Former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu Claims Many Nigerian Politicians Were Once Involved in ‘419’ and Crime Abroad

The former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has made startling claims, alleging that many Nigerians who were once involved in “419” (advanced fee fraud) and other dangerous criminal activities while residing abroad have now successfully entered the political landscape of the country.

Dependable NG reports that Senator Kalu alleged that several of these current politicians had previously engaged in serious crimes, specifically mentioning activities in places like South Africa and South America. In a video shared on his official Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip asserted that criminal habits are difficult to break, stating, “Most people, some of them were overseas doing 419, doing all kinds of dangerous crime all over, and you know a leopard cannot change its skin.” He added, “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.”

Kalu used this observation to call on both the ruling class, consisting of civil servants and politicians, to urgently work together to redirect the country’s economic dynamics. He strongly criticized the practice of hoarding foreign currency, asking, “Why should people stack dollars in their houses? Why should people be giving out dollars? It’s not our legal tender.” He urged Nigerians to learn how to inject their money into the country’s system so that the nation can benefit from the transactions.

The Senator concluded by urging well-meaning Nigerians to join politics for the right reasons, stressing that the business of politics “is not for saints,” but must not be left to people who have damaged themselves through cheating others. “For me, I plead with our people, let us support our economic reforms no matter what our political leaning will be… We should come together and build a new leaf,” he appealed.