Kalu, a former governor of Abia, spoke on Monday while inaugurating the new building of the ministry of women affairs and social development and the renovated Zamfara College of Arts and Science in Gusau, the state capital.
The senator said Lawal, who is of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), should embrace “political economics” to ensure that the state attracts needed federal investment.
“I’m not asking you to join APC or abandon your party,” Kalu said.
“But for the sake of Zamfara, you must find common ground with President Tinubu. Economic diplomacy is key to bringing federal money and development to your people.”
The former senate chief whip said he maintained a productive relationship with Tinubu during their days as governors between 1999 and 2007, even though they were in different parties.
“Even when we belonged to different parties, we worked together,” he said.
“My children lived in President Tinubu’s house in Lagos while I governed Abia. Mrs Tinubu raised them like her own. We’ve had our differences, but we resolved them for the greater good. You can do the same.”
Kalu, who chairs the senate committee on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), warned that Zamfara may be left behind if political rivalry is allowed to hinder economic cooperation.
“If you play politics and ignore economic cooperation, the people of Zamfara will lose,” he said.
“But if you adopt political economics, you will secure funding and accelerate development.”
He also urged Lawal to reconcile with Abdul’aziz Yari, former governor of the state, describing both men as “sons of the soil” with a responsibility to unite for the common good.
“This state needs collective leadership,” he added.
“You and Yari should set aside personal and political rifts to build a stronger, more prosperous Zamfara. This is about the people, not personal ambition.
“Politics will come and go. What endures is what we do for our people. Let Zamfara come first.”
On June 8, Kalu visited Alex Otti, governor of Abia, and said his deal is for Tinubu and Otti to each other.
“I’m not into coalition talks… My deal is for Tinubu and Otti to support each other,” he said.
