The Labour Party’s House of Representatives caucus has slammed the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu over his recent comments against the administration of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.
The lawmakers in a statement issued on Thursday described the remarks by Kalu as an unfortunate political development.
Recall that Kalu had on a different occasion stated that Abia state – a Labour Party State – would be captured by the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general election.
Recently, the Deputy Speaker also attributed some of the infrastructural developments and evidence of good governance in the state to the benevolence of President Bola Tinubu and the APC, sparking outrage among Abians.
However, reacting to these comments by the Deputy Speaker, the Labour Party caucus described these remarks as not only unintelligent and insensitive but also unbecoming of a public officer who ought to embody humility and emotional intelligence.
The lawmakers said, “Since then, Hon. Kalu has carried on with arrogance and recklessness, making provocative, sycophantic, and inflammatory statements both publicly and privately. His conduct reveals a deliberate strategy, to incite the Federal Government and the ruling party at the centre against the Abia State Government, while peddling falsehoods to discredit the administration of Governor Alex Otti, OFR.
“This is the same divisive strategy he once used against respected leaders of his own party in the South East. His recent actions are not about service, they are about personal ambition and power-drunk tendencies, even at the expense of peace in Abia state,” the statement said.
Also acknowledging Otti’s efforts in Abia, the LP caucus said the governor has shown respect for age and the Exalted Office of the President.
According to the caucus, Otti has successfully maintained a cordial and constructive relationship with President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmakers also stated that Kalu is expected to accord due respect to the Governor, not only in recognition of his office as the state’s Chief Executive but also in Deference to his Age, in keeping with Igbo cultural values and proper upbringing.
Among other recommendations, the caucus called on the deputy Speaker to engage in sober self-reflection and D is it from his inciteful remarks against Otti.
In addition, he called on Abians and Nigerians in general to disregard. Kalu’s boasts and divisive rhetoric as such actions are driven by selfish ambition, not love for the people.
