Many Nigerian politicians were once involved in 419 abroad – Orji Uzor Kalu

Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has raised concern over the growing infiltration of individuals with criminal backgrounds into Nigerian politics. According to Kalu, many Nigerians who were once involved in advanced fee fraud and other criminal activities abroad have now found their way into the nation’s political system.

In a video shared on his verified Facebook page, the former Senate Chief Whip alleged that several politicians previously engaged in 419 and other serious crimes in countries such as South Africa and across South America before returning home to pursue political ambitions.

“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,” Kalu said. “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.”

He urged both politicians and civil servants who hold positions of authority to take responsibility for redirecting Nigeria’s economic path. According to him, the country has a prosperous economic potential if only the right people manage it with integrity and accountability.

“The economic dynamics of this country is very prosperous if we do it right. Why should people stack dollars in their houses? Why should people be giving out dollars? It’s not our legal tender. People should learn how to put the money in Nigeria’s system so Nigeria can benefit from the money that we’re transacting on,” he stated.

Kalu described the increasing culture of hoarding and transacting in foreign currency as harmful to the Nigerian economy, urging citizens to trust and invest within the local financial system.

He further called on honest and patriotic Nigerians to join politics to bring credibility and sanity to governance, emphasizing that the political space should not be left for corrupt individuals.

“Let the good people come and join and make politics better the way it should be. It’s not for saints, but it’s not for people that have damaged themselves by cheating white men or other black people,” he said.

The lawmaker also appealed to Nigerians across political divides to support ongoing economic reforms aimed at reviving the nation’s economy.

“For me, I plead with our people, let us support our economic reforms no matter our political leaning. We should come together and build a new leaf,” Kalu concluded.

Kalu’s comments have sparked conversations on social media about the moral and ethical standards of political leaders in Nigeria, as well as the broader implications for governance and economic reform efforts.