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Now I Know Doing Good Pays So Much – SP Celestina Kalu
By Eric Elezuo
She hit national limelight after rescuing an armed robbery victim from imminent death. Not only did she paved his way to adequate medical attention, she also committed her resources to he tune of over a million naira to ensure that the young man was well taken care of. Ever since, Superintendent of Police Celestina Kalu, the Divisional Police Officer, Ogudu Police Station, has been receiving accolades from all and sundry for that singular act of humanity. The Anambra State-born police officer told me her story in this brief chat. Excerpt:
I know you are popular and everybody knows you but please for the benefit of hindsight, kindly introduce yourself?
Well, I have a lot of titles. I am SP Celestina Kalu and at the same time I am Rotarian Celestina Kalu.
How does it feel to be the cynosure of all eyes at the moment for what you did for that young man?
I can’t express it in words. I am really overwhelmed, and again I am very surprised. In fact, I feel I am dreaming because since October 1 when the incident went public, I’ve not known rest. People from Nigeria, and indeed all of the world have been in contact with me, some praying for me, some sending me money, others sending messages. In fact, different organisations have been coming to my office to offer me awards. Honestly, I am really humbled and at the same time excited. I never knew doing good can pay this much.
Considering the negative narrative the public has of the Police, what was it that motivated you to attend to that young man?
Passion. I think passion is it; I have passion for human beings, and every human life is important to me. Again, the ethics of my occupation was a motivation. My main objective as a police officer is to protect life and property, coupled with my Rotary background where selfless services is a watchword. So being a passionate person, police officer and Rotarian all combined to motivate me.
So what message are you sending to the public who mainly think that Police as a profession and individual sometimes have their bad side?
My Message still remains that Police is your friend; you have no other friend than the police. Do you try calling a thug whenever you are in distress? No, it’s the police you will call, and anytime you call the police they will always be there to respond to your needs.
I don’t believe this is the first act of humanity you have done in your profession, can you take us down the memory lane maybe to one or two incidents?
Sometimes ago as an upcoming officer, say 12 years ago, then I attached to the traffic section with the Ebonyi State Command. There was an accident case where I had to take the victim to the hospital, and you know the bureaucracy of the hospital, which involves going to buy card and all the rest. I had to do all these, but two hours after the guy started receiving treatment, he passed on right in my presence. I will never forget that incident. I wept that day. He was a very young man. So, when this very incident happened, I called on God and said ‘God! please, don’t let this happen again. Don’t let all my efforts to be in vain again. I want to tell a story and I thank God He answered my prayers.
Does the two incidents tell any story about our society? About 12 years ago, you took someone to the hospital, he died and no one talked about it, then 12 years after you took another person there, he made it and it went public.
I think back then the social media was not as strong as it is now. The world is a global village now. You can be anywhere and hear about what is happening everywhere; 12 years ago wasn’t like that. I think that was why it wasn’t talked about then. However, people around me know what I am capable of.
So far, many organisations and individuals have been honouring you, what has your immediate constituency, the Police done for you?
Well, we have a group, the Women Right Group that work directly with the Commissioner of Police, and they have come to my office to honour me.
Can you say that belonging to the police and being a Rotarian has a lot to do in fashioning your passionate life?
Very well
SP Celestina Kalu with Rotary club, Ikoyi president, Nkiru Balogun
How?
As a police officer, during my training, we were taught through material services, and we were trained to give first aid by the Red Cross International. We were taught a lot of things during the training, so it is part of my training. I joined Rotary in 2010, and got to know more about material services. As we all know, Police job is based on selfless and material service. Despite that, we must carry out our duties.
Kindly trace your growth in the Police force as regards positions and locations till date?
I started my career in Ebonyi State and I have served in different sections there including Traffic, Investigation and Administration. In 2010 when I was posted to Delta State, I was mobilized as a new commander in the mobile police force. There I commanded a unit of 62 men for three years.
Let’s break it down when you said men, does it have to do with masculine men because you know in the force, and men comprise male and female?
No, it is purely masculine men; they were under my supervision for the years and I never had any issues. Honestly, I had a good time in the mobile police force; it was a good experience. Every police officer should pass through the mobile training in his 35 years with the police. I was trained in Gwoza as well as Ila before I was mobilized into the mobile course for three years. For another three years, I was the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, that is the Police Public Relations Officer. In 2016, I got promoted to the rank of Superintendent and became the Asaba Area Crime Officer. I served for three years (2016-2018). In September 2018, I was posted to the Operation Department, of course I liked operation second to public relation. I functioned in that capacity till January 2019 when I was transferred to Lagos.
I didn’t hear you talking about going up North so far, any intention to?
