Orji Kalu, former governor of Abia State who has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for fraud, has said he has a role to play in the national politics of 2023

Kalu smiled at newsmen, saying ‘2023, here we come’ while he was being led out of the courtroom by Correctional Services officials after he was sentenced.

He was also seen asking prison warders, “where are you taking us to?”, while begging that they shouldnt handcuff him in public.

The former governor, who appeared shaken, said, “Where are you taking us to now? Please don’t handcuff me. I will follow you.”

Earlier, Kalu wiped tears from his eyes with a white handkerchief as Justice Mohammed Idris began reading an abridged version of the 228-page judgment.

The jusge further sentenced Kalu’s associate, Udeogu, to 10 years in prison while the company which was used in carrying out the fraud, Slok Limited, was ordered to be wound up by Justice Idris Mohammed.