By Joe Chukindi
The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has frowned over the planned reopening of fraud case against former governor of Abia State and current senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Kalu.
In a press statement by the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group decried a ruling which granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the latitude to challenge a Federal High Court decision that had previously barred the prosecution of former Abia Governor and current Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, over allegations of fraud totalling N7.1 billion.
Part of the statement read: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserts that the specter of political persecution against Igbo leaders remains a deeply entrenched reality. While we maintain a steadfast position against corruption, categorically supporting the EFCC in its mandate to prosecute any public officials—past or present—on corruption allegations, our concern primarily rests on the discernible pattern of selective prosecution targeting prominent Igbo politicians, especially as electoral cycles approach.
“It is alarming that anti-graft agencies like the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are perceived as instruments employed to marginalize Igbo politicians from aspirational roles within the highest echelons of Nigerian governance, namely the Presidency, Senate Presidency, and Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives.”
The group said it will continue to stand against corruption, but will not agree to the intimidation of its people.
“We firmly believe that there is palpable unease within the Igbo community regarding the renewed proceedings against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The clear intention appears to be a systematic effort to displace him from his position in the Senate and possibly imprison him prior to the 2027 elections.
“Senator Kalu has consistently stated his intention not to vie for the presidency in 2027, further endorsing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Igbos are troubled by this development, particularly as Senator Kalu stands as a cornerstone of the Southeast representation in the Senate, distinguished for his commitment to delivering on electoral promises, prioritizing the interests of the Igbo people above personal ambition,” Ohanaeze Ndigbo stated.
