By Jonathan Lois
A fresh wave of political tension has emerged in Abia State as the Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has accused the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, of making inciteful and divisive statements capable of destabilizing the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Leader of the Abia Labour Party Caucus, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe Obinna, the lawmakers expressed dismay over what they described as the “unguarded and unhealthy utterances” of the Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency.
According to the caucus, Kalu’s repeated boasts that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would “capture Abia in 2027” reflect arrogance and a disregard for the peace and political stability of the state. They alleged that his statements were aimed at inciting the Federal Government and the ruling APC against the administration of Governor Alex Otti, OFR.
“Such careless talk, repeated shortly after assuming office as Deputy Speaker, was not only unintelligent and insensitive but unbecoming of a public officer who ought to embody humility and emotional intelligence,” the statement read in part.
The lawmakers accused Kalu of “peddling falsehoods” about the state government while pursuing what they termed “personal ambition and power-drunk tendencies.” They recalled that Governor Otti had shown goodwill toward the Deputy Speaker, hosting a state reception in his honour and directing all LP House members to support his emergence as Deputy Speaker.
“This cooperation should have been reciprocated by Hon. Kalu. Sadly, he has chosen instead to stoke the embers of political disharmony in Abia,” the statement added.
The caucus further noted that despite being the “number six” in the national hierarchy, Kalu had allegedly failed to use his position to attract meaningful federal support to Abia State. They cited ongoing federal projects facilitated by the Otti administration — including the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, Omenuko Bridge, and the planned 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road — as examples of progress that should be supported, not undermined.
They called on Kalu to exercise restraint, embrace self-reflection, and uphold the decorum expected of a national leader.
“If the massive public endorsement of Governor Otti’s achievements, witnessed recently in Aba and applauded by the President through his representative, Senator David Umahi, unsettles Hon. Kalu, that is no justification to pursue mischief and incitement,” the statement continued.
The lawmakers urged Abians to disregard what they called “empty boasts and divisive rhetoric” by the Deputy Speaker, maintaining that Governor Otti enjoys a cordial relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that “no amount of political scheming can disrupt Abia’s steady progress.”
They appealed to citizens across the state — including traders, professionals, elders, and youths — to remain united behind the Otti administration and reject any attempt to “drag Abia backward for personal gain.”
“Ultimately, power belongs to God Almighty,” the statement concluded.
