Senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has described his time in prison as a valuable learning experience, saying the six months he spent behind bars changed his outlook on life and taught him humility.
The former Abia State governor made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, where he said he was grateful to God for the experience despite the circumstances that led to his imprisonment.
According to Kalu, his time in custody helped him understand life differently and appreciate lessons he might not have learned under normal circumstances.
He said he even had reasons to appreciate those who played a role in sending him to prison, likening the experience to attending school and eventually graduating.
Kalu was convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos in December 2019 over a 39 count charge and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
However, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction on May 8, 2020, ruling that the trial judge, Mohammed Idris, lacked the authority to deliver the judgment after being elevated to the Court of Appeal.
Following the decision, the apex court ordered a fresh trial, while Kalu was released from Kuje Correctional Centre after spending approximately six months in custody.
When asked whether he considered the conviction justified, the senator disagreed but said he preferred not to dwell on the matter. He maintained that he respected the judge’s decisions, despite believing that the outcome was wrong.
Kalu also acknowledged that the Nigerian judiciary faces challenges but insisted that many judges remain committed to delivering justice.
He urged Nigerians who disagree with decisions of lower courts to seek redress through the appeal process rather than resorting to public criticism of judicial rulings.
According to him, appealing a judgment allows a higher court, involving more judges, to review the decision and provide another opportunity for justice to be served.