I have not been posted to the north yet but I will definitely go to the north because I was born there, that is my root.
You were born in the North? Apart from being born in the north and being a Nigerian, what is your state of origin?
I am from Anambra State. I was born in Maiduguri, Borno State. I had all my education there – from nursery to university.
Question: Okay, Maiduguri explains your ability to speak more than the Igbo language?
Yes
Can you speak the Igbo Language
Yes I can speak Igbo language.
Question: Which other language do you speak?
I speak a little of Yoruba.
That means you speak Hausa and Igbo at the same time?
That’s right
Was the young man able to speak when you met him in pains? What exactly did he say to you that moved you?
He talk all through till he was wheeled to the theatre by 5am
SP Kalu with District 9110 Governor, Mr. Jide Akeredolu
What did he tell you?
I actually did not take him to the hospital: my men did, and I kept in touch. He was first taken to Gbagada General Hospital where he was given first aid, they confessed that they don’t have the capacity to treat him as he would require surgery because he was shot in the stomach. So they referred to Federal Medical Centre. he was rejected at FMC as management complained of lack of space. The young man was bleeding profusely so I suggested he be moved to the Ikeja General Hospital. funny enough, we were also told that that there was no space. That was when I said ‘it’s a lie’. I ordered them to wait for me there while I drove all the way to the hospital. The time was past 12 midnight.
To my greatest surprise, the man was still sitting right inside the patrol vehicle, bleeding and hanging on a drip, when I got there. The humanity in me got angry, and I confronted the hospital saying ‘what a hell! What do you people think you are doing here; people say police is not good, now police have done their duty why can’t you people in the hospital do yours; this young man has been bleeding since God knows when’. We actually picked him up around after 9pm and it was already way past midnight and he was still in my vehicle. I asked them if they want him to die in my vehicle or die in my custody or what.
They again complained about space, but I said it was a lie, and asked my men to bring him inside the hospital because that was where he belongs not the police van or custody. They did. I therefore, approached the doctor on duty and gave him my number and N5000 with an instruction to ensure he gets treatment, no matter he does it while promising to locate his family by morning.
But as I was about leaving, the young man held me and said ‘Mummy, please I don’t want to die, please don’t leave me, please help me.’ I was transfixed. I just stood there knowing very well I couldn’t leave him alone. He was already turning white from head down. I was scared and had to go back to the doctor and asked him what he wants us to do. I know it was a matter of money so I immediately promised I will pay. That was when he told me that his his condition required surgery. I said I was ready then he started making calls and within 2 hours every doctor, surgeon and the rest were present. They told me what they needed and I started buying everything, to the last item. But getting blood became a problem; he had lost a lot of blood already was turning white. When they checked blood group it was O positive, but there was no blood in the blood bank when they checked. Incidentally, I was O positive.
You donated your own blood?
I didn’t. I volunteered to but they told me they can’t bleed in the night as there was no staff to do it. At that instant, I remembered I’ve seen in movies do watch films where they do direct transfer from a donor to a patient, so I asked them to try the method, but they declined, saying it doesn’t work that way. They said there is place where blood is sold. I took the number and called, and before I knew it, four to five bags of blood were delivered. In fact, by 5am, they wheeled him to the theatre for the operation.
Can you tell us the total amount you spent there?
I won’t know exactly, but towards the end of everything, I realised I had spent over a million naira, You will be shocked to know how the money came by
Today you are SP, are you expecting any promotion soon?
Definitely, I have to move from this position to a higher position at most in the next four years.
I mean in the shortest distance, based on this singular achievement
If promotion comes I would take it.
So what advice do you have for those who usually abandon sick people or people with bullet wounds on the road. I can see that you made progress because of your status as a ranking police officer
What happened that day has brought lots of changes, and I’m glad. I was speaking to the CMD at the hospital when I went there to recount my experience he promised me that he has changed tthe rule of ‘don’t bleed in the night or no bleeding by weekend’. The rule has been changed. Again, when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was honouring me, he told me that I have inspired him to go check the hospitals at random times, to make sure that certain things are put in place in case of emergencies. The incident has brought those changes, so something good came out of it.
We join all Nigerians to appreciate your effort. Congratulations ma!
Thank you very much. Nigeria is a great country, I never knew that Nigeria could appreciate a public servant this way, honestly I really appreciate. Doing good really pays.
Is a clarion call to do good in order to attract national accolades,
Yes it’s good to be good.
I see you getting a national honour soon. Congratulations once again!
(Laughs) Thanks…looking forward to it.
By Eric Elezuo
The Nigerian political circle is fast taking shape as the 2027 presidential election draws closer. As a result, permutations regarding who contests for what position, and under what platform is gaining momentum.
