and oneness.

“The rationale behind the title is to encourage Kalu to continue to support President Buhari’s administration to improve the living conditions of Nigerians,” he said.

Speaking, Kalu noted that the gesture would encourage him to sustain his humanitarian assistance to the people, saying the Emir had demonstrated his commitment to a united Nigeria and urged other traditional rulers to emulate the gesture.

“I appreciate the recognition of my contributions to nation building and I pledge my loyalty to the Daura Emirate, Katsina State and Nigeria. The honour is timely and encouraging. This is a good compensation for continually spreading the message of peace and unity across the country,” Kalu said.

Lalong and Shittu had accompanied Kalu, who had earlier been conferred with a chieftaincy title of the Katsina Emirate, to receive the Daura title.

The trio left the Emir’s Palace in a convoy and headed for the President’s country home where they were received at 2.40pm.

While Lalong left the President’s residence at 3.30pm, Kalu and Shittu left some five minutes later.