The Abia Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has accused the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, of arrogance, divisive conduct, and making comments capable of endangering peace and political stability in Abia State.
In a joint statement signed by Rt. Hon. Ginger Onwusibe (Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency), Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa (Ohafia and Arochukwu Federal Constituency), and Hon. Obinna Aguocha (Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency), the lawmakers said they were deeply concerned by Kalu’s “unguarded and inflammatory utterances” about the state’s political direction.
They alleged that Kalu’s recent remarks, where he boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would “capture Abia” in 2027, were reckless and unbecoming of someone holding such a high legislative position.
According to them, the Deputy Speaker’s utterances reflect a leader “driven by personal ambition rather than the collective good of Abians.”
“Such careless talk, repeated shortly after assuming office as Deputy Speaker, was not only unintelligent and insensitive but also unbecoming of a public officer who ought to embody humility and emotional intelligence,” the statement read.
Recall that on October 5, during an event organised by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umuahia, Kalu criticised Governor Alex Otti’s administration, claiming it had underperformed despite receiving substantial federal allocations. He went on to declare that the APC would take over Abia in 2027.
According to the caucus, this was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of arrogance and recklessness since Kalu became Deputy Speaker.
They accused him of making provocative statements aimed at discrediting Governor Otti and the Labour Party government in Abia, while seeking to curry favour with the ruling party at the federal level.
The lawmakers said Kalu’s actions appeared to be a calculated effort to pitch the Federal Government and the APC against the Abia State Government.
“This is the same divisive strategy he once used against respected leaders of his own party in the South East. His current actions are not about service but about personal ambition and power-hungry tendencies at the expense of peace in Abia State,” the statement added.
They reminded Kalu that Governor Otti had shown goodwill towards him, noting that after his emergence as Deputy Speaker, the governor hosted an elaborate state reception in his honour, attended by Labour Party officials and federal lawmakers.
“Governor Otti has shown due respect for both the office and the person of Mr. President, maintaining a cordial and constructive relationship with him. In the same spirit, Hon. Kalu is expected to accord due respect to the Governor, not only as the state’s Chief Executive but also in deference to his age, in keeping with Igbo cultural values,” the statement read.
The caucus accused Kalu of failing to reciprocate this gesture of cooperation and instead choosing to “stoke the embers of political disharmony.”
They urged him to engage in sober reflection, warning that his “hubris and inciteful remarks” were unworthy of a Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
They stressed that true leadership is measured by humility and decorum, not arrogance or self-importance.
The lawmakers commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides, listing projects such as the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, Omenuko Bridge, and the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road as proof of tangible progress being made in the state through collaboration with the Federal Government.
“These are tangible results of leadership that brings hope to ordinary people, creates jobs, opens up communities, and restores Abia’s pride,” they said.
They criticised Kalu’s repeated public boasts about being “number six” in national protocol, describing it as self-serving and petty. Instead, they urged him to use his influence to attract more federal projects to Abia State.
The caucus also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s recent commendation of Governor Otti’s achievements during the flag-off of federal road projects in Aba, represented by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. They said if such praise unsettled Kalu, it was not enough reason to resort to “mischief and incitement.”
They urged Abians to ignore what they called Kalu’s “empty boasts and divisive rhetoric,” insisting that his conduct was motivated by selfish ambition, not love for the people.
“Abians are politically discerning and can see through Hon. Kalu’s selfish antics. They understand that his fight is not against one man but against the collective interest of good governance, peace, and progress in Abia State.
“We call on all Abians, young and old, market women and traders, professionals, party members, elders and elites across party lines and political persuasions, to stand united behind the transformational work of Governor Alex Otti and reject any attempt by any individual to destabilise the state. Ultimately, power belongs to God Almighty,” the statement read.
