Former Abia state governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, was given a hero’s welcome at his Igbere country home in Abia on Monday after he spent some months in jail over corruption allegations.
Mr Kalu who is the present Senate chief whip was received by his relatives, friends and political associates.
Party faithful also turned out in large numbers at Onuimo, the Abia/Imo boundary to receive him, waiving the APC flag and chanting the party slogan.
At Umuahia, scores of residents lined up the major streets to catch a glimpse of the lawmaker representing Abia North, who was chauffeured through the city in a motorcade en route to Igbere, Bende Local Government Area, NAN reports.
Addressing newsmen at the airport, Kalu expressed gratitude to God for the prevailing peace in Nigeria.
He said that he felt well being home after his release from unlawful incarceration.
He said: “I feel well to be home. I am always a home boy. A home boy is always a home boy.”
Kalu said that his Abia North Senatorial District did not miss anything as a result of his six months at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
“Abia North did not miss anything because all that were supposed to be done were represented in the budget.”
“The senatorial district has become a huge construction site. What is happening there has never happened in any senatorial district in Abia.
“There are more than 19 roads currently undergoing rehabilitation in the area,” Kalu said.
Kalu was sentenced to 12 years in jail on Dec. 5 for alleged N7.1 billion fraud, while serving as Abia governor from 1999 to 2007.
The Supreme Court, however, in a unanimous decision on May 8, nullified the trial and conviction of Kalu by Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The apex court said that Idris lacked the jurisdiction to try the matter, having been elevated to the Court of Appeal.
The former governor, however, remained incarcerated until June 2, when Justice Mohammed Liman of a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered his release from custody.
Submit press release, news tips to us: tips@odunews.com | Follow us @ODUNewsNG
