...charges Abia govt to face governance instead of campaign of calumny
The Abia State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the state government led by Governor Alex Otti to focus on governance instead of concentrating on what the party tagged the ‘campaign of calumny’ against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
The Abia APC, in a statement issued by Uche Aguoru, Publicity Secretary of the party, said it strongly condemns a perceived desperate and coordinated attempt by certain individuals and interests to undermine, tarnish and malign the image and reputation of our leader and the Deputy Speaker.
Aguoru said that while 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 Abia people to sponsor campaigns of calumny against the Deputy Speaker.
He said that such actions appear to be driven by fear of Kalu’s rising political stature and his growing acceptance across Abia State, his reputation and many more things which the coordinated campaigns are clearly aimed at damaging 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.
“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.
“However, those hoping to bring down Benjamin Kalu must search for another occupation or be prepared to wait forever. 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,” Aguoru said.
He added that the party is 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.
He stressed that 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.”
Aguoru said that one thing remains certain: “He whom God has lifted, no man can bring down.” Adding that 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.
He said that the party which uses the press statement calls on Governor Alex Otti to concentrate on governance and ensure that public resources are judiciously utilised for the welfare and development of Abia people, many of whom are currently grappling with severe economic hardship and unsatisfactory welfare policies.
He added, “The Labour Party government in Abia State should begin to put its house in order because the APC is steadily positioning itself to take over governance and restore purposeful leadership to Government House, Umuahia.”
