–Accuses Him of Plotting to Destabilize the State
The Abia State Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned what it described as the “unguarded and provocative” utterances of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, accusing him of sowing political discord and attempting to undermine the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the caucus expressed dismay over Kalu’s “careless and arrogant” comments, alleging that his recent conduct represents a calculated effort to pit the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against the Abia State Government.
The lawmakers recalled that in 2024, while newly elected officials were still settling into governance, Kalu had “boasted” that the APC would “capture Abia in 2027,” citing his “number six” position in the national hierarchy, a statement they described as “unintelligent, insensitive, and unbecoming of a public officer.”
According to the caucus, “Since then, Hon. Kalu has carried on with arrogance and recklessness, making provocative, sycophantic, and inflammatory statements both publicly and privately.”
They alleged that the Deputy Speaker’s actions mirror the “divisive strategy” he previously employed against leaders within his own party in the South East, driven by “personal ambition and power-drunk tendencies” rather than service to the people.
The statement further emphasized that Governor Otti has maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with President Bola Tinubu, showing due regard for the Presidency, and that Kalu should reciprocate the same respect to the state governor, “in recognition of his office and in keeping with Igbo cultural values.”
The caucus also reminded the Deputy Speaker that Governor Otti had demonstrated political magnanimity toward him, including hosting an elaborate state reception in his honour after his emergence as Deputy Speaker and directing LP House members to support his bid for the position.
“It is unfortunate that instead of reciprocating this goodwill, Hon. Kalu has chosen to stoke the embers of political disharmony in Abia,” the statement read.
Listing their observations, the caucus urged Kalu to “engage in sober self-reflection,” stressing that arrogance and incitement are inconsistent with the dignity of his office.
They noted that Governor Otti’s administration has facilitated and executed numerous federal projects across Abia, including the Port Harcourt Road, Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, Omenuko Bridge, and the 25 km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road soon to be flagged off.
“As he always boasts of being ‘number six’ in national protocol, Hon. Kalu ought to leverage his office to support these projects rather than playing cheap politics,” they stated.
The lawmakers also dismissed Kalu’s “empty boasts and divisive rhetoric,” asserting that his recent discomfort stems from the overwhelming public endorsement of Governor Otti’s achievements, recently acknowledged by President Tinubu through the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, at a flag-off event in Aba.
They urged Abians to “see through Hon. Kalu’s selfish antics” and unite in support of Governor Otti’s transformational leadership.
“Governor Otti enjoys a cordial relationship with Mr. President, and no amount of political scheming by Hon. Kalu can disrupt Abia’s steady progress,” the caucus said.
Concluding, the statement called on “all Abians, young and old, market women, traders, professionals, elders, and elites across party lines, to stand united behind Governor Alex Otti and reject attempts by any individual to drag the state backward for personal gain.”
“Ultimately, power belongs to God Almighty,” the statement affirmed.