From every indication, three political parties have so far shown cause as the main platforms of choice, that is if feelers from the reviving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its newest bride, former President Goodluck Jonathan, are anything to ignore.
The parties are the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the erstwhile coalition group, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the freshly introduced Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). One common denomination attached to these political parties is that they all congresses.
Among the three frontline parties is the NDC, whose life was recently enhanced with the inclusion of two south and north politicians; Mr Peter Obi, who contested under the umbrella of the Labour Party in 2023, and unarguably made serious in-roads even as a newcomer, and Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, who contested under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Kwankwaso’s influence was restricted to his native Kano State, but garnered a total of 1.4 million votes across boards. Today, the two politicians are joining forces in what has been termed Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement to attempt to wrestle power from President Bola Tinubu. Both are also bringing with them their vocal movements; the Obidients and the Kwankwasiyya.
But analysts, stakeholders and observers alike have various considered the alliance of the two political heavyweights, wondering if the marriage is of strange bedfellows that may discard each other in the nearest future, or if there is any iota of seriousness among them that can lead to materializing its lofty objectives.
Recall that on Sunday, May 3, the duo of Obi and Kwankwaso dumped the ADC, and joined the NDC, blaming external interference and unending litigation that may hinder aspirants in the party from actualising their aspirations in 2027.
The move comes just nine months after Obi, Kwankwaso and the defacto leader of the coalition, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar joined the ADC. However, from available indices, the coalition quickly became mired in legal battles over party leadership. Obi blamed the new obstacles set before the party were direct consequences of the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” Obi had said while being received by the NDC leadership.
It is important to out on record that various voices speaking for Tinubu and federala Government have denied that they have in the quagmire that befell ADC, or has been trying to sabotage opposition parties.
Speaking afterwards, both men called for national unity, greater opportunities for young people, and an end to the infighting that has plagued Nigeria’s opposition.
However, their decision risks upsetting allies within the coalition built around the ADC, which had been positioning itself as the main vehicle for opposition unity.
Some figures within the bloc have privately expressed a sense of betrayal, raising fresh doubts about whether Nigeria’s fragmented opposition can sustain a coordinated challenge against President Tinubu, who celebrated his 74th birthday in March.
Across sectors, platforms and political corners, the influence of the Obi-Kwankwaso combination continues to grow given the political terrain a new agenda for discussion.
However, many stakeholders, among whim the very informed, have said that the union may end as abruptly as it started, stressing that political equilibrium or exigency are mostly not determined by absolutely loyalty, but most of the times by self interest and aggradizement. This, they said may turn out to be the hallmark of Alhaji Kwankwaso.
Some have reasoned that the five years age difference between Obi and Kwankwaso, with Kwankwaso having the upper hand, the academic superior of the former Kano governor, and his lengthier days in his political sojourn may form the criteria for him to refuse whatever arrangement already on the ground, including playing the running mate fiddle to Obi.
But even at that, it is important to note that Barack Obama was 47 years old when he became president, and his Vice, Joe Biden, was 66 years old. So Kwankwaso is not going to set a world record as vice that is older than his principal? Definitely not.
Another group has hinted that Kwankwaso is only oiling his own personal path to 2031, when the coast will be ripe for the candidate of northern extraction to vie for the presidency.
“Consequently, his intention is far from working for Obi’s victory nor Atiku, for neither of the two can conveniently bow out in 2031. The only person permitted by law not to seek election in 2031 is President Tinubu, if he wins the 2027 election. So, conveniently, any ambitious person with eye on the presidency will definitely want Tinubu to win,” a source told The Boss.
Another school of thought has hinted that with the sudden interest of Goodluck Jonathan in the presidency, the path may be cleared for Kwankwaso to deputize for Jonathan instead of Obi. However, as at the time that membership registration register was closed on May 10, 2026, Jonathan was a member of the Turaki-led PDP while Kwankwaso is still in the NDC.
But Kwankwaso in his speech during the inaugural convention of the NDC insisted that the presidency should be zoned to the South, noting that the south should be allowed to complete its eight years tenure. Whether he meant that for his new party, or for the Tinubu administration, the speech explains in details:
Fellow Nigerians,
It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfilment that I address you today on this historic occasion of the National Convention of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Abuja.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared, largely because of poor leadership. Instead of positioning Nigeria to seize emerging opportunities, bad governance has left us bearing the brunt of global changes.
We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land. Millions have been displaced from their homes. Investments are fleeing, critical infrastructure is neglected, the education system is collapsing, and harsh economic policies have been imposed on citizens without meaningful safety nets or relief.
