Kalu Links South East Deaths To Agitation Led By IPOB

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Majority Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has linked the deaths of more than 30,000 people in the South East to the unrest tied to the agitation led by IPOB’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

He made the claim on Sunday during a live appearance on a national television programme, where he discussed the long-running crisis and its toll on communities and businesses.

He addressed the recent conviction of Kanu on terrorism charges and called on political actors and supporters to step back from heated exchanges. Kalu said the public conversation often dwells on clashes with security forces while overlooking the devastation suffered by traders, families and local economies over the years.

He recounted how violence crippled commercial hubs across the region, noting personal stories of ruined businesses, including that of a trader who owed his late mother millions before losing everything during the unrest. He described the situation as a tragedy that demands sober engagement rather than emotional reactions.

Kalu revealed that he has been involved in quiet efforts to find a political resolution. He recalled the behind-the-scenes negotiations that led to Kanu’s bail in 2017, explaining that he pushed the Buhari administration to free the separatist leader to face trial from home rather than in custody.

He also spoke about the media pressure that followed, saying he resisted attempts to suppress reporting by his newspaper during previous administrations. He insisted that, despite disagreements, judicial decisions must be respected and that the proper response to any ruling is an appeal, not confrontations with judges.

Kalu said the region must now prioritise a calm, strategic approach to resolving the issue. He urged residents and political leaders to look beyond emotions and work toward securing Kanu’s release through dialogue with the Federal Government, warning that the agitation nearly pushed the South East to collapse.