I Sold Weapons To Anyone Who Could Pay – Orji Kalu Reveals Details Of Former Business

Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has revealed details of his past involvement in international arms trading, disclosing that he once sold weapons to buyers without restricting his business to specific individuals or organisations.

The former Abia State governor made the revelation during an interview while reflecting on his previous business activities and relationships with influential political figures across Africa.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Kalu explained that his arms business was open to anyone who had the financial capacity to purchase weapons, regardless of their political or organisational affiliation.

During the interview, he was asked whether he supplied weapons to the African National Congress (ANC) during its struggle against apartheid in South Africa. In response, Kalu said his business was not limited to the organisation, stressing that he was willing to sell to any interested buyer who could afford the weapons.

“I was selling to anybody who wants to buy. If you have the money, you want to buy,” he stated.

The senator was also asked whether he sold weapons to former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. However, he maintained his general position on selling to willing buyers without confirming or providing details of any specific transaction involving the late Libyan leader.

Kalu further disclosed that arms trading was once one of his major business activities outside Nigeria, describing it as a significant part of his international business interests.

“My major business used to be outside this country, to deal in arms,” he said.

When questioned about whether he sold weapons to people for the purpose of killing others, the senator denied that this was his motivation, explaining that his primary interest was making money from the trade.

He also revealed that he eventually abandoned the business after his parents intervened and insisted that he stop dealing in arms.

According to him, their intervention influenced his decision to quit the trade. “My mother and my father came and said I must stop, and I stopped,” he added.

Beyond his business history, Kalu also discussed his relationships with prominent South African political figures, particularly former President Nelson Mandela.

He said he met Mandela many years ago and developed a close relationship with the late South African leader. Kalu explained that Mandela later introduced him to Thabo Mbeki, who subsequently connected him with Jacob Zuma.

The senator said the introductions helped him build relationships with successive South African political leaders.

His revelations have provided further insight into his international business background and the connections he established with influential personalities across the African continent.