By Steve Oko
Members of the Abia Labour Party (LP) House of Representatives Caucus have urged the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to utilize his influential “number six” national ranking to benefit Abia State rather than stirring federal government opposition against the state for personal political gain.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the caucus condemned Kalu’s recent disparaging comments about Governor Alex Otti, accusing him of deliberately attempting to alienate the federal government from Abia’s administration.
The statement emphasized, “Hon. Kalu has exhibited arrogance and recklessness, making provocative and sycophantic remarks both publicly and behind closed doors.”
It continued, “His behavior appears to be a calculated effort to provoke the Federal Government and the ruling party at the center against Abia State’s leadership, while spreading misinformation to undermine Governor Alex Otti’s administration.”
Highlighting a pattern, the caucus noted, “This divisive tactic mirrors his previous conduct against prominent figures within his own party in the South East. His recent actions prioritize personal ambition and power over the peace and unity of Abia State.”
The LP caucus questioned why Kalu would respond to Governor Otti’s goodwill with hostility.
“Unlike the usual hostility faced by opposition politicians in their states, Governor Alex Otti has consistently shown political maturity and generosity towards Hon. Kalu. Upon Kalu’s election as Deputy Speaker, the Governor hosted a grand state reception in his honor, attended by Labour Party officials and federal legislators,” the statement noted.
“Governor Otti also instructed all Abia LP House members to back Kalu’s rise to Deputy Speaker. This spirit of cooperation deserved a reciprocal response, yet Hon. Kalu has instead chosen to fan the flames of political discord within Abia.”
The caucus called on Kalu to reflect on his conduct, stating, “His arrogance and inflammatory comments are unbecoming of someone holding the Deputy Speaker position in the National Assembly.”
“He should bear in mind that many have held and will hold this office; true leadership is defined by humility and decorum, not pride,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the caucus challenged Kalu to use his prominent role to support the state’s development efforts rather than undermining the Governor.
“Governor Alex Otti has successfully initiated and is overseeing numerous federal projects in Abia, including the Port Harcourt Road, Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, Omenuko Bridge, and the soon-to-be-launched 25 km Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road. These projects represent tangible progress-creating employment, connecting communities, and restoring Abia’s pride on the national stage,” the statement highlighted.
“Given his claim to be ‘number six’ in national protocol, Hon. Kalu should leverage his position to champion these initiatives for Abia’s advancement instead of engaging in petty politics during his six years in the House of Representatives.”
The caucus urged both Abians and Nigerians to “disregard Hon. Kalu’s hollow boasts and divisive language,” emphasizing that his actions are motivated by self-interest rather than genuine concern for the people.
They reaffirmed that “Governor Otti maintains a strong and positive relationship with Mr. President,” asserting that “no political maneuvering by Hon. Kalu can derail Abia’s ongoing progress.”
“The people of Abia are politically astute. They recognize that Hon. Kalu’s struggle is not against an individual but against the collective pursuit of good governance, peace, and development in Abia State,” the statement concluded.
The caucus called on all Abians-young and old, market traders, professionals, and party members alike-to unite across political divides in support of Governor Otti’s transformative agenda and to reject any efforts by individuals seeking to hinder the state’s growth for personal advantage.