NEWS
“Declare or Step Aside“: Labour Party Chieftain, Hon. Peter Azubuike Fires Blistering Salvo at Benjamin Okezie Kalu Over ‘Signature Bank’ Claims
…says “The mandate of Alex Otti is non-negotiable. And it’s one Abians will guard jealously,”
A prominent chieftain of the Labour Party in Abia State and Stakeholders Chairman of Labour Party/Abia Arise in Obingwa LGA, Hon. Peter Azubuike, popularly known as “The Rock,” has launched a scathing attack on the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, over what he described as “reckless and empty political rhetoric.”
Azubuike’s outburst follows Kalu’s controversial remark suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State would “sweep monies from Signature Bank,” a statement that has stirred political backlash across the state.
In a fiery and unrestrained response during an exclusive interview, Hon. Azubuike challenged Kalu, popularly called “Big Ben” to stop what he termed “political grandstanding” and formally declare his governorship ambition if he truly intends to contest.
“Why the delay? What exactly is holding him back? Abians are waiting,” Azubuike said, dismissing Kalu’s comments as distractions lacking substance.
He insisted that while democracy allows anyone to pursue political ambition, the people of Abia have already made their choice clear in Alex Otti, whom he described as the overwhelming mandate of the people.
“Over 95 percent of Abians can’t wait to re-elect Governor Alex Otti. That’s the reality. All this noise about coming to Obingwa to pick a running mate is baseless and irrelevant,” he declared.
Azubuike also pushed back strongly against what he described as subtle political intimidation targeted at Obingwa, warning that such tactics would fail in today’s political climate.
“The Obingwa of yesterday is not the Obingwa of today. Nobody can come here to threaten us with promises of positions. Those days are gone,” he said.
Highlighting the region’s political pedigree, he noted that Obingwa has produced multiple high-ranking officeholders, including three deputy governors, a governor, and a senator for twenty years, adding that the people are now more politically conscious and resistant to manipulation.
Taking a swipe at Kalu’s understanding of governance, Azubuike questioned whether such rhetoric reflects the kind of leadership Abians should expect.
“Is this how he intends to run a state? With baseless claims and empty talk?” he asked pointedly.
He further dismissed attempts to compare Governor Otti’s administration with that of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, insisting that Ikpeazu is no longer relevant in the current discourse.
“Okezie Ikpeazu has moved on and should be left alone. He is not the issue. Governor Otti has set a benchmark that is difficult to match. Arguably the best in Nigeria today,” Azubuike asserted.
Drawing comparisons beyond Abia, he referenced the tenure of David Umahi, noting how effective leadership can transform even limited resources into tangible development, an indirect critique of past governance failures in Abia.
In one of his most biting remarks, Azubuike ridiculed Kalu’s “Signature Bank” statement, questioning both its logic and intent.
“He said he would sweep money from Signature Bank with a broom? To where? Into a Ghana-Must-Go bag? Is there even money there?” he mocked, describing the comment as “politics of deceit and calumny.”
He went further to remind critics that Governor Otti’s credentials extend far beyond politics, emphasizing his track record in banking and enterprise before assuming office.
“Before politics, Alex Otti built institutions. Let them go and study his trajectory not just in banking, but across sectors. That’s what competence looks like,” he said.
Azubuike concluded with a stern warning that the political landscape in Abia has fundamentally changed, stressing that the era of manipulation, propaganda, and blind loyalty is over.
“The people are now awake. 2027 will not be business as usual. It will be Abians versus any perceived opposition, if there is any,” he declared.
He reaffirmed that support for Governor Otti is not driven by blind allegiance but by performance and results, describing his leadership as “a prayer answered” and a rare opportunity Abians are determined to protect.
“The mandate of Alex Otti is non-negotiable. And it’s one Abians will guard jealously,” he concluded.