Nigerian Senator Orji Uzor Kalu admits to international heavy arms trade

Nigerian Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has publicly acknowledged his past involvement in the international heavy arms trade. In an interview on Arise Television, Kalu stated that he previously traded in heavy weapons with buyers from various countries, according to their ability to pay. He revealed that he left the business at the insistence of his parents. Kalu's admission has sparked concerns about the circulation of small arms in Nigeria.

According to Kalu, his business involved trading heavy weapons between countries, not small arms as commonly associated with Nigeria's security challenges. He declined to disclose his suppliers, citing the confidential nature of his business dealings. When questioned about the potential use of his supplied arms in violent activities, Kalu stated that his primary concern at the time was the income generated from the transactions.

Kalu's business dealings spanned across various countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Namibia. He claimed that he did not restrict his sales to specific organizations or governments, instead, he sold to anyone with the financial means. This has raised questions about the extent of his involvement with various international entities, including those with questionable human rights records.

The interview also touched on Kalu's relationships with South African leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and Cyril Ramaphosa. According to Kalu, Mandela introduced him to Mbeki and Ramaphosa, and he has maintained connections with successive South African administrations through these relationships.

Kalu's interactions with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi were also discussed during the interview. While he did not explicitly confirm any transactions with Gaddafi, his responses suggested that he would have sold to the former Libyan leader if he had the means. This has sparked speculation about the potential scope of his business dealings with Gaddafi's regime.

The senator's admission has significant implications for Nigeria's efforts to combat the proliferation of small arms and human trafficking. Kalu's case has raised concerns about the ease with which individuals can engage in international arms trade and the potential consequences for regional security.

As the Nigerian government continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the circulation of small arms, Kalu's revelation has sparked renewed calls for stricter regulations and oversight of international arms trade. The senator's case serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in regulating the global arms trade.

Key points

• Senator Orji Uzor Kalu admits to past involvement in international heavy arms trade
• Kalu's business dealings spanned across various countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Namibia
• The senator's admission has significant implications for Nigeria's efforts to combat the proliferation of small arms and human trafficking