A Nigerian political economist and public affairs commentator, Bashorun O. Adegbulugbe, has shared a personal account of his interaction with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK), describing the former Abia State Governor as an exceptional leader who embodies “politics without bitterness.”
In a piece titled “Politics Without Bitterness – My Remote Encounter with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu”, published on TVC News, Adegbulugbe detailed a journey that began in 2008 during a Christmas holiday in Igbere, Abia State, and culminated in a surprise phone call from the senator in 2024.
“My first encounter with OUK was in 2008 when I was on a three-year work assignment in Nigeria. I attended a Christmas celebration in Igbere hosted by OUK, which was marked by days of festivities for the entire community,” Adegbulugbe recalled.
Though he did not meet the senator personally at the time, he observed Kalu’s interaction with guests from a distance and took note of the infrastructural development in and around Igbere.
The more defining moment came over a decade later in 2024 when the senator personally reached out to him following a published article in which he had criticized the government and mentioned Kalu’s name.
“Two days later, I got a call from Washington. To my surprise, it was Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on the line. He didn’t yell or intimidate. Instead, he spoke with calmness, humility, and grace,” he said.
What was expected to be a confrontational exchange turned into an ongoing conversation between the two, spanning months of dialogue on national development, political ideology, and global economics.
“He would repeatedly say, ‘Look Dr Olufemi, Nigeria is one family and we must continue to co-exist as a family.’ That was profound,” he added.
Despite the political differences—Adegbulugbe being a known critic of President Tinubu and a member of the anti-Tinubu coalition—Kalu continued to engage respectfully.
“OUK never discriminated or distanced himself from critics or opposition voices. He listened and shared his views. Listening is a strong leadership quality, and he has that in abundance,” Adegbulugbe said.
Kalu, who is a leading Igbo voice within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has faced criticism for supporting the Tinubu administration. However, Adegbulugbe insists that such support should be seen as a strategic move in the interest of the Southeast region.
“I’ll be disappointed if OUK is supporting Tinubu for personal interests, but I am convinced that he’s doing so for the collective interest of Ndigbo. That’s strategic politics—not betrayal,” he explained.
He further cited Kalu’s bold stance on the insecurity and lawlessness in the Southeast, referencing a viral video where the senator urged Igbos to embrace peace.
“Many didn’t like it, but it takes courage to speak truth at a difficult time. That video enlarged my respect for OUK,” Adegbulugbe stated.
He also commended Kalu’s philanthropic efforts and job creation through private investments, describing him as a leader committed to lifting others.
“If Ndigbo are not grateful for what OUK has done to help them stand on their feet, then I have to say that ingratitude is worse than witchcraft,” he wrote pointedly.
Rubby Obinna
September 7, 2025.