‘I left over $4bn balance sheet in my companies before venturing into politics’ – Orji Kalu

Nigeria-Biafra War: Empowering Local Innovation; Senator Orji Uzor Kalu's Vision for Economic Resilience

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the two time former Abia State governor, said he left over $4 billion balance sheet in his companies before venturing into politics.

Senator Kalu made the comment while reminiscing his early days into politics, while noting that it’s disheartening that people who never ran a private business in their life are receiving applause.

The business mogul recalled that after venturing into politics, he used his personal resources to fund the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which happens to be his former political party.

Read the full memo below

 My life’s path is similar to the lessons from Nelson Mandela, which state that as leaders and followers, we must not only learn to make sacrifices for good and noble causes; but also be courageous in confronting evil even at the expense of our freedom, our lives, comfort and personal dignities.

I built several entities (businesses particularly in the media, oil, and gas sector, shipping, airlines, and others), and in 1998,  I left more than a $4 Billion balance sheet in my companies before venturing into politics, leading to where I am today as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

In 1998, I used my resources to fund the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), my former party, and certain personalities. I built several entities (businesses particularly in the media, oil, and gas sector, shipping, airlines, and others).

Today, those who have done next to nothing in the private sector are the ones parading themselves as achievers and saints. Whereas the real face of the organized private sector and other accomplished personalities like myself who have worked tirelessly and multiplied investments are expected to be penniless.

Even though I have had my ups and downs, the fact is that I didn’t start life as a politician. I am a businessman, a  capitalist with a human face.

Senator Dr Orji Kalu