Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), has thrown his weight behind former U.S. President Donald Trump over his remarks on killings in Nigeria, describing Trump’s position as factual.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Kalu said the U.S. concerns about attacks on Christians in Nigeria were valid but stressed that both Christians and Muslims have fallen victim to terrorism across the country.
“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,” Kalu said.
“There are jihadists who just want to destroy Nigeria. We should blacklist them without pity so they can be smoked out.”
The former Abia State governor revealed that he had held discussions with two former U.S. Presidents—one Republican, one Democrat—and six sitting American senators, who all expressed willingness to support Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts.
“Before President Trump says a word, the American intelligence community must have confirmed where these terrorists are. You can see that the Nigerian Air Force is already acting, possibly using shared intelligence to bomb terrorist hideouts. That’s how it should be,” he added.
Kalu, who described himself as “pro-America,” linked today’s global insecurity to the fall of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein, arguing that their removal destabilized borders and fueled the spread of arms across Africa.
“When Gaddafi and Saddam were killed, the world suffered for it. They maintained their borders, but after their deaths, weapons flowed everywhere. We’re facing the consequences today.”
“America Isn’t Targeting Tinubu”
Responding to insinuations that the U.S. might be targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, Kalu said Washington’s concern was with jihadist groups, not Nigeria’s leadership.
“Some Nigerians are celebrating and thinking the U.S. is after Tinubu’s government. No! They’re going after the jihadists,” he clarified.
“2027 Is Tinubu vs Tinubu”
On the 2027 presidential election, Kalu said President Tinubu would have no serious challenger.
“Has anyone declared against him? The election is Tinubu versus Tinubu—just like Soludo versus Soludo. Our party is on ground and with the people,” he said confidently.
He praised the ruling APC for maintaining broad national support, saying Tinubu’s policies are gradually stabilizing the economy and improving security.
Senate Standing Firm Behind Tinubu
Kalu also emphasized the Senate’s commitment under Senate President Godswill Akpabio to support Tinubu’s recovery efforts.
“Whatever the challenges, the Senate is focused on passing laws that will help Nigerians eat three times a day and ease economic pressure,” he stated.
On Possible Defections: “No Pressure on Anyone”
Addressing rumors about Abia State Governor Alex Otti possibly joining the APC, Kalu dismissed claims of coercion.
“Neither I, the President, nor any senator has forced anyone to join APC. Governor Otti is my brother and former banker. Whether he joins or not is his choice,” he said.
He, however, vowed to deliver Abia State for the APC in future elections and hinted that Anambra Governor Charles Soludo might eventually join the party.
“Soludo is a progressive like Tinubu, Akpabio, and others. He has no alternative but to come and join us—it’s confirmed,” Kalu said.
Economy: “Macro Strong, Micro Still Weak”
On Nigeria’s economy, Kalu admitted citizens are struggling but insisted the fundamentals are improving.
“As a businessman, I feel the pain too. The macro economy is doing well, but the micro economy isn’t. Investors are returning; what’s left is for the benefits to reach the people,” he noted.
Akpabio’s Impeachment Rumour: “Just a Family Misunderstanding”
Kalu also dismissed reports of an impeachment plot against Senate President Akpabio, describing it as an internal disagreement that had been resolved.
“There were attempts, but we didn’t allow it. We are one big family, and it’s not going to happen,” he assured.
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