Kalu regains liberty

Both Mr. Onyia and a serving Senator, Mr. Joel Danlami Ikenya, who were at the Federal High Court for the exercise have hailed the on-going trial of former governors of Taraba, Abia, Plateau, Enugu and Jigawa states, saying it is good for the country and its democracy.

Onyia is one of the four eminent Nigerians that have applied to stand as sureties for the former Abia State governor, Dr. Kalu while Senator Ikenya on the other hand is contemplating standing as surety for one of the detained ex-governors, whose identity he refused to disclose.

Meanwhile, none of the former governors currently in Kuje prisons has fully met their bail conditions as at press time.

There are indications that the release of Dr. Kalu from prison custody today would be delayed owing to the fact that the court is asking that a particular statement be endorsed at Umuahia before his warrant of release could be signed.

Kalu seems to be the only one among the ex-governors whose relations would not allow the court rest until the fruit of the bail application is reaped.

Mr.Onyia while justifying his decision to stand as Kalu’s surety, accused big men in the country of evading tax payment.
His words, “I am his (Kalu’s) brother. He can stand as surety for me if I am in trouble tomorrow and I need somebody to bail me. He can do that.

“I am of the personal opinion that trial of ex-governors is good for Nigerians and our democracy, especially for the younger generation. You don’t need to pocket the state money.

“For the ex-governors to be arraigned in the law courts is an indication that the law is above everyone.”