Orji Kalu Surfaces, Says He Is Ready For EFCC Trial

Orji Kalu Reacts To Justice Idris Placing Indefinite Suspension On His Trial

A former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu has declared that he is ready to face trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N7.6billion fraud preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said this on Monday while fielding questions from newsmen at his country home in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of the state.

Kalu who is facing trial for the N7.2 billion fraud he allegedly committed while in office, between August 2001 and October 2005, said, he has never stolen from the treasury of Abia state, adding that he is ready to face any trial.

Naija News recalls that in the last trial of the case, Justice Mohammed Idris who presided, placed a hold on Orji’s trial, stating that the court will await further directives on the case before proceeding.

Kalu expressed concerns over Justice Idris’ decision noting that  “I have so much respect for Justice Mohammed Idris because of the way he handles his court. I feel the court must be a place of justice. I don’t know why he adjourned my trial indefinitely, but as long as I am healthy I will go to court. I have never run away from trial. I am very prepared for trial.

“I’m very willing to take my trial; there’s no commissioner under my administration when I was the governor of the state who said I stole money. There are 19 witnesses and none of them have said I have stolen money.

“It’s only Justice Idris that can explain why my trial was adjourned indefinitely. I have no right to judge him; there are other courts who will judge how correct his final decision will be on my trial.”

Kalu also insinuated that the court case was being influenced by political enemies, who want to malign him.