A recent statement by Mr. Peter Obi regarding Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and the Anambra governorship election has sparked reactions, with many commending the former Abia State Governor for his political consistency and party loyalty.
Responding to Mr. Obi’s remarks during a recent interview, political analyst Emenike Okorie argued that anyone who fails to recognize Senator Kalu as a seasoned politician and principled party loyalist is either “politically naive or harbors deep-seated hatred” for the lawmaker.
According to Okorie, “Even Mr. Peter Obi, who made the statement, had in mind to buttress the point that he has respect for Orji Uzor Kalu as a politician who cannot be compromised irrespective of whoever is involved.”
He noted that Obi’s comments were not made in criticism, but rather as an illustration of Abia North Senator’s political discipline and loyalty to his party. “Obi said that to mean he appreciated the stand of Sen. Kalu and has no problem with that,” Okorie added.
He also cautioned Nigerians to consider the full context of Obi’s statement rather than isolating phrases. “If you watched the interview where Mr. Peter Obi made that statement, he was trying to answer the question of how he would treat opposition if he becomes the president of Nigeria. And he cited the incident involving Sen. Kalu.”
Addressing those who described former Abia Governor’s actions as betrayal, Okorie countered, “How is this betrayal? Maybe you lack understanding. Orji Uzor Kalu went to Anambra to participate in his party’s campaign and decided to visit the sitting governor. Who did he betray? Is Peter Obi his enemy?”
He continued, “Kalu should be applauded because he is not seeing politics as war. Did Peter Obi tell you in that interview that Orji Uzor Kalu betrayed him? Do you even know what the word betrayal means? Go back to school and do English 101, please.”
Okorie further contrasted Kalu’s conduct with that of other politicians, stating, “Orji Uzor was sincere to say his mind, unlike many others like Nyesom Wike, who would give you assurance and betrayal comes at last.”
Okorie went on to defend the Senator’s right to political preference, saying, “What is wrong with him having another choice to support? Kalu is too honest to deny his preferred candidate. Do you want a sugarcoated man who will pretend to support you while backing someone else?”
The statement adds to ongoing conversations about political maturity, loyalty, and the ability to separate personal relationships from party allegiance, with the Senate Committee Chairman on SEDC being cited as an example of transparency in Nigerian politics.
