“We Will Remember You As A Failure” — Cubana Chief Priest Berates Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu

…as Celebrity Barman Laments Security Woes, Economic Decline, and the Lingering Detention of Nnamdi Kanu

In a fiery social media outburst that has stirred intense public reaction, popular nightlife promoter and influencer, Cubana Chief Priest, has publicly taken aim at the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, accusing him of neglecting his duties to the South-East and failing to champion a political solution to the region’s lingering crisis.

The tirade, posted on Instagram, began with an allegation that the Deputy Speaker had privately reached out to him but later retracted the message.

According to Cubana Chief Priest, this prompted his strongly worded response: “I’m worried, I’m scared, I’m shivering, but I’m fearless because my name is Chibuike.

“Sir, if you come for me, God will embarrass you. Just face your work and do it well. If I was Deputy Speaker, I would do better than you.”

The businessman noted that the prolonged detention of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has deeply affected the region’s economy and social life so much so that he was forced to relocate his family to Lagos. He emotionally recounted how his young son has repeatedly expressed a desire to return home.

“I built a country home in my village six years ago, but I only managed to visit two weeks ago. My people are in poverty. Businesses in the South-East crashed because of MNK’s detention. That is where I have my major investments and peace of mind,” he lamented.

Cubana Chief Priest said he has endured “deep wounds and pain” caused by insecurity and economic stagnation in the South-East, insisting that political leaders, especially those in strategic positions like Kalu have failed to offer the needed leadership.

He argued that were he in the Deputy Speaker’s position, he would mobilize the region’s leaders, engage the federal government more aggressively, and unify stakeholders to restore calm. He urged Kalu to demonstrate the same level of attention he gives to his personal image and lifestyle in addressing the region’s challenges: “The same way you dress well in Igbo attire, dress our South-East well. The same way you package your convoy, package our South-East.”

Despite the harsh tone, he described Kalu as a “smart, stylish, young and clean guy,” and advised him to rise above partisan politics and channel his influence toward restoring stability. He added that the South-East would readily reward such leadership: “Use your position to bring peace to the South-East. We will make you governor with our hands. The only way is to let MNK come home to fix what he spoilt by himself.”

Cubana Chief Priest emphasized that his comments were not born out of animosity but accumulated frustration. He expressed hopes of returning home for the December festivities, stating that while Lagos no longer holds its past holiday charm, nothing compares to celebrating Christmas in the East.

“No fight me o! I be your boy. It’s a wake-up call, not an insult. To whom much is given, much is expected,” he stated.

He further described Nnamdi Kanu as the “supreme leader” of the South-East, claiming that his continued detention has brought “so much setback.” He also criticized South-East ministers serving under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing them of cowardice and failure to speak up during critical moments.

Cubana Chief Priest’s remarks have now sparked fresh debate over the role of political leaders from the region in addressing insecurity, economic decline, and the broader implications of Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration.