Gov Otti Replies Benjamin Kalu, Says He Needs Tutorial More Than a Microphone

The Abia State Government has issued a strong response to comments made by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, accusing him of spreading falsehoods about the financial performance and governance of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

In a statement titled “Governance in Abia: Benjamin Kalu Needs Tutorial More Than He Needs a Microphone,” the government described Kalu’s remarks in a trending video as “spurious allegations” and “infantile comparisons” aimed at misleading the public.

According to the statement, the government emphasized that verifiable data expose Kalu’s lack of understanding of financial and economic issues. It clarified that Abia’s total FAAC allocation for 2025 (January to August), including local governments, stood at N125 billion, not the N38 billion monthly claimed by Kalu. The statement argued that if Kalu’s figure were true, the total allocation would amount to N304 billion, branding his claim as “a bare-faced lie unworthy of a legislator of his standing.”

The statement further explained that although nominal FAAC allocations appear higher, the real value of such funds has diminished due to exchange rate depreciation and inflation. “At the current exchange rate of N1,500 to a dollar, N3.2 billion today is equivalent to N1 billion in 2023,” it said. “Projects that cost N1 billion in 2022 now cost about N4 billion due to devaluation and inflation.”

The government also outlined key reforms under Governor Otti’s administration, including the increase in minimum wage from N30,000 to between N70,000 and N74,000, covering both core and non-core civil servants.

It revealed that the verified number of Abia State workers now stands at over 67,000, compared to 31,000 workers acknowledged by the previous administration, with an additional 5,349 newly recruited teachers. “These workers were previously neglected and excluded from the state payroll,” the statement noted.

The government accused Benjamin Kalu of political hypocrisy for ignoring past injustices against Abians, especially during administrations he supported. It also questioned his silence when thousands of Abia workers were denied recognition by the previous government.

“If Kalu wasn’t a traitor, he would have mentioned the administration of his former boss and benefactor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, when making his comparisons,” the statement read.

The release also took aim at Kalu’s recent political moves, describing them as “a desperate bid to gain relevance ahead of 2027.” It accused him of using President Bola Tinubu’s name to pursue personal ambitions, while publicly pretending to promote federal interests.

Reacting to Kalu’s public comments at a political event in Aba, the government said, “Kalu should know that President Tinubu recognizes sycophants and traitors when he sees them. Lies and incitement cannot deceive him.”

The statement ended by advising Kalu to remain calm and prepare for his governorship ambition rather than attack the state government. “He should have a cold drink, relax, and wait for the appropriate time to launch his campaign. What he is displaying now is ignorance and rascality. To challenge this government, you must be financially literate.”

The government maintained that the massive turnout during President Tinubu’s representative’s visit to Abia was genuine support for Governor Otti’s leadership, not a staged crowd. “Those who filled the streets of Aba were not rented. They are real witnesses of good governance,” it concluded.