Governor Otti Responds to Benjamin Kalu: “His Outburst Was Fueled by Fear of Abians’ Support for Our Administration”

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reacted to recent comments made by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, describing his outburst as a product of fear and insecurity triggered by the massive and organic support Abians continue to show his administration.

Speaking during the October edition of his monthly media chat, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” the Governor said it was not the first time Benjamin Kalu had publicly criticized his government but that he had chosen to forgive him in the spirit of leadership and maturity.

“What happened was that he was a bit terrified by the kind of organic show of love that the people of Aba and Umuahia demonstrated on that day,” Governor Otti said, referring to the large crowds that gathered in support of his administration.

The Governor also expressed surprise at Benjamin Kalu’s repeated claim of being the “sixth citizen” of the country, explaining that constitutionally, that position belongs to the Deputy Senate President unless the Chief Judge is removed.

Governor Otti took time to correct misinformation spread by the Deputy Speaker regarding Abia State’s monthly federal allocation.
He noted that contrary to Kalu’s claim that Abia receives ₦38 billion monthly from the Federation Account, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) show that the state receives less than half that amount.

“Those who know better should know that Abia receives less than half of that amount. People should focus on the responsibilities they’ve been given,” the Governor stated.

On growing political speculations that Benjamin Kalu intends to contest the governorship of Abia State in 2027, Governor Otti maintained that while it is within Kalu’s constitutional right, such ambition should not distract him from his current duties.

“If he wants to run, he should wait for INEC to release the timetable. Abians will vote for who they want. The APC, which he claims to promote, is being demarketed here in Abia,” Otti noted.

Governor Otti reassured Abians that his administration remains focused on delivering visible development, rebuilding infrastructure, and restoring dignity to governance in the state. He also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, promising that his government will continue to protect the interest of the people.

“Our people have been calm and law-abiding. Those boasting that they will write results should first write their wills because this is our state, and nobody can intimidate us. I am not in any way threatened by his comments,” Governor Otti stated firmly.

The Governor’s remarks have sparked renewed political conversations in the state, as many Abians interpret the exchange as part of early political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.