Corruption: Coalition Calls For Expedite Trial Of Orji Kalu

By Ignatius Okpara, Enugu – Five different groups in South East Nigeria, including students organisations on Monday staged a peaceful rally in support of the recent renewed call on the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to expedite action in the trial of ex-governors, that have case to answer, especially that of Abia, Orji Uzor Kalu, and other political office holders.

They however, declared their total support for the anti-graft agency in its onerous task of ridding the nation of corruption.

The groups marched through several streets in Enugu including the Independence layout area where the EFCC office is located.

They expressed optimism that the EFCC would now be more determined to banish corruption in the country.

The groups, also reminded the commission that the trial of some political office holders that served during the Obasanjo era has remained unduly delayed over the years, thereby laying credence to the insinuation in some quarters that the agency might be selective on its actions.

They particularly, called on the EFCC to accelerate the prosecution of the ex-Governor of Abia state, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, who has a case still pending in the Agency, “and who has been strutting about freely in the society even with such grievous corruption allegations against him”.

Among the groups were, the South East Youth congress, Igbo students leaders forum, Anti-corruption Network and Ndigbo Against corruption Organisation.

They wondered how Orji Uzor Kalu, built his business empire just within his eight years in office.

According to them, the EFCC should accelerate the cases of ex- governors of Edo, Abia, Plateau and other former political office holders.

EFCC should commence speedy trial of “Saminu Turaki, Joshua Dariye,Lucky Igbinedion and other Ex-governors and political office holders whose cases have been dormant at the EFCC.

The placard carrying groups noted that it was the activities of these politicians that have brought poverty to Nigerians.

Some of the placards read “Kudos to EFCC for its giant stride and renewed war on corruption’” “Orji Uzo Kalu should be given accelerated trial by the EFCC’” “What is delaying the trial of Orji Uzor Kalu”

“EFCC should quicken the trial of Lucky Igbinedion” “Joshua Dariye, “Saminu Turaki” and other Ex political office holders’.

The groups were led by their leaders who included Emeka Okoro, Jude ibeawuchi, Chidimma Enwere, Ugwu Donatus, Okolo Nwanneka, and Ucha Ezikiel.