Kalu, who lamented the passing of the music meastro and social crusader, acknowledged the late musician’s contributions to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria.

He said that the late Morocco, through his Ekpili music, addressed social and moral issues, adding that he also used his music to advance the cause of the people.

The senator, in a condolence message, commiserated with the government and people of Anambra over the demise of their illustrious son.

He added that the memories of the late social crusader would remain evergreen in the minds of his fans and Nigerians in general.

Kalu said: “The passing of renown musician, Chief Chukwuemeka Maduka (Morocco), is a huge loss to the entertainment industry and Nigeria at large.

“I recall early this year, the late musician celebrated his 60th anniversary on stage, with over 120 albums to his credit.

“The late musician alongside his contemporaries, the late Chief Stephen Osadebe and the late Chief Oliver De Coque, contributed immensely to the entertainment industry, locally and internationally.

“They all had exceptionalism and musical depth on stage. The late Morocco’s music was a bridge between the old tunes and new breed of Ekpili music.

“Both the old and the young enjoyed the songs of the late King of Ekpili music. The late philosophical singer was the first Ekpili musician to perform outside the shores of Nigeria.

“He was popular in the United States of America, United Kingdom and South Africa.

“Above all, the music career of the deceased was remarkable, unbeatable and fulfilling.”

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Morocco Maduka Global Fans Club and members of the Maduka family.

Kalu, who also admonished upcoming musicians to emulate the worthy legacies of the deceased, prayed to God to rest the soul of the popular musician and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

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The former governor of Abia, while commending religious leaders and traditional rulers for promoting peace and unity across the country, urged Ingrains to use the season for sober reflection and devotion.

Kalu, in a goodwill message, admonished Muslim faithful to offer prayers for unity, peace and progress of Nigeria during the period.

He also applauded religious leaders for educating their followers and Nigerians at large on the need for religious tolerance and mutual respect.

He stressed that Nigerians must imbibe the spirit of togetherness, brotherhood and selflessness despite ethnic, religious and political differences for the sake of national unity.

Kalu urged Muslims to uphold the teachings of the holy Quran, while demonstrating forgiveness, piety, charity and patriotism in their daily pursuits.

“I join our Muslim brothers and sisters to mark this year’s Eid el- Maulud in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

“This is not a period for merry making but a time for sober reflection as individuals and as a nation.

“We must demonstrate the exemplary qualities of Prophet Muhammed in our daily lives.

“The citizenry and government must work harmoniously for the sake of building a united Nigeria.

“It is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, that sustainable development can be achieved.

“We must resist any attempt by unpatriotic and selfish individuals to divide the country.

“Nigeria must remain one united entity for Nigerians to reap the diverse potential of the heterogeneous nature of the country,” Kalu said.

Kalu used the opportunity to call on the youths to shun all acts of violence, while admonishing Nigerians to channel their grievances against government through legitimate platforms.

He noted that the recent #EndSARS protest across the country was hijacked by hoodlums, thugs and miscreants resulting in loss of lives and property.

He emphasised that the political class must live up to expectations in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

“The peaceful EndSARS protesters have made their demands known to the Federal Government and the President deserves commendation for the immediate dissolution of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

He, however, urged the youths and the Federal Government to engage in dialogue in a bid to address other demands of the protesters.

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In a goodwill message issued on Monday, Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate, extolled the virtues of Ukiwe, whom he described as a genuine leader committed to a just and egalitarian society.

The lawmaker further described the former Chief of General Staff as a man of impeccable character, saying that he the country meritoriously in various capacities, both in the private and public spheres.

While acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the elder statesman to democracy in Nigeria, the former Abia governor said that the likes of Ukiwe were difficult to come by in the society.

According to Kalu, the former vice president has, over the years, demonstrated humility, patriotism, credibility and selflessness in his pursuits.

“The celebrator’s leadership qualities are remarkable and worthy of emulation,” he remarked, stressing that Ukiwe was a man with unwavering passion for a united, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria.

“The former vice president is a mentor and role model to his contemporaries and the younger generation. Over the years, his personality has been anchored on fairness and equity.

“As a patriotic statesman, he always counsels the younger generation on leadership and nation
building. I have personally benefitted, in no small measure, from his counsel.

“As you mark this glorious feat, it is my prayer that God will continue to strengthen you in the service of humanity,” Kalu said.

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The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Chief Donatus Nwankpa, said in an interview with our reporter that he was disappointed and angry with the judgment.

Nwankpa, who was a member of the Abia House of Assembly when Kalu was governor, said that the judgment was not fair.

“The party will meet to take a position on the judgment but as an individual, I am very saddened by the judgment.

“I am not convinced that judgment was given,” he said, adding that the court’s verdict sustained his doubts about the integrity and objectivity of the nation’s judiciary.

Nwankpa said that he never had the confidence that Kalu would get judgment, “considering the utterances of the judge.”

“I’m highly convinced that something went wrong. The judgment is not fair,” he said.

Conversely, the Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council in Abia, Mr Ceekay Igara, described the judgment as “good precedence.”

According to him, “if Kalu was found wanting as governor of the state, he should face judgment.

“It is a normal thing and goes to prove that nonody is above the law.

Igara, who is the state Chairman of the Labour Party, said that the judgment was supposed to teach two lessons.

He said, “The first lesson for those who are in government and second for others who intend to take over is that whatever they do, there is always a judgment day.”

Mr Maduka Okoro, the South-East Media Aide to Kalu, told NAN that Kalu would appeal the judgment “to allow other judges and a higher court take another look at the case.”

Okoro said that Kalu was not bothered by the judgment but considered it as one of the travails that every leader must experience “before becoming what God wants him to be.”

He expressed optimism that the judment would be reversed by a higher court, adding that Kalu would be acquitted at last.

He said that as governor, Kalu administered Abia transparently and never defrauded the state.

Kalu was Abia governor from 1999 to 2007 and won election to the Senate in the 2019 election, after three attempts.

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