Abia Labour Party Caucus Blasts Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Over “Divisive and Arrogant” Remarks

The Abia State Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, over what it described as his “unguarded, arrogant, and divisive utterances” targeted at destabilizing Abia State’s political peace.

In a strongly worded press statement issued in Umuahia on Tuesday, the caucus expressed disappointment over Kalu’s repeated comments boasting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would “capture Abia” in 2027. The lawmakers said the Deputy Speaker’s statements reflect “personal ambition and recklessness” rather than genuine concern for the people of the state.

According to the statement, Kalu’s political outbursts began in 2024 when elected officials were just settling into governance, but have since escalated into open antagonism against Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

“Hon. Kalu’s arrogance and inciteful remarks are unbecoming of a Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly,” the statement read. “His behavior reveals a deliberate attempt to discredit the Otti administration and incite the Federal Government against Abia State.”

The LP lawmakers accused the Deputy Speaker of pursuing a personal political agenda disguised as opposition politics. They noted that despite Governor Otti’s magnanimity and support for Kalu’s emergence as Deputy Speaker, the Bende representative had chosen to repay the gesture with hostility.

They recalled that Governor Otti hosted an elaborate reception to celebrate Kalu’s emergence as Deputy Speaker, an event attended by Labour Party officials and federal legislators.

“The Governor showed political maturity and goodwill, directing all Labour Party House members to support Kalu’s candidacy. Instead of reciprocating, Kalu has continued to promote political division in the state,” the statement said.

The lawmakers outlined several ongoing federal and state-backed projects in Abia as proof of Governor Otti’s effective governance, including:

• The Port Harcourt Road reconstruction in Aba
• The Ohafia–Arochukwu Road rehabilitation
• The Omenuko Bridge project
• The 25km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, set for flag-off soon

“These projects bring hope to the people, open up communities, and create jobs,” the statement added. “That is leadership that delivers, not leadership that divides.”

The caucus called on the Deputy Speaker to show respect for Governor Otti, both as the elected Chief Executive of Abia and as an elder, in accordance with Igbo cultural norms.

“Governor Otti has maintained a cordial relationship with Mr. President, showing respect for his office and age. It is only proper that Hon. Kalu reciprocates that same respect,” the statement said.

The lawmakers urged Abians to reject divisive politics and stand behind Governor Otti’s transformational agenda. They warned that if Kalu continued along his current path, he risked alienating himself from the people.

“If the massive support shown to Governor Otti during recent events in Aba unsettles Kalu, that is no excuse for political mischief,” the caucus declared. “Abians know his antics are driven by selfish ambition, not service.”

The caucus reaffirmed confidence in Governor Otti’s leadership and his collaboration with the Federal Government to deliver development and peace.

“The people of Abia are wise. They know that this fight is not against one man but against good governance and progress. Power belongs to God, not political arrogance,” the statement concluded.