The fresh trial commenced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sent jitters down the spine of his kinsmen of Igbere in Bende local government area of the state.
The anti-graft agency had a N7.1 billion fraud against the ex-governor and other co-defendants before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Lagos, last Tuesday.
Kalu is the senate chief whip and senator representing Abia North senatorial district.
A visit to four communities of Igbere like Amankalu, Ohomula, Onu Ibina and Okafia on Thursday showed that the natives were in a disturbed mood over the fresh trial being faced by their son.
Some natives who commented on the development, with a few pleading anonymity, described the alleged fraud case as a major distraction for them, as according to them, anything that happens to Kalu was also a big worry for them, considering his importance to them.
One of the natives who identified himself as Mr. Okoro Dennison, claimed that the fraud case hanging on Kalu’s neck was a political contraption by those he also claimed, were afraid of Kalu’s continued political rise.
Dennison also expressed surprise that despite his contribution to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abia State and the South East in general, his kinsman, Kalu was yet to be free from EFCC’s dragnet.
But when asked if he knew that the law did not function in sentiment to political affiliation or contribution, he retorted, saying “All am saying is let them leave Kalu alone for us.”
Another respondent who simply gave his name as Paul, was of the opinion that the ex-Governor would still win his case against the EFCC.
According to Paul, “Kalu will win this case. In fact, he may be awarded some damages” Paul said.
But an elderly woman who deals in foodstuff at Ohumola spoke anonymously. She was in tears as she regretted that the joy of her community was again punctured by the news of Kalu’s fresh trial as according to the aged woman, Kalu’s release from the custody of Nigeria Correctional Service in 2020 breathed some breeze of respite in the life of every Igbere native.
She however, prayed that Kalu would again escape jail term, like in 2020 Supreme Court ruling .
But effort to reach Ezumezu Igbere, the highest cultural and socio-political body in Igbere on the matter did not produce much results as an official of the group who pleaded anonymity pointed out that it would be prejudicial to comment on the matter, since it was already in Court.
The Ezumezu Igbere chieftain urged the reporter to wait for Court decision on the matter as according to him, Kalu would also assembly a team of legal luminaries to defend his matter.
Also, some members of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Abia State are afraid that if the fresh case did not end in Kalu’s favour, it may affect the chances of the political party in Abia State, especially in 2023 guber race and beyond.
They also think that the on-going nation-wide membership registration/revalidation may not record the desired results if Kalu remained distracted by fresh trial.
Former Chairman of Abia APC, Chief Donatus Nwankpa could not be reached for comments on the matter.