Yet Nigeria’s history teaches us that in our most challenging moments, visionary alliances have provided the way forward. In 1954, a historic partnership was formed between the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by Aminu Kano and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Nnamdi Azikiwe to achieve national unity.
Again, in 1960, against steep odds, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) formed a coalition with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) to birth our independence.
In the Second Republic, the alliance between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) helped restore civilian rule and national unity after years of military dictatorship.
It is therefore with great sense of unity and solidarity, that as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South, so that it allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership.
This represents a true opportunity for true national healing. We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.
This party shall also ensure to change the way things are done today by prioritising leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.
The leadership standard we shall set will therefore restore Nigeria’s dignity and will guarantee that our citizens at home and the diaspora will be treated with respect and dignity.
Lastly, we can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause. Please register, today.
Thank you.
Long Live the Nigeria Democratic Congress!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
From every indication, the dumping of Obi by Kwankwaso may remain a page in a fiction narrative, since it is absolutely impossible for more defections to occur at this time, according to the new Electoral Act 2026.
However, the page of whether he is totally in support of Obi as his principal, still remains unwritten and blank. What is obvious is the two, by present political exigency, may lead the charge as NDC attempt to dislodge Tinubu as president, and also stop Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who may lead the ADC attack, from making any headway.
By May 30 according to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) table, all flag bearers would have been known and observers are throwing their hats in the ring to predict another 3-horse race, exactly as witnessed in 2023.
What would change would depend heavily on the homework every candidate has done prior to this time, and the alliances created on and off the political circle.
But would Kwankwaso Dump Obi at this time, the answer is likely in the negative. The level of cohesion he is willing to give is what however, that is still contentious about.
Time is almost at hand!
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has thrown the 2027 race wide open by zoning
its presidential ticket to the South for a single four-year term, a move that instantly puts Peter Obi and other southern aspirants in play.
The decision came at the party’s national convention on Saturday after a motion by Rep. Afam Victor Ogene of Anambra’s Ogbaru constituency. Delegates adopted it without dissent.
Under the arrangement, the South gets the ticket for 2027 only. Once that four-year term ends, the ticket automatically shifts back to the North.
The zoning formula settles months of backroom jostling inside the NDC over where the party should field its standard-bearer. By locking the North into a wait-and-hold position, the convention has effectively cleared the runway for southern heavyweights to move.
For Obi, the former Anambra governor who ran in 2023, the resolution removes the biggest structural hurdle to picking up the NDC’s form. Other southern aspirants now have the same green light to purchase and process nomination forms.
Party leaders framed the deal as a balance between regional equity and political strategy ahead of 2027. Critics inside the party will watch whether the “automatic” handoff to the North holds once the race gets hot.
For now, the South has its window. The question is who walks through it first.
The Senate has amended its Standing Orders, limiting eligibility to contest for its presiding officers and principal officers to only members of the 10th Senate.
In the new rules, a senator shall only qualify to contest for Senate Presidency and Deputy Senate Presidency if he/she has won election to the Senate for at least one term of four years.
To be eligible to contest for any principal office, a senator must have won election for two consecutive periods, the last one must immediately precede the inauguration of the next Senate.
By implication, any senator who plans to vie to become a presiding officer in the 11th Senate (2027-20231) must have been a senator for at least one term preceding the inauguration.
For principal offices (chief whip, deputy whip, minority whip, etc), the senator must have been a member of the current 10th Senate, or they are not eligible to contest.
Under the new provision on “qualification of presiding officers”, it is stated in Order 3,”A Senator vying for the Office of the President of the Senate and the Deputy President of the Senate must have served at least one term of four (4) years in the Senate as a senator of the Federal Republic.”
Similarly, nomination for the positions shall strictly follow ranking in the following order: former president of the Senate; former deputy president of the Senate; former principal officers of the Senate; senators who had served for at least one term of four (4) years; and senators who had been members of the House of Representatives.
According to the provision, it is only the absence of the above that a first-term senator can be nominated to contest for the positions of presiding officers.
Under Order 5, a senator seeking to be a principal officer must have “served as a senator for at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding such nomination. “
The Senate passed the rules after a lengthy executive session presided over by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday.
The new rules impliedly gives Akpabio, other former presiding officers, principal officers and ranked senators the right of first refusal.
Findings indicated that the new rules might be what some sources described as “self-serving” or designed to serve the interest of the present presiding officers and members of the 10th Senate.
For instance, some State governors contesting the 2027 election to the Senate in the hope of vying for the presidency of the Senate, are effectively barred by the new rules.
It was also learnt that even within the Senate, the new rules will stop some senators from vying to become principal officers as they would not have attained two consecutive terms prior to 2027.
