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From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has revealed that over 30,000 Igbos were killed as a result of incitements linked to Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that the IPOB leader’s case “requires a political solution, not emotions.”
The Abia-North Senator Kalu, speaking in an exclusive interview with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, insisting that the wave of attacks across multiple states is politically orchestrated ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kalu also disclosed new details of his behind-the-scenes efforts since 2016 to secure Kanu’s bail, including how The Sun Newspapers, which he owns, was almost proscribed by former President Muhammadu Buhari for consistently reporting Nnamdi Kanu’s activities.
“Tinubu is up to the task” — Kalu says insecurity is politically engineered ahead of 2027
Responding to nationwide concerns over kidnappings and school closures from Kebbi to Kwara and Niger States, Senator Kalu said the current situation is “a routine activity that occurs during election periods,” recalling similar patterns under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to him, both international actors and local politicians are sponsoring instability to sabotage the Tinubu administration.
“Some selfish people will try to pressure the government with all kinds of things. Terrorists and bandits are orchestrated by the international community and local people who want to destabilise the government,” Kalu said.
He insisted President Tinubu has demonstrated unusual seriousness by cancelling engagements and working even on Sundays.
“Today is Sunday, and he is in his office facing the security challenges. Those kidnapped schoolgirls will be recovered. Our Service Chiefs have gone fully into ending this menace. We shall track these criminals down.”
He explicitly linked the resurgence of attacks to political preparations for 2027: “Of course, they want Tinubu to fail and not to run again in 2027… It’s nothing short of 2027.”
“Mercenaries bought by politicians”: Kalu claims saboteurs are undermining security efforts
When asked to name those allegedly sponsoring insecurity, Kalu declined but described them as “mercenaries bought by politicians.”
“These are people focused on destabilising a President that is ready to fight for our economy.”
He added that the intelligence community is fully aware of the saboteurs.
“The President has an abundance of intelligence information… I am aware that people are sponsoring this to destabilise the government.”
National Assembly working round the clock
Kalu rejected claims that lawmakers are slow or inactive, insisting that both the Senate President and other lawmakers work weekends on security matters.
“Nobody is sleeping… We discuss issues and hand over our resolutions to the security chiefs.”
He explained that the delay in creating state police is due to constitutional requirements involving state assemblies.
“Nigeria needs more manpower” — Senate approves 100,000 new soldiers
Defending the President’s directive to withdraw police from VIPs, Kalu said: “We need more manpower in a population of almost 300 million people.”
He noted the Senate recently approved the recruitment of 100,000 soldiers and more police officers.
“People hire criminals to destabilise the country”
Kalu argued that insecurity has vastly improved since the Jonathan era, noting that Boko Haram once controlled entire regions but can now only stage “hit-and-run” attacks.
“Before, they took over whole villages. Now they attack and run. Local and international sabotage is so much.”
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He accused certain international interests of benefitting from Nigeria’s instability:
“The prosperity of Nigeria means the prosperity of the world, and many international communities don’t want this country to stand.”
Kalu supports US–Nigeria joint military efforts
Reacting to former US President Donald Trump’s statements about “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, Kalu said most accusations are sabotage, but supports cooperation with the US, not intervention without Nigeria’s approval.
“America should not come here without the cooperation of the Federal Government… They are coming with technology and intelligence.”
He reminded viewers that he previously advocated the establishment of a US military base (AFRICOM) in Nigeria while he was Governor, despite being labelled a CIA agent.
“I established Bakassi security in Abia, I can keep peace if given emergency powers”
Kalu defended his security record as Abia Governor, saying he developed a robust security system that sanitised Abia and neighbouring states.
“I established Bakassi Security in Abia fully… I drove all the criminals away.”
When asked why he has not replicated the model for the APC-led government, Kalu responded: “People think all security issues rest with the Federal Government. No. The governors have a lot to contribute.”
Nnamdi Kanu’s life sentence: “Over 30,000 Igbos were killed, we need political solution”
Kalu maintained a calm but emotional tone while addressing Nnamdi Kanu’s sentencing.
He referenced positions recently expressed by Bianca Ojukwu and Mascot Uzor Kalu, saying their advice on using political channels was the wisest path forward.
He warned that focusing the conversation solely on Kanu ignores the devastation his activities caused in the South-East:
“Over 30,000 Igbos were killed. People with shops and people without shops lost everything… Many people lost their businesses, their livelihoods. Nobody talks about them.”
He insisted the solution must be political, not emotional: “Let Igbos stop being emotional. Let us settle down, go on our knees, and find a way for the man to be released.”
Kalu reveals he conditioned his joining APC in 2016 on Kanu’s release
Kalu recounted his long involvement in efforts to secure Kanu’s bail under former President Buhari: “I would not join the APC if Nnamdi Kanu was not released on bail… I know the pressure I personally put on President Buhari before he was released in April 2017.”
He also revealed how The Sun Newspapers nearly faced proscription because of its coverage of Kanu:
“On four occasions, President Buhari wanted to proscribe the newspaper because it was the only paper supporting Nnamdi Kanu. I told the journalists: Sun is a public trust, write what you see.”
“We Will Appeal Politically to the Attorney-General”
While acknowledging Kanu’s ongoing legal appeal, Kalu emphasised that a political solution is underway:
“We will appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria. This is where we will interfere politically.”
He defended Justice Omotosho’s judgment and condemned abuses in court:
“Justice Omotosho is just a messenger of the court. If you are not pleased, go to the Court of Appeal, not insult the man.”
