Orji Kalu Speaks: Many Nigerian Politicians Once Engaged in 419 Abroad

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has alleged that several individuals who once engaged in fraudulent and criminal activities abroad are now occupying key political positions in Nigeria.

Kanu disclosed this in a post on his Facebook page, where he claimed that some politicians currently in the system had a history of involvement in “419” and other criminal acts while living in South Africa and South America before returning home to join politics.

“Most people, some of them were overseas doing 419, doing all kinds of dangerous crimes all over, and you know a leopard cannot change its skin,” he stated.

The former governor argued that those accustomed to taking what does not belong to them rarely reform.

“When people are used to taking money that doesn’t belong to them, they can never change their character. If you’re expecting them to change, it is not true. They can never change,” he added.

Kalu stressed that both civil servants and politicians have a responsibility to redirect the country’s economic path for the greater good.

“I think that both the civil servants and politicians who are ruling—who are the ruling class—should stand up to help redirect the economic dynamics of this country. The economic potential is very prosperous if we do it right,” he said.

The lawmaker also criticized the hoarding of foreign currency, urging Nigerians to invest locally instead.

“Why should people stack dollars in their houses? Why should people be giving out dollars? It’s not our legal tender. People should learn to put money into Nigeria’s system so the country can benefit from it,” he remarked.

Kalu further observed that many individuals with questionable pasts abroad have now found their way into politics.

“A lot of people that were in South Africa and South America doing all kinds of business are today in politics—but that’s the reality we’re seeing,” he said.

He, however, appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to participate in politics with genuine intentions rather than self-interest.

“Let good people come and join to make politics better, the way it should be. It’s not for saints, but it’s also not for people who have damaged themselves through fraud or deceit,” he cautioned.

Kalu concluded by calling for national unity in supporting ongoing economic reforms regardless of political affiliation.

“I plead with our people—let us support our economic reforms no matter our political leaning. We should come together and build a new leaf,” he said.