By Ranmilowo Ojalumo
When one talks of a leader in Nigeria who has never watched from the sidelines, then one name readily comes to mind and that is Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
Whether on issues that concern the South-East, national unity, security, fiscal reforms, or institutional integrity, Kalu has consistently carved a reputation as one of the most outspoken political figures in contemporary Nigeria. Especially, while many southeastern political elites often choose silence on sensitive matters, Kalu repeatedly steps forward to express his views openly, sometimes controversially, but always boldly.
His recent appearance on Channels Television, where he reacted to the life imprisonment handed down to the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, reinforced his longstanding profile. In a moment when emotions were high and public opinion sharply divided, Kalu chose a different route which is the path of political negotiation, sober reasoning, and institutional respect.
Speaking during the interview, the senator revealed that he has been working quietly with the Federal Government to explore diplomatic solutions to the Kanu matter. According to him, the issue has moved beyond courtroom drama, becoming a national question requiring thoughtful and strategic engagement.
He explained that he intends to meet with the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to offer advice and propose pathways that can reduce regional tension, restore confidence, and address the social wounds created by the crisis.
Kalu told Channels TV that he believes the Kanu matter can no longer be approached with emotions or political ego. He urged the Igbo community to resist emotional reactions and instead adopt a diplomatic posture capable of yielding long-term gains. He cautioned that while legal appeals are expected, the broader implications for peace, unity, and human life must not be ignored.
During the interview, Kalu made a striking revelation. He specifically said near 30,000 civilians of Igbo origin, have died in the course of the agitation and the resulting security responses. He lamented that public discourse tends to focus on security operatives killed or injured, while the deeper humanitarian damage within communities has been largely ignored. He expressed worry over businesses that have been destroyed, families displaced, and livelihoods shattered across the South-East since the beginning of the agitation cycle.
To Kalu, these devastating outcomes create a compelling reason to seek a political solution instead of continuing a purely legal confrontation. He insisted that if the South-East truly wants peace, its political leaders must collectively “go on their knees” to negotiate with the federal authorities. His view is that negotiations, though difficult, offer more hope than emotional outbursts or legal battles alone.
Kalu also revealed that his involvement in Kanu’s legal and humanitarian issues dates back many years. He recalled engaging former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 in an attempt to secure bail for Kanu. He disclosed that he worked alongside influential figures within the previous administration, including Mamman Daura and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, to create a middle ground. According to Kalu, national stability requires more dialogue than confrontation, and leaders must be courageous enough to say so publicly.
It is pertinent to say that Kalu’s outspokenness on national matters goes far beyond the Kanu issue. Over the years, he has positioned himself as a national statesman who comments freely on issues ranging from tax reforms to institutional restructuring. His commentaries may not always align with the prevailing sentiments in the corridors of power, but he has never allowed political correctness to silence him.
One of his most notable interventions came during debates on tax reform bills in the National Assembly. Kalu openly criticized the Federal Government for failing to consult major stakeholders, especially state governors and economic actors before pushing through the reforms. Even though he considered the tax bills progressive and capable of strengthening fiscal federalism, he insisted that the process was flawed and needed correction. His suggestion was not to discard the bills but to involve those who would feel the impact most strongly. His critique helped restart conversations about stakeholder participation in national policy formulation.
Kalu has also voiced strong opinions about cutting the cost of governance. In mid-2024, he backed calls for adopting a part-time legislature at both state and federal levels. He argued that Nigeria’s economic situation demands creative restructuring, and that reducing legislative costs would help restore public trust. His position was unpopular among some lawmakers, yet he maintained it with characteristic emphasis.
These vocal national interventions mirror Kalu’s performance in the Senate, where he ranks among the most active bill sponsors in the 10th National Assembly. Legislative records show that he has sponsored a wide range of bills aimed at strengthening federal institutions, promoting education, protecting the environment, and reforming the military structure. Among these are amendments to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, bills expanding funding for universal basic education, proposals granting states concurrent powers to build and manage rail transport, and regulations to improve environmental protection through stronger enforcement under NESREA.
There is also the bill seeking to establish an Armed Forces Service Commission, designed to ensure fairness, meritocracy, and federal character compliance in military appointments. Kalu has repeatedly argued that institutional justice is essential to national peace, and the commission would help address longstanding concerns about regional representation in the armed forces.
In addition to his legislative work, Kalu continues to maintain a visible presence in constituency development. He has attracted numerous infrastructure projects to Abia North and has been recognized by various organizations, including the Senate Press Corps, for his commitment to community development. His approach to constituency service often blends political engagement with grassroots outreach, reinforcing his image as a hands-on leader.
Ultimately, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stands out because he speaks when many others choose silence. His intervention on the Kanu matter is not an isolated gesture. It sits within a long pattern of national advocacy, legislative productivity, and direct engagement with difficult issues. In a political era deeply affected by polarization and fear of criticism, Kalu remains one of the few South-East leaders willing to “hit the nail on the head,” as many observers describe him.
His recent Channels Television interview underscores this identity. Far from fanning the flames of division, he called for a combination of dialogue, political tact, and respect for institutions. Whether his calls will lead to a concrete outcome remains to be seen. But what is clear is that Orji Uzor Kalu has placed himself once more at the center of a national conversation, speaking boldly where silence has too often prevailed.
