Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has attributed the suffering of Nigerians to the unrest in the South East.
He emphasized that the region has the potential to address many of the country’s challenges if peace is restored.
In an interview with Diaspora digital media (DDM) on Saturday, Kalu stressed the need to return the South East to a state of tranquility.
He argued that most goods imported from China could be produced locally in the region if security and basic infrastructure, such as electricity, were guaranteed.
“Nigerians are suffering because of the problem we have in the South East.
“The South East can produce everything you buy in China.
“Just give us electricity, the right policies, and a conducive atmosphere, and we will deliver,” the former governor of Abia State said.
Highlighting the impact of insecurity, he lamented the economic losses caused by the sit-at-home orders and the activities of insurgents.
“The sit-at-home alone has cost the South East hundreds of billions of naira.
“We need to revive the ‘I can do it’ spirit and focus on what we know best,” he added.
Kalu called for the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, through legal processes.
He stressed that Kanu’s release would enhance peace and security in the region.
He urged IPOB lawyers and the judiciary to expedite the case, noting that President Bola Tinubu respects the rule of law and would act accordingly once the judiciary concludes its work.
“When I was governor, Aba was a manufacturing hub.
“Nigerians benefited immensely from goods produced in the South East, even though some bore foreign labels.
“President Tinubu knows the potential of this region because he saw it firsthand when he visited Abia during my tenure,” Kalu said.
The senator expressed optimism that Tinubu would focus on developing the South East once insecurity is addressed.
He maintained that defeating insurgency and restoring order would pave the way for the President to roll out policies that support industrial growth and economic transformation in the region.
He concluded, “I believe the judiciary will do its job swiftly, and President Tinubu will intervene in line with the law.
“Once Kanu is released, the South East will return to normal, and Nigerians will begin to see the benefits of a peaceful, productive region.”
