Orji Kalu Admits to Past Arms Trading for Financial Gain

Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has admitted to trading in heavy weapons across Africa for financial gains. In an interview on Arise Television, Kalu stated that he sold arms to anyone who could afford them, regardless of their intended use. He claimed that his primary motivation was making money and that he eventually abandoned the business after his parents intervened. Kalu's revelation has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria.

Kalu denied allegations that he supplied weapons to people who intended to kill others, insisting that his goal was solely to make money. When asked if he sold weapons to the African National Congress (ANC) during its struggle against apartheid in South Africa, Kalu denied dealing exclusively with the ANC, saying his customers included anyone willing to pay for the weapons. He claimed that he sold to anyone who had the money, regardless of their identity or intentions.

The senator representing Abia North declined to disclose his sources of weapons, responding that it was "only my business." He also dismissed suggestions that his former business contributed to the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria, maintaining that he dealt in heavy weapons traded between countries. Kalu's claims have raised questions about the extent of his arms trading and its potential impact on regional security.

Kalu also discussed his relationships with successive South African leaders, tracing them back to his friendship with former President Nelson Mandela. He claimed that Mandela introduced him to other South African leaders, including former President Thabo Mbeki and incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa. Kalu's connections to influential leaders have sparked interest in his business dealings and potential networks.

The former governor expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure re-election in the 2027 general elections, predicting a landslide victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Kalu defended the Tinubu administration's economic policies, arguing that the reforms had stabilised the economy at the macroeconomic level despite difficulties experienced by households and businesses.

Kalu identified improved security and access to raw materials as necessary conditions for manufacturers to expand production. He acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but maintained that the country was beginning to experience greater economic predictability. The former governor credited Tinubu with improving Nigeria's international economic relationships and attracting foreign investors.

On the 2027 presidential election, Kalu dismissed the opposition as politically disorganised, insisting that the APC had a strong grassroots structure beyond the president's personal political influence. He urged Nigerians to prioritise national unity and evaluate the administration's economic policies based on their long-term objectives rather than immediate hardship.

Key points

• Orji Kalu admits to past arms trading across Africa for financial gain
• Kalu claims his primary motivation was making money, not supporting specific causes or groups
• The senator expresses confidence in President Bola Tinubu's re-election prospects and defends his economic policies