Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A pro-Igbo diaspora group, Rising Sun, has criticised former Abia State Governor and senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, over his recent claim that more than 30,000 people have died in the South East due to the agitation led by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Maxwell Dede, and Coordinator, Fr Augustine Odinmegwa, the group described Kalu’s comments as “treacherous” and accused him of “shamelessly defending” Justice James Omotosho over the controversial judgment delivered in Kanu’s case.
The group challenged the senator to provide evidence to support his claim that 30,000 deaths were linked to Kanu or IPoB.
“Our attention has been drawn to Sunday’s disgraceful interview by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, where he claimed that over 30,000 people had died due to the agitation by IPoB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement read.
“Since Kalu claims that over 30,000 people were killed in the South East as a result of the agitation, can he tell the world who authorised the killings? Will he feign ignorance of the genocidal killing of IPoB members by security agencies without provocation?”
The group cited incidents in Nkpor, Onitsha, Aba and Port Harcourt where security operatives allegedly used excessive force against pro-Biafra demonstrators, questioning why Kalu would blame victims instead of addressing state violence.
They also accused the senator of making “unguarded remarks” against Kanu to curry favour with the Presidency for political advantage.
“Instead of keeping quiet if he had nothing useful to say, Senator Kalu chose to blame Kanu for his angry reaction to the injustice meted to him by Justice Omotosho,” the statement added.
Rising Sun also faulted Kalu’s claim that he played a key role in securing Kanu’s release in 2017, as well as his comparison between his own conduct during his corruption trial and Kanu’s reaction in court.
“It is an insult to Ndigbo for Senator Kalu to cite his calmness during his trial for financial fraud, as opposed to Kanu’s alleged unruly behaviour during his political persecution,” the group said. “There is no nexus between the offence for which he was convicted and the trumped-up charges against Kanu.”
The group further accused Kalu of political desperation, saying his recent statements were aimed at regaining relevance ahead of 2027.
“As a chieftain of the ruling party and a political contemporary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kalu should not wait for anyone to lead the move for a political solution to Kanu’s release. He has unfettered access to the powers that be,” the group stated.
They warned the senator and other politicians against making political capital out of Kanu’s detention.
“He is only smart by half if he thinks he can resort to reckless vituperation against Kanu to win Tinubu’s favour, possibly for a return ticket in 2027,” the group said, adding that Nigerians are aware Kalu opposed Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid.
Rising Sun concluded by warning that “history will judge anyone who betrays his people for selfish gains.”
