Former Abia Sate Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu says he has never benefited anything as a politician, instead he has consistently used his personal wealth to support political activities and governance.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, June 2, the former governor of Abia State said that politics has cost him more than it has given.
Kalu, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007 and currently represents Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, described himself as a businessman who ventured into politics out of a desire to contribute to national development.
READ ALSO: Amaechi Blasts Tinubu, Says He Lacks Capacity to Govern Nigeria
“I spent my own money being governor like I spent my own money being a senator. I used to finance the state. That is the truth. I never benefitted anything being governor, rather I lost a lot of money. The Federal Government took a lot of my businesses. For me, politics has been more dangerous to me,” Kalu said.
He also recounted his role in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998, claiming that he was one of the major financiers of the party at the time.
“I brought the money they used in forming the PDP. Ask any PDP member, I brought most of the money they used in 1998 and 1999,” he stated.
Pressed on the source of his wealth, the senator said it was generated from his thriving businesses prior to entering politics.
“I made so much money under 24. I am the biggest importer of rice, sugar, confectionaries, and the rest of them and I was also selling petrol,” Kalu said.
READ ALSO: Minister Abdullahi Atta Mourns 22 Kano Athletes Killed In Tragic Road Crash
“Then, dollar was big money. I gave President Obasanjo over $1 million to campaign. I gave the party $500 million. The only few people who could have brought money then were TY Danjuma and Atiku Abubakar. Others had no money to bring and that’s the truth.”
Kalu maintained that his contributions to politics have always been driven by patriotism and a desire to create jobs through his business ventures, rather than personal gain.
He emphasized his long-standing commitment to economic empowerment, highlighting his role in establishing businesses that employ thousands of Nigerians.