By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has disclosed that he was previously involved in the international arms trade, revealing that he sold heavy weapons to buyers in different countries, provided they had the financial means to purchase them. Kalu made the revelation during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, while discussing his business background and longstanding relationships with former and serving South African leaders.

The former Abia State governor confirmed that he traded in heavy weapons across national borders but said he eventually abandoned the business following pressure from his parents. Responding to a question on whether he was an arms dealer, Kalu answered in the affirmative, explaining that his decision to quit was influenced by his parents, who insisted that he discontinue the business.

Asked whether he was concerned about the possible use of the weapons to kill people, the senator maintained that his primary interest at the time was making money, insisting that what happened after the sales was not his responsibility. Kalu also dismissed suggestions that he supplied weapons exclusively to the African National Congress (ANC) during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.

He said his customers included anyone capable of paying for the weapons, regardless of their country.According to him, his former arms business extended to several African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia.

However, he declined to disclose where he sourced the weapons, describing the information as a private business matter. Clarifying the nature of the weapons he traded, Kalu insisted that they were heavy arms sold between countries rather than small firearms, following questions about the proliferation of illegal weapons and their implications for Nigeria’s security challenges. When asked whether he had supplied weapons to Libya under its late leader, Muammar Gaddafi, Kalu responded that he sold to anyone with the money to buy. He subsequently described Gaddafi as a good man and offered prayers for his soul.

The senator also spoke about his relationships with successive South African presidents, tracing the connections to his friendship with the country’s late former President, Nelson Mandela.

He said Mandela introduced him to several South African leaders, including Thabo Mbeki and the incumbent President, Cyril Ramaphosa. Kalu also recounted how Mandela discussed the contributions of the fathers of Mbeki and Ramaphosa to the anti-apartheid struggle, a consideration he said influenced the ANC’s choice of Mbeki over Ramaphosa as Mandela’s running mate.Kalu added that Mbeki later introduced him to former President Jacob Zuma, with his relationships with South African political leaders continuing across successive administrations.