Many ex-governors looted their states - Kalu

Lanre Adewole, Abuja - 18.01.2008

The immediate past governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, on Thursday in Abuja confirmed that many of the former governors looted their states’ treasury while in office.

About eight former governors including Kalu are being tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly looting their states’ funds.

Kalu, who spoke at the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja moments after his trial was adjourned, however, absolved himself of being part of the executive brigandage.

His trial was adjourned to February 12 by Justice Binta Murtala Nyako to allow the EFCC reply him on the request that his trial be quashed.

Kalu is claiming that the order of an Abia High Court in Umuahia restraining the commission from arresting and prosecuting him for alleged corruption had rendered his trial by the Federal High Court nugatory.

He argued that until the order is vacated, his trial in Abuja is null and void. EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, told the court that Kalu’s motion was just served on him on Wednesday and would require time to respond to it. His request was granted.

Speaking to journalists and his supporters after the court session, Kalu confessed that many of his colleagues looted their states, adding that some of the ministers and key functionaries of the last administration also participated in the mind-boggling looting of the country.

According to him, “my trial is part of the process of democracy and rule of law. It is better than dumping innocent and those who committed wrongdoing into prison. I am glad coming out here for trial. I wrote several petitions to Ribadu on corruption against Obasanjo. Ribadu never investigated any of the petitions.

“I don’t know what people are talking about. States in Nigeria spend less than 32 per cent of the allocation while the Federal Government spends about 60 per cent. The total allocation we got in eight years is not up to the budget NPA (Nigeria Ports Authority) got in a year. Ribadu meant well for this country but he dabbled into politics. He would have performed better if he were really focused and transparent,” he said.