Chief Orji Uzor Kalu: The Chicken Has Come Home To Roost

By The Editorial Board

Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, a figure with a tarnished reputation in Nigerian politics, has become widely recognized as one of the most disreputable Igbo politicians. His history is marred by a criminal conviction stemming from the misappropriation of Abia State funds and involvement in money laundering.

Additionally, his ignominious rejection by fellow senators for the Senate leadership due to his numerous character flaws has further added to his tumultuous political life.

In a recent turn of events, an emotional, manipulative outburst during the valedictory session of the 9th Senate has rendered him an unwelcome presence, a persona non grata, not only within the Senate but also throughout the entire nation.

Drawing parallels to Richard Nixon’s infamous declaration of “I’m not a crook,” Kalu recently made a similar proclamation before the Senate and the entire nation, stating, “I’m not a thief.” Just as history has shown us that Nixon was indeed involved in corrupt activities, we are well aware that Kalu, too, has been implicated as a thief. The truth of his actions cannot be denied.

Kalu’s troubled past caught up with him when he was found guilty of corruption charges dating back to his tenure as the governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007.

Although initially sentenced to a staggering 133 years in prison (reduced to 12 years since some of the sentences ran concurrently), a subsequent legal technicality led to his release after serving a mere six months. The Supreme Court’s decision to nullify his conviction on procedural grounds, rather than on the merits of the case, stirred public outrage and disbelief.

Aware that his reckoning looms ever closer as the case is about to be reopened, according to anonymous sources familiar with the EFCC case files, Kalu resorted to emotional appeals during the Senate valedictory session.

Shedding crocodile tears, he vehemently denied being a thief and accused unknown individuals of framing him. Kalu further expressed his dismay at the perceived injustice he has endured, despite his claimed contributions to economic growth and job creation.

However, such attempts to manipulate public sentiment and blackmail his political benefactors reveal Kalu’s true character. Resorting to well-worn tactics employed by con artists, his plea of innocence serves as a thinly veiled strategy to evade a retrial.

Reports suggest that he has embarked on a desperate campaign, currying favor with Tinubu, in a bid to secure his support in suppressing any efforts to reopen his criminal case. Nonetheless, his diminished political standing within the APC and among the majority of Nigerians has rendered him an outcast.

With the departure of former President Buhari, who provided a shield of protection, Kalu’s days of freedom appear numbered. Though he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, mounting evidence suggests a return to the confines of prison in Lagos.

The concept of past misdeeds haunting their perpetrator is deeply ingrained in Igbo culture, and Kalu now faces the repercussions of his actions in a public and dishonorable manner. In this context, the chicken has come home to roost. His extensive list of alleged crimes, too extensive to outline fully here, further exacerbates the consequences he must now confront. 

Notably and unforgettably, he orchestrated the sabotage of Dr. Alex Ekwueme’s bid for the PDP presidential nomination in 1999, boasted about his financial influence within the party in his shameless speech during the senate valedictory session. He publicly undermined the candidacy of Peter Obi in the most recent presidential election. His opposition to Peter Obi was reckless, envious, and remarkably self-destructive. 

Moreover, and importantly, his conviction for embezzling and laundering a staggering N7.65 billion from Abia state’s treasury only adds to the weight of his transgressions. His legacy in Abia state is one of continuous malfeasance as governors after him emulated his unethical behavior of robbing the state treasury with impunity.

Orji Uzor Kalu’s tumultuous journey has come full circle, with the consequences of his actions now casting a dark shadow over his political career. The public now awaits the resolution of his pending legal matters, which will determine whether he can evade accountability or finally face the ramifications of his wrongdoings.

Stories have long been vehicles for moral lessons and insights into human nature. One such story is that of Faust, who struck a pact with the devil, gaining temporary magical powers and material gain at the cost of his soul. In the end, the devil claimed Faust’s soul. Contrarily, when Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, the devil tempted him with promises of authority and glory, which he steadfastly rejected.

Regrettably, rather than follow the teachings of Jesus, Orji Uzor Kalu’s political trajectory took a different turn, akin to Faust’s ill-fated bargain. Kalu’s blatant pursuit of personal gain and political power not only harmed the Igbo people but also the nation as a whole.

His Faustian deal paved the way for others like Umahi, Uzodinma, and Soludo to align themselves with destructive forces, sabotaging the genuine opportunity presented by Peter Obi’s presidential candidacy to rescue the nation from decades of political decay.

During each election cycle, Kalu found ways to manipulate the system in his favor, securing victory in Abia North. The lingering question remains: when will the people of Abia recognize his character flaws, betrayal and disloyalty? What will it take to hold Kalu accountable and remove him from the political landscape?

Unfortunately, Kalu’s story is not unique in Igbo politics, where abuse of power, corruption, and embezzlement of public funds are regrettably commonplace. These politicians have forsaken their solemn duty to serve the best interests of the Igbo people. 

Many Abians understood the dangers posed by Kalu, recognizing his unsuitability for both the positions of governor and senator. However, in their own Faustian bargains, they chose to exchange their votes for his cash. Virtually everything Kalu has done throughout his ignominious political career has been detrimental to the interests of Abians and Ndigbo in general.

Interestingly, Kalu has come to the sobering realization that those who were once instrumental in his rise to power, who turbaned him and bestowed upon him accolades and authority, are now the ones who have stripped him of his facade and exposed his true character before the entire nation.

Back to his Senate valedictory session debacle. Ndigbo should disregard his desperate efforts to seek sympathy from the Igbo community by attributing his downfall to unnamed “agents” who allegedly framed him, those who imprisoned him, and individuals who supposedly seized his businesses with the intent to harm him.

Such statements should be recognized as manipulative tactics employed by a diminished man who has fallen and lost credibility. It is crucial for the Igbo people not to succumb to his deceptive, performative antics. This should serve as a firm resolve to never allow politicians like Kalu to take advantage of the Igbo community support. Never again.

Ultimately, if found guilty once again, Kalu must face the consequences of his crimes and serve his sentence. He must be held accountable for his mismanagement of Abia State funds and his governance misdeeds. Doing so would affirm the rule of law, both in Abia and across the nation. Failing to do so would create moral hazards, perpetuating and reinforcing such crimes by future governors and politicians. Let the wheels of justice turn, and let accountability prevail.