Why Deputy Speaker Kalu is attacking Gov Otti – Abia Govt

The Abia State Government has fired back at Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, accusing him of making politically motivated criticisms against Governor Alex Otti as part of a plot to launch his 2027 governorship bid.

This follows Kalu’s recent remarks at an All Progressives Congress (APC) event in Umuahia on Sunday, where he alleged that the Otti-led Labour Party administration had underperformed despite receiving significant federal allocations.

Kalu, who represents the Bende Federal Constituency, also expressed confidence that the APC would take over governance in the state in 2027.

In a sharp response on Monday, Governor Otti’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, described Kalu’s comments as “spurious allegations” and urged him to “keep his ambition until the appropriate time.”

Otti’s Media Aide Defends Administration’s Record

Ekeoma defended the Otti administration’s performance, noting that Kalu ignored critical economic realities such as the naira’s depreciation and the recent minimum wage increase, which have impacted state finances and project execution.

He also pointed out that the Abia civil service workforce has more than doubled—from 31,000 to over 67,000—under Otti’s administration, arguing that this growth reflects the government’s expanded responsibility and commitment to employment.

Criticism of Kalu’s Appeal Over Lagos Demolitions

Ekeoma also questioned Kalu’s recent public appeal to the Lagos State Government over demolitions affecting Igbo traders, suggesting the move was more about political posturing than genuine concern. “If the intent was genuine, such an appeal should have been made privately, not as a media spectacle,” he said.

“He Has Finally Unmasked Himself”

Ekeoma accused Kalu of “playing hide and seek” in the past while covertly enabling media attacks against the Otti administration, claiming the deputy speaker is now openly using President Tinubu’s name to advance his “selfish political interest.”

“It’s interesting that after enabling unprovoked media onslaughts against this government, he has now unmasked himself and his ambition while pretending to be projecting President Tinubu,” Ekeoma said.

He concluded with a sharp warning: “Kalu should not over-trouble himself over what he saw in Aba — that was just a rehearsal.”