Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has thrown his full weight behind President Donald Trump’s comment on killings in Nigeria, saying the American leader “told the truth.”
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly on Tuesday, the former Abia governor and current chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) said attacks across Nigeria have claimed the lives of both Christians and Muslims, a reality that cannot be denied.
“If it’s a lie, then the answer is that it’s not a lie because he said the truth. Nigerians are being killed, whether they are Christians or Muslims. There are jihadists who just want to destroy Nigeria. We should blacklist them without pity so that they will be smoked out,” Kalu declared.
He revealed that he had personally discussed Nigeria’s security situation with two former U.S. Presidents — one Republican, one Democrat — as well as six sitting U.S. Senators, who all expressed willingness to assist in the fight against terrorism.
“Before President Trump says a word, the American intelligence community must have found out where these terrorists are located,” he added. “You can see that the Nigerian Air Force is already acting, possibly using information shared by the U.S. to bomb terrorist hideouts. That’s how it should be.”
Identifying himself as “pro-America,” Kalu blamed the current global insecurity on the fall of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, arguing that their removal flooded Africa with illegal weapons.
“When you killed Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, it became a problem because those people were maintaining their borders. After their deaths, light and heavy arms spilled all over the world, and we are suffering from it today,” he said.
Kalu also dismissed claims that the U.S. is targeting President Tinubu’s administration, insisting America’s focus is on jihadists destabilizing Nigeria.
“Nigerians are clapping hands and political opponents are thinking the U.S. is after Tinubu’s government. No! They are going after the jihadists,” he said.
Turning to politics, Kalu declared that the 2027 presidential election would be an easy ride for Tinubu.
“Has he gotten anyone contesting against him? The election is Tinubu vs Tinubu, just like Soludo vs Soludo. The President has no options. Our party is fully on ground and with the people,” he boasted.
He said the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, is fully backing Tinubu’s economic reforms.
“Whatever the problem, the Senate is more interested in making laws that will help President Tinubu overcome the economic problems our people are going through. We are focusing on ensuring Nigerians can eat three times a day,” he said.
On speculations that Abia Governor Alex Otti may defect to the APC, Kalu clarified: “Let’s be honest, neither me nor other senators, nor the President, have ever forced anybody to join our party. I have met with my Governor; he is my brother and used to be my banker. Whether he joins or not is up to him. But for me, I will work 100% for the APC, campaign in the state, and ensure victory for President Tinubu and all our candidates.”
He further hinted that Anambra Governor Charles Soludo may soon join the APC, saying: “Soludo is a progressive like myself, President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and the Governors of Imo, Ebonyi, and Enugu. He has no alternative than to come and join us. It’s confirmed.”
On the economy, Kalu admitted Nigerians are struggling but said the macro outlook is improving.
“As a businessman, I am feeling the pain too. The macro economy is doing well, but the micro economy is not. Foreign investors are coming in. What is left is for this progress to trickle down so people can eat daily and return to farming.”
He brushed aside rumours of a plot to impeach Akpabio, describing it as mere “family misunderstanding.”
“There were attempts, but we didn’t allow that to happen. We are one big family, and it’s not going to happen.”
