Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has defended recent comments by U.S President Donald Trump, insisting that the American leader did not lie about Nigeria’s security challenges.
Speaking to Journalists in the National Assembly, Kalu said Trump’s remarks reflect the grim reality of ongoing attacks on Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines. According to him, Nigerian Christians and Muslims alike are being killed.
He cited incidents in Plateau, Benue and Zamfara States as evidence of widespread killings perpetrated by terrorist groups described as Islamist jihadists whose aim is to destabilise and destroy Nigeria.
The senator called for a united stance against such groups, urging that they must be identified and smoked out without pity.
Kalu, who declared himself pro-America, revealed that he has engaged privately with influential figures in the U.S government, including two former American presidents and about six senators.
He said they all expressed readiness to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.
He stressed that comments by an American president are not made lightly, noting that such statements are usually backed by intelligence assessments.
The senator linked recent Nigerian Air Force strikes to intelligence support from the U.S, saying coordinated efforts between both countries are beginning to yield results.
He urged journalists, community leaders and citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing actionable information about those involved in terrorist activities.
Kalu also reflected on the broader geopolitical factors fueling insecurity in Nigeria. He argued that the fall of leaders such as Muammar Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein led to a collapse of border control in parts of Africa, resulting in the uncontrolled proliferation of arms.
While acknowledging America’s role in those events, he emphasised that the U.S remains the leader of the free world and that Nigeria is engaging diplomatically to stabilise the situation.
Turning to the political climate, Kalu dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is under threat from opposition.
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He insists that the intelligence report referenced in recent debates predates Tinubu’s tenure and described opposition attempts to politicise the situation as misguided.
According to him, the U.S is not targeting the Nigerian government but the jihadists.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Kalu boldly asserted that President Tinubu faces no significant challenger and that the ruling party remains firmly grounded with strong grassroots support.
On the economy, Kalu admitted that while Nigeria’s macro-economic indicators are improving, the micro-economy remains a major concern.
He attributed ongoing hardship to insecurity, which has disrupted farming and the free movement of goods.
He however expressed confidence that the newly appointed service chiefs and security heads are aggressively tackling banditry to restore stability.
Kalu added that foreign investors continue to show interest in Nigeria but emphasised that the benefits must be felt by ordinary citizens.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment, as well as the Senate’s efforts, to revamp the economy and ensure meaningful recovery for the Nigerian people.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
