I Had Over $4 Billion Before Entering Politics, Funded PDP–Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia north in the National Assembly, Sunday, claimed he was imprisoned for two years at Kuje Prison out of jealousy.

He also said his wealth is a result of hard work, and regretted that some Nigerians who never worked hard parade themselves as ‘billionaires while those that worked hard are expected to be penniless’.

Orji, who disclosed this on his Facebook page, said love showered upon him by his wife, mother, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, among others, sustained him throughout his incarceration.

The ex-governor, in the writeup entitled ‘Kuje: Two Years After’, recalled that his records as Abia governor speak for him, adding that he had constructed 31 rural roads among other projects as Abia south senator.

Quoting him, “Today is the second anniversary of my incarceration at the Nigerian Correctional Service Medial Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.

“I was imprisoned for an offence I never committed. I was pronounced guilty of 39 charges out of the 39 concocted charges levelled against me.

“In 1998, I used my money to fund the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), my former party and individuals. I built several businesses and I left more than $4 billion balance sheet before venturing into politics.

“Today, those who have done no business or multiplied any money parade themselves as holy saints whereas those who have worked hard and multiplied money are expected to be penniless. I didn’t start life as a politician. I am a businessman; a capitalist with human face.

“When I was governor 14 years ago, I served Abia with my conscience and left a prosperous and popular state. I provided security, free education, infrastructure, built hospitals, and never owed salaries or pensions.

“I created the enabling environment for business growth, encouraged and supported many businesses, and also grew sports. After I left office as governor in 2007, I stayed out of power for 12 years and only became a senator in 2019.”

Orji said as a senator, he is replicating what he did as a governor. According to him, “I have completed more than 31 rural roads in Abia north and looking forward to others to be completed soon.”

Orji thanked God for the lessons he learnt for six months while in detention.

He said, “[God] sanctioned it. God knows I fear no one except Him. Those who conspired against me wanted me buried at all cost, but like the biblical Job, there is a sense in which God allowed those temporary and tragic events to happen to Job.

“My perception of life changed after the six months of incarceration–life is vanity. I did not just learn a lot of lessons, I became a reformed and better man.

“I have relearnt that kindness and forgiveness are what should rule the world, not wickedness. I have since forgiven all the people that were instrumental to my ordeal. I forgive them because they probably did not know what they were doing.”

He said he questioned God the first night he slept at the prison, but got revelation on the third day that it was for a purpose.

According to him, “He allowed me to be imprisoned for a purpose and for a short time.

“For some, my imprisonment may have meant different things to them; but for me, my family, friends, business and political associates, supporters, as well as well-wishers, it was destiny at play.

“I am a child of grace and destiny. When I was student union president at the University of Maiduguri, my activism led to my suspension and some of my executives from the school. Even though the school recalled me, I refused to return because my executives were not included.”

He said he ate once during his detention, and thanked his people for their prayers.

Quoting him, “[My wife’s] love, care, patience , prayers and endurance kept me. I thank my dear mother for her prayers and motherly concern.

“My appreciation goes to the president of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan; Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Kashim Shettima and Senator Sani Musa and a host of others.”

Orji bemoaned the level of hatred in Nigeria: “The hatred, jealousy, betrayal, greed, bitterness in this country are enormous and terrible. People will just hate, curse, and envy you because you are successful, without considering how much hard work, energy, endurance, and patience you have expended in building businesses and your life.

“How I wish we can embrace and love each other? How I wish people could be more loving and considerate towards their neighbours with zero sentiments of tribe and language?

“How I wish people can have respect for human lives! I hope that with God on our side, our dreams will someday come true.”

Orji Kalu was abruptly released from Kuje prison on the orders of the Supreme Court in what is regarded as judgement in error. The EFCC is in courting seeking his re-trial.