Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK), the current Senator for Abia North and former governor of Abia State, has firmly rejected claims that his wealth was accumulated through his political roles. He emphasized that his financial success predates the establishment of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999.
Kalu was the inaugural elected governor of Abia State, serving two consecutive terms from 1999 to 2007.
Addressing rumors that he purchased a mansion in the United States due to his political influence in Nigeria, Kalu dismissed these accusations as misleading, disrespectful, and a gross misrepresentation of his financial background.
In a detailed post on his verified Facebook account on Thursday evening, Kalu outlined his extensive business and political engagements prior to 1999, highlighting how these connections positioned him as a key influencer even before the military handed over power to civilian rule on May 29, 1999.
He stated, “My prominence was established well before I assumed the governorship in 1998. Historical records show that I was a significant political figure even before the Third Republic. During the formation of the political parties that eventually replaced military rule, I hosted numerous meetings at my expansive residence on Adeleke Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was from this venue that I supported various groups from the West, North, and East, which later merged to form the PDP.”
Kalu further elaborated on his business empire, saying, “I was already a dominant force in the maritime sector, owning several commercial vessels. I also controlled banks that played pivotal roles across Nigeria and other West African nations. Additionally, many were aware of my influence in the aviation sector through my ownership of Slok Airline. As the founder of the Slok Group, I managed manufacturing plants located in Kalakuta Street, Apapa, Aba, Igbere, and other West African regions where we had operations.”
He also highlighted his unique political achievements, noting, “Apart from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was then governor of Lagos State, I was the only governor with the resources and influence to establish my own political party, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), after my tenure ended in 2007. The PPA successfully won governorship elections in two South Eastern states, Abia and Imo, that same year. These are verifiable historical facts.”
Kalu concluded by reiterating, “Therefore, any insinuation that I acquired the American property mentioned earlier solely because I was a governor is not only baseless but also an affront to my longstanding economic stature. I have been recognized as one of Nigeria’s established wealthy individuals for over 35 years. Regardless of what political adversaries claim, my contributions and accomplishments in this country are undeniable and multifaceted.”
