Orji Kalu weeps at Senate session, says I’m not a thief

Orji Kalu weeps at Senate session, says I’m not a thief

Outgoing Senate Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, on Saturday wept at the valedictory session of the ninth Senate.

The former Governor of Abia State became emotional while speaking on how he had been treated politically, especially by those he helped to build.

He said he’s not a thief and yet people he assisted conspired to send him to prison.

‘This country is not fair’

Kalu said, “Before I came into politics, I could buy anything money can buy. I’m not a thief. Those that put me in prison know the reasons. They took over my businesses and wanted to kill me yet I survived it and I’m in the Senate with you.

“I have never lacked, while I was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where I served for two terms as governor, I brought the money that they used in forming that party, every penny, in 1997 and 1998, and I later became a thief.

“People I gave transport money from my house in Victoria Island became agents. This is what Nigeria represents. Thank you for giving me these four years of uninterrupted support. This country is not fair.”

The motion to begin the valedictory session was moved by the leader of the Senate, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, APC, Sokoto East, to mark the end of the 9th Senate.

Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege

Leading the presentation, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, APC, Delta Central, urged the returning senators to support the incoming leaders of the Senate to achieve good governance

He said that he was satisfied with his conscience that the 9th Senate returned the annual budgeting cycles from January to December; passed the Petroleum Industry Act and ensured that the Electoral Act 2023 is there for the conduct of credible elections.

VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC, Borno Central told the senators- elect to vote wisely during the election of presiding officers for the progress of the country.

Shettima said, “As we bid farewell to this chapter, let us remember that our journey has just begun. For some of us, a new chapter beckons. As the mantle of leadership passes into fresh hands, those who will continue this noble calling, I extend my sincere congratulations.

“To my colleagues who will depart this chamber, I address you not as colleagues left behind, but as friends who have become an integral part of my history.”

Remi Tinubu

On her part, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Lagos Central who noted, “As Nigerians, we have been blessed because the President has passed through this chamber; the Vice President has passed through the Chamber; the wife of the President, as well as governors, have passed through the same Chamber,.

“For me, I believe the 10th Assembly will give us double grace, number 10 will give us double grace.”