Orji Kalu resumes at Senate after release from prison

The former Governor of Abia State and member of the Senate, Orji Kalu who was recently released from prison has resumed legislative duties on Tuesday at the National Assembly, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Penpushing reports that, Kalu who was the Chief Whip in the Senate before his jail term, over alleged N7.1 billion fraud as the Governor of Abia State, upon his return to the Senate was seen exchanging pleasantries with his colleagues, legislative staff and security operatives.

The Senator who had spent six months in prison, but got freed by Supreme Court, about week ago while speaking with journalists said, “I just want to thank God for everything that has happened. It is the will of God. I want to urge Nigerians to keep hope alive,”

Penpushing further reports that, Kalu, however, did not resume his duty as Chief Whip, while the Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, still acted in his stead, and the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan while welcoming him expressed gratitude to God for having Kalu back.

“I want to welcome our one and only chief whip of the Senate, and indeed the National Assembly. Chief whip, you are welcome, we are very grateful to the Almighty God for his blessings,”   Lawan said.

Penpushing also reports that, the former Governor stood trial alongside Ude Udeogu, a former director of finance and account in Abia State, and was sentenced by Justice Mohammed Idris, who as of then had been elevated to the court of appeal bench, in a legal tussle that started in 2007.

The supreme court, on May 8, 2020, however, in a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel headed by Justice Amina Augie, held that the Lagos Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction when it convicted Kalu, his company Slok Nigeria Limited and Udeogu.

Penpushing reports that, the apex court verdict, however, did not include releasing Kalu from prison, but his counsels, therefore, filed a suit before the Lagos Federal High Court for Kalu’s release.

The, Justice Mohammed Liman in a judgment read on behalf of other panel members at the Lagos court, ordered release of Kalu from the correctional centre  Kuje facility in Abuja last Tuesday, and order which was subsequently obeyed the following day.