Growing up in the God’s own state during the late 1990’s, it was impossible to discuss politics without mentioning the roaring name of the the Igbere born politician, business mogul and fast rising national philanthropist; Sen. Orji Kalu. After his emergence as Abia state governor in 1999 having become the youngest to serve as governor in Nigeria, he became the “man of the moment” in the Nigerian political chessboard. Accrued by Forbes to be among the richest individual’s in Nigeria and the richest in the east, politicians were desperate for ORJI to become their ally, his luxury house in his hometown; Igbere became the Politicking arena for gladiator politicians.
In Abia, Orji grew so powerful that he could do and undo. be it politicians, industrialist, media or business mogul. As a matter of fact, to successfully breakthrough you have to be on the good books of His Excellency, the youngest billionaire governor.
While Orji Uzor in his all good intentions wanted and still wants, the best for Abia state, his overriding interest was to build on his promising and Sterling political career. In truth, he has all it takes to soar Politically to any height. What Asiwaju Tinubu is politically today, is what Orji Kalu dreamt of being, and more. His political arsenal matches and as then; supersedes that of the former Lagos governor. However, while the former has been fortunate to have associated with loyal subjects, the later, “not so fortunate”.
His insistence to install his ally and master political strategist; Theordore Orji against all odds as governor in 2007 was an audacious move to continue his political dominance in the state, while his litany of political allies and subjects in the state disagreed, no one dares challenge him. Theodore Orji’s gubernatorial aspirations coming to fruition was supposed to be another stepping stone in the career of his political benefactor having already invested billions across the country in boost of his political structures. But NO, the reverse was the case. Theodore Orji is too street wise to be a political “Yaro boy”. He had already set his sights on dismantling his boss, ally and destiny helper.
All those whom, (just like Theodore Orji) rode on the back of the Igbere born politician in Abia, had abandoned him when he needed them most. They left for where the bread was, his allies most of whom he made politically has left him for a new order- OCHENDO GLOBAL!
Despite the political sell out, the blackmails, betrayals didn’t stop coming for OUK in order to forestall any event of political resurgent.. He was dragged to both the court of public opinion and the court of law. But in all his travails, Orji Kalu was still a beckoning pillar in politics waiting for his time.
In the formation of the APC, which eventually rode to power largely to the efforts of key political gladiators including OUK, for him, the political terrain became green again. Having largely played a huge role to deliver President Buhari in the south East and himself; to the red chambers.
Amid his efforts in the formation and stabilization of the now ruling party, he could still not be trusted due to his ambitious political nature. For someone who has invested so much in politics since the 1990’s, Orji Kalu has struggled to amass genuine subjects/followers. Despite his wealth and networks, unalloyed LOYALTY was a challenge.
Being a member/stakeholder of the Ruling APC, one would think a case he has survived for close to twelve years would eventually get a face lift. Instead, he was ridiculed each time he appeared in court and eventually jailed!. Much to the admiration of his party faithfuls and colleague politicians.
No doubt, Orji Uzor Kalu’s time spent behind bars is a lucid opportunity for “sober reflection” on his life spent so far both as a person and politician. At one of his most trying moments in his career, OUK will recount his true allies and foes. For all his investments, companies, networks and media establishments, his public perception as a public servant is at a low, especially from his region; the South East.
Perhaps Orji will get to realise that the billions spend on political tendencies would not proffer power on a platter for him, rather will it pacify his colleague power mongers and gladiator politicians.
In a democratic setting, the people are the biggest players, and to a large extent; “Ultimate deciders”. That is why as Sen. Orji’s incarceration takes it toll, the people in the streets of Abia would not remember him for what he is, or could have been politically. Nor how wealthy Forbes says he is. Rather; the roads he constructed, the schools he built, the youths & widow he empowered, the student’s he offered scholarships amongst others.
As they say; Charity begins at home, that is why the question; “have I really invested where it matters?” is pertinent for the Igbere born politician at this stage.
