COMMENTARY
Abia State Government Responds to Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu’s Claims, Highlights Governance Over Politics
The Abia State Government has issued a response to recent remarks by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, who claimed to have extended friendship and collaboration to Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on development projects and programmes in the state.
While the government maintained its stance to avoid engaging in political disputes, it sought to clarify key points regarding the relationship between Governor Otti and the Deputy Speaker:
1. COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION – Governor Otti has consistently prioritized governance over politics. In a display of genuine collaboration, the Governor allocated a large parcel of land along Umuahia-Bende Road to Rt. Hon. Kalu for a housing project he attracted to his constituency. This approval was granted despite political pressures, demonstrating the Governor’s commitment to supporting constituency projects.
2. OPEN DOORS vs. RECKLESS ACTIONS – The Governor has kept his doors open to the Deputy Speaker. However, Rt. Hon. Kalu’s actions, notably the demolition of Eluokwu Community School in Igbere, Bende LGA, a public school earmarked for upgrade to a smart school by the state government were carried out without consultation with the relevant state agencies. This contrasts sharply with Governor Otti’s adherence to due process in project execution.
3. FLAGRANT DISREGARD FOR DUE PROCESS – The demolition, carried out by agents of the federal lawmaker even in the presence of contractors overseeing the upgrade, was described as a deliberate affront to the state government. The statement noted that a request for an alternative project site would have been readily approved by the Governor, reflecting his usual magnanimity.
4. INTERVENTION BY FEDERAL AUTHORITIES – After the school was sealed by the state in line with legal provisions, Rt. Hon. Kalu reportedly bypassed state channels and went to Abuja to report the matter. Federal authorities, after investigating, admonished him for ignoring due process and stressed that future projects should obtain the necessary approvals from local authorities, a procedure Governor Otti has consistently followed in implementing federal projects within Abia State.
5. POLITICAL INVITATIONS AND COURTESY – The statement acknowledged Kalu’s invitation for Governor Otti to join his political party but noted that the invitation had been declined or ignored. It added a tongue-in-cheek remark suggesting that, even after closing doors, it is wise to leave a window open for contingencies.
The press release was signed by Ukoha Njoku, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, emphasizing the administration’s focus on due process, collaboration, and governance over political theatrics.