By Ayomide Otitoju
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization, clarified on Monday that his support for President Bola Tinubu has no relation to his past corruption case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a statement posted on social media, Kalu responded to claims made by Dr. Reuben Abati, former presidential spokesperson and Arise TV anchor, who suggested that Kalu’s backing of Tinubu was linked to the dismissal of charges against him.
During a television broadcast, Abati alleged that Kalu’s case was dismissed due to “lack of diligent prosecution and incompetent filing of processes,” leading many Nigerians to believe his support for Tinubu was in exchange for leniency. Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, rejected these assertions, deeming them an “insult” to both himself and President Tinubu.
Addressing Abati, Kalu stated, “You know and I respect you a lot. I have a strong character. I faced the EFCC and attended court proceedings for 12 years, never evading a single session. These cases were decided before Tinubu’s presidency. My commitment to the party and the president is genuine, based on my principles, not any personal advantage.”
Reflecting on his past, Kalu explained, “I was sentenced without any evidence from the 19 witnesses against me. Only God knows why I was imprisoned, and I am grateful for that experience, as it taught me many lessons.”
Kalu further emphasized his commitment to Nigeria’s leadership, quoting scripture to support his loyalty to the sitting president. “Reuben, God commands us to support our leaders. I am fulfilling that duty as a member of the ruling party,” he said, urging Abati to remain a journalist unless he intends to enter politics himself.
The former governor’s statement underscores his stance on his political allegiance, dismissing any links between his support for Tinubu and the outcome of his legal battles with the EFCC.
