The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has advised those hoping to bring down the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu to search for another occupation or be prepared to wait forever.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday by the party’s Publicity Secretary in Abia, Uche Aguoru, the party condemned what it described as a desperate and co-ordinated attempt by certain individuals and interests to undermine, tarnish and malign the image and reputation of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
It said even as politics naturally accommodates competition and differing strategies among actors, it is deeply troubling that the administration of Governor Alex Otti would allegedly resort to using taxpayers’ funds meant for the welfare and development of Abians to sponsor campaigns of calumny against the Deputy Speaker.
Abia APC said such actions appear to be driven by fear of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s rising political stature and his growing acceptance across Abia State.
According to the statement, in recent weeks, the Alex Otti-led government has embarked on what can only be described as a wild goose chase, sponsoring media attacks and propaganda targeted at Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
It said the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as far back as May 23, 2023, issued a formal verification letter which clearly addressed and laid to rest the issues surrounding his NYSC records, affirming that there was no discrepancy or wrongdoing.
”These co-ordinated campaigns are clearly aimed at damaging the reputation of the Deputy Speaker, simply because certain political actors are apprehensive about the overwhelming support he enjoys and the likelihood of his victory, should he decide to contest the governorship of Abia State.
”We are also aware of recent meetings allegedly held in Abuja involving officials of the Abia State Government and a section of the media, where the sum of ₦50 million was reportedly distributed to some journalists to revive attacks on the Deputy Speaker using issues that had long been resolved by competent national authorities.
”These sensational allegations and orchestrated attacks are being championed by a politically stranded actor who currently lacks a viable political platform, having destroyed the party that once gave him relevance during the Obi wave. Now afraid of losing the governorship should Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu declare interest, such elements are desperately attempting to re-enter the APC by first trying to discredit the Deputy Speaker.
”Ironically, the APC in Abia State has grown remarkably strong and attractive, an achievement many once considered impossible but which has been made possible through the strategic leadership, commitment and political influence of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. Today, individuals who once dismissed the possibility of the APC winning elections in Abia are now lobbying from Abuja to join the party.
”True to his character, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has remained calm, focused and undistracted by the antics of those unsettled by the rising popularity and acceptance of the APC in Abia State under his leadership.
”One thing remains certain: he whom God has lifted, no man can bring down. No amount of propaganda, sponsored columns, or hatchet journalism, even if funded with the state’s four-year allocation, can diminish the reputation of Benjamin Kalu or erode the love and goodwill he enjoys among the people of Abia State.
Abia APC called on Governor Alex Otti to concentrate on governance and ensure that public resources are judiciously utilised for the welfare and development of Abians, many of whom are currently grappling with severe economic hardship and unsatisfactory welfare policies.
The statement also advised the Labour Party government in Abia State to begin to put its house in order, emphasising that the APC is steadily positioning itself to take over governance and restore purposeful leadership to Government House, Umuahia.
Refrain from Alleged Campaign of Calumny against Kalu, Focus on Governance, Abia APC to Otti
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