Reacting to comments credited to former U.S. President Donald Trump on killings in Nigeria, Kalu said Trump “told the truth,” noting that both Christians and Muslims had been victims of terrorist attacks.
“If it’s a lie, then my answer is that it’s not a lie because he said the truth. Nigerians are being killed whether they are Christians or Muslims.
There are jihadists who just want to destroy Nigeria. We should blacklist them without pity so that they will be smoked out,” he said.
Kalu disclosed that he had personally discussed Nigeria’s security challenges with two former U.S. Presidents — one Republican and one Democrat — and six sitting U.S. Senators, all of whom, he said, expressed readiness to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism.
“Before President Trump says a word, the American intelligence community must have found out where these terrorists are located,” Kalu said.
“You can see that the Nigerian Air Force is already acting, possibly using information shared by the U.S. to bomb terrorist hideouts.”
He blamed global instability partly on the U.S.-led invasions of Libya and Iraq, which he said led to the spread of illegal arms across Africa.
“When Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein were killed, it became a problem because they were maintaining their borders. After their deaths, light and heavy arms spilled all over the world and we are suffering from it today,” Kalu noted.
Kalu dismissed suggestions that the U.S. was targeting the Tinubu administration, saying Washington’s concern was focused on jihadist groups destabilizing the region.
“The U.S. is not after Tinubu’s government. They are going after the jihadists,” he clarified.
On Possible Defections and Political Alliances
Responding to speculation that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, might defect from the Labour Party to the APC, Kalu said neither President Tinubu nor any APC leader had pressured anyone to join the ruling party.
“Neither I nor other senators, the Senate President or President Tinubu have ever forced anybody to join our party,” he said.
“I have met with my governor — he is my brother and used to be my banker. Whether he joins or not is up to him. But as for me, I will work 100 per cent for the APC and ensure victory for Tinubu and all our candidates.”
He also expressed confidence that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, would eventually join the APC.
“Soludo is a progressive like myself, President Tinubu, and Senate President Akpabio. He has no alternative than to come and join us — it’s confirmed,” he asserted.
Macroeconomy Improving, Micro Still Struggling
Kalu acknowledged that while Nigerians are facing economic hardship, macroeconomic indicators show signs of recovery.
“As a businessman, I am feeling the pain too. The macro economy is doing well, but the micro economy is not,” he said.
“Foreign investors are coming in, and what is left is for this progress to trickle down to the masses so that people can eat daily and return to farming.”
He said both the President and the Senate were working tirelessly to revive the economy and restore food security.
“President Tinubu has put his life into revamping the economy, and the Senate is also doing its best to ensure that Nigerians feel the progress,” he added.
On Senate Unity and Impeachment Rumours
Kalu dismissed reports of an alleged plot to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as a “family misunderstanding.”
“There were attempts, but we didn’t allow that to happen. We are one big family and it’s not going to happen,” he said.
Kalu reaffirmed the Senate’s unity and commitment to supporting the Tinubu administration in driving national stability and economic recovery.
