How Sen Orji Kalu Has Been Providing Succour For Inmates In Kuje

Recently, a man from Maiduguri whose brother is presently at the Kuje Prison in Abuja shared his opinion on the kind of personality he discovered former Governor of Abia State and Present Whip of Senate in Nigeria, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who is presently at Kuje prison is, contrary to his initial believe. He narrated what his brother told him about the Senator has been a blessing in disguise to them at the correctional centre.

Hear him……

My name is Mohammed Yusuf. I am from Maiduguri, but based in Abuja with my family. My elder brother, Idris, has been in Kuje Prison facing trial since the past 7 years. I visit Kuje prison every week to deliver food stuff to my brother.

When I went to visit my brother in December, he was so excited. We sat down in the prison’s visitors area to talk. My brother informed me that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu had been transferred from Lagos Prison to Kuje prison. My brother was a student of University of Maiduguri the same time Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was a student of that university. Though Senator Kalu never actually met my brother, my brother knew him well because, as he informed me, the young Orji Uzor Kalu was active in students union and was highly popular among the students.

My brother meeting Senator Kalu in Kuje has been a blessing to him and our family, and to the entire prison inmate population. According to my brother, Orji Uzor Kalu is such a kind and down-to-earth man. He transformed the lives of inmates. He made sure the inmates have 10 hours of power everyday instead of 4 hours they used to have. He improved their feeding and constantly sends food and supplies to the inmates. He helped many inmates to perfect their bail or pay fines to regain their freedom.

Though the Senator is a devout Catholic, he does not discriminate when it comes to helping people. He gives to Christians and Muslims equally alike. He doesn’t care about your religion or your tribe. Last week, when I went to deliver food to my brother happened to be Orji Uzor Kalu’s birthday. Every inmate had food – rice, chicken or beef and drinks – supplied by Uzor Kalu. I saw a lot of excitement. I asked what was going on and I was told that it was his birthday. I almost had the opportunity of meeting him one on one, but it wasn’t possible. He only walked past and waived to the cheering inmates.

I had to ask myself again and again, is this the same Orji Uzor Kanu I had been hearing about or another one? I expected a cold calculated politician who would not be at home with common people. But I was surprised by what my brother had been telling me, confirmed by my brief but profound observation. The Orji Uzor Kalu that I saw appeared humble and smiling as if nothing bothers him at all.

I think I have learned my lesson. Never think you have known anybody until you have taken time to know that person and make your own observation. I had the impression of Orji Kalu as typical politician and shrewd businessman. His conviction did not help my impressions of him. But I must admit I was totally wrong. Though I  don’t know the details of his case, I must tell you it is impossible to reconcile what I thought with what I saw. I just hope other Nigerians will keep an open mind and get to know this man from their own observation. This is a genuinely good man.

I will be going to Kuje again next week. I may be lucky to see him again. But at least, my brother will gist me on the latest on Senator Kalu.

MOHAMMED YUSUF