Trump Rally: Kalu Reacts to Massacre of Unarmed Biafrans by Nigerian Army in P/Harcourt
Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Abia State Governor has on Sunday night reacted to the killing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) protesters, carried out by the Nigerian military in Port Harcourt, Rivers States on Friday, among other issues.
The peaceful march organised by members of the IPOB, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State in honour of the new President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, turned violent as soldiers opened fire on the peaceful protesters.
During the attack, about 20 people were shot dead and scores wounded, while about 60 others were forcefully seized by armed soldiers, who whisked them away to an undisclosed destination.
Women who were also part of the protest were not spared, as they were brutalised by the soldiers who also kicked, punched, and used the butt of their rifles to hit the protesters, just as they descended on journalists, who attempted to take photos during the attack.
Speaking exclusively to Ikenga Chronicles, Kalu who said he knew nothing of the widely reported Igbo massacre said that he had never read about it.
‘’I don’t know if any pro-Trump protester was killed because I have never seen or read it on the national dailies. I can’t support innocent killings. But if it is true that any of the Ndi-Igbo were killed for staging a peaceful protest, May their souls rest in peace.’’
‘’ My prayer is that God should give us a country where there is rule of law, justice and equity.’’
On why he visited the embattled Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu in Kuje prison, the former Governor said his visitation was by choice and based on the principle of the United Nations that urges people to visit prisoners.
‘’My visit to Nnamdi Kanu in Kuje prison was by choice and based on United Nations Principles . There is no political string attached. So Nigerians should not crucify me for visiting him. ‘’
When Ikenga Chronicles correspondent probed further to find out if he had by any means persuaded Nnamdi Kalu to drop the Biafra agitation, he fired back , ‘’ I will stop answering your questions, you ask questions as if you are a Biafran. I never discussed the issue of Biafra with him during my visit.”
Recall that on December 16, Kalu had paid a visit to Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. Kalu, who shared photos from the visit on social media, said the Biafra leader does not belong in Kuje prison. He described Kanu as his “brother” and stated that his freedom was of “utmost concern” to him.
The former Abia Governor also debunked the insinuation that he defected to APC in a ploy to get soft landing on his ongoing corruption trial. Kalu, who is facing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a N3.2b fraud, said he decided to join the ruling APC by choice.
“I was never forced to join the ruling APC. The narrative flying around that I defected to the party because of my case in court is pedestrian. The narratives don’t add up. ‘’
He further explained that his decision to join the APC gave him popularity in the South East because the Igbos appreciate the works and ideology of the party.
Taking a jibe on the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he said explained that the party was a misfit for the South East.
It should be noted that APC supporters are enthusiastic that the recent defection of former Uzor Kalu to the party will boost its fortunes not only in the state but across the South-East geo-political zone.
