Prison experience taught me valuable lessons – Orji Kalu

Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said his six-month imprisonment changed his outlook on life, describing the experience as an opportunity to learn, reflect and become more humble.

Kalu made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where he said he had no regrets about spending time in prison despite disagreeing with the court’s decision to convict him.

The former Abia State governor said he was grateful for the experience, adding that it gave him a different perspective on life.

“I give kudos to people that sent me there because it’s like going to school. And I graduated there, and I’m very happy I went there,” he said.

Kalu was convicted in December 2019 by a Federal High Court in Lagos on a 39-count charge and sentenced to 12 years in prison over an alleged N7.1 billion fraud.

However, the Supreme Court nullified the conviction in May 2020, ruling that the trial judge lacked the jurisdiction to deliver the judgment after being elevated to the Court of Appeal.

Following the ruling, the former governor was released from Kuje Correctional Centre after spending about six months in custody.

During the interview, Kalu also acknowledged concerns about the judicial system but maintained that Nigerians dissatisfied with court judgments should seek redress through higher courts.

He said the appellate system provides an opportunity for litigants to challenge decisions they consider unfavorable.