PRESS STATEMENT
APC Condemns Campaign of Calumny Against Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Urges Otti Government to Focus on Governance.
While politics naturally accommodates competition and differing strategies among actors, it is deeply troubling that the administration of Governor Alex Otti would allegedly resort to using taxpayers’ funds meant for the welfare and development of Abians to sponsor campaigns of calumny against the Deputy Speaker. Such actions appear to be driven by fear of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s rising political stature and his growing acceptance across Abia State.
In recent weeks, the Alex Otti-led government has embarked on what can only be described as a wild goose chase, sponsoring media attacks and propaganda targeted at Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. These coordinated campaigns are clearly aimed at damaging the reputation of the Deputy Speaker, simply because certain political actors are apprehensive about the overwhelming support he enjoys and the likelihood of his victory should he decide to contest the governorship of Abia State.
However, those hoping to bring down Benjamin Kalu must search for another occupation or be prepared to wait forever. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as far back as May 23, 2023, issued a formal verification letter which clearly addressed and laid to rest the issues surrounding his NYSC records, affirming that there was no discrepancy or wrongdoing.
We are also aware of recent meetings allegedly held in Abuja involving officials of the Abia State Government and a section of the media, where the sum of ₦50 million was reportedly distributed to some journalists to revive attacks on the Deputy Speaker using issues that had long been resolved by competent national authorities.
These sensational allegations and orchestrated attacks are being championed by a politically stranded actor who currently lacks a viable political platform, having destroyed the party that once gave him relevance during the Obi wave. Now afraid of losing the governorship should Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu declare interest, such elements are desperately attempting to re-enter the APC by first trying to discredit the Deputy Speaker.
Ironically, the APC in Abia State has grown remarkably strong and attractive. an achievement many once considered impossible but which has been made possible through the strategic leadership, commitment and political influence of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. Today, individuals who once dismissed the possibility of the APC winning elections in Abia are now lobbying from Abuja to join the party.
True to his character, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has remained calm, focused and undistracted by the antics of those unsettled by the rising popularity and acceptance of the APC in Abia State under his leadership.
One thing remains certain: he whom God has lifted, no man can bring down. No amount of propaganda, sponsored columns, or hatchet journalism, even if funded with the state’s four-year allocation, can diminish the reputation of Benjamin Kalu or erode the love and goodwill he enjoys among the people of Abia State.
The APC therefore calls on Governor Alex Otti to concentrate on governance and ensure that public resources are judiciously utilized for the welfare and development of Abians, many of whom are currently grappling with severe economic hardship and unsatisfactory welfare policies.
The Labour Party government in Abia State should begin to put its house in order, because the APC is steadily positioning itself to take over governance and restore purposeful leadership to Government House, Umuahia.
Signed:
Uche Aguoru
Publicity Secretary
Abia APC
