Several Abians have reacted to the recent press statement by the publicity secretary of the Labour Party in the state, where he described a lawsuit by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, against one Emenike Okorie, who allegedly defamed his character as a form of oppression.
Abians said they are shocked that Emenike Iroegbu, publicity secretary of LP, in a statement he signed, described a lawsuit against a man who brazenly and recklessly defamed the character of Kalu, tagging to crimes he can prove as a form of brutal intimidation.
Reporting the details of the suit, DrumAfricanews reports that in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/710/2026, a case between the Inspector General of Police and Emenike Okorie, the defendant was charged with six count charges all linked to actions punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.
THE SIX COUNT CHARGES AS SPECIFIED.
Count 1: “That you, Emenike Okorie ‘M’ 49 years old of Amazu, Umuhu Ezechi, Bende, Abia State did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of a post through computer system or network on the Umuhu Ezechi Development Union Whatsapp Group wherein you stated, “yes. OUK is a striker, but I can’t say the same thing about a man that used the name of Umuhu Ezechi to steal # 348 million in the name of an inexistent Garri Processing Plant in Umuhu Ezechi. So, Ben Kalu is not astriker but Scam, and therefore, must be changed before he sells and liquidate Bende Fedreal Constituency…”, a post you made referring to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representative as a scam and irresponsible representative of Bende Federal Constituency, knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order, and posing a threat to life of the said Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representative and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.”
Count 2 “That you Emenike Okorie ‘M’ 49 years old of Amazu, Umuhu Ezechi, Bende, Abia State did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of a post through computer system or network on the Umuhu Ezechi Development Union Whatsapp Group wherein you stated, “yes. OUK is a striker, but I can’t say the same thing about a man that used the name of Umuhu Ezechi to steal #348 million in the name of an inexistent Garri Processing Plant in Umuhu Ezechi. So, Ben Kalu is not astriker but Scam, and therefore, must be changed before he sells and liquidate Bende Fedreal Constituency…”, a post you knowingly or intentionally transmitted to bully, threaten or harrass the person of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, placing him in fear of violence or bodily harm and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 24 (2) (a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024 and punishable under section 24 (2) (c)(i) of the same Act.”
COUNT 3 “That you Emenike Okorie ‘M’ 49 years old of Amazu, Umuhu Ezechi, Bende, Abia State did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of a post through computer system or network on the Umuhu Ezechi Development Union Whatsapp Group wherein you stated, “yes. OUK is a striker, but I can’t say the same thing about a man that used the name of Umuhu Ezechi to steal # 348 million in the name of an inexistent Garri Processing Plant in Umuhu Ezechi. So, Ben Kalu is not astriker but Scam, and therefore, must be changed before he sells and liquidate Bende Fedreal Constituency…”, a post you knowingly or intentionally made to attack and cause reputational damage to the person of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representative and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 24 (2) (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024 and punishable under section 24 (2) (c)(ii) of the same Act.”
COUNT 4 “That you Emenike Okorie ‘M’ 49 years old of Amazu, Umuhu Ezechi, Bende, Abia State did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of a post through computer system or network on the Umuhu Ezechi Development Union Whatsapp Group wherein you posted a quiz to wit: “who can tell us the number 1 aza man in South Africa who turned to number 6 citizen in Nigeria”, with Ten Thousand Naira (#10,000) promise for ‘correct answers’ from members of the forum to encourage wider participation of members, a post you made referring to the person of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representative as the ‘aza man’ who scammed many people in South Africa, knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing break down of law and order and posing threat to life and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.”
COUNT 5 “That you Emenike Okorie ‘M’ 49 years old of Amazu, Umuhu Ezechi, Bende, Abia State did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of communication in the form of a post through computer system or network on the Umuhu Ezechi Development Union Whatsapp Group wherein you posted a quiz to wit: “who can tell us the number 1 aza man in South Africa who turned to number 6 citizen in Nigeria”, with Ten Thousand Naira (#10,000) promise for ‘correct answers’ from members of the forum to encourage wider participation of members, a post you made referring to the person of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representative as the ‘aza man’ who scammed many people in South Africa, for which you knowingly or intentionally made the said post to attack and cause reputational damage to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representative and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 24 (2) (c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024 and punishable under section 24 (2) (c)(ii) of the same Act.”
COUNT 6 “That you Emenike Okorie ‘M’ 49 years old of Amazu, Umuhu Ezechi, Bende, Abia State did knowingly and intentionally transmit or cause the transmission of publication on the Umuhu Ezechi Development Union Whatsapp Group wherein you stated, “yes. OUK is a striker, but I can’t say the same thing about a man that used the name of Umuhu Ezechi to steal # 348 million in the name of an inexistent Garri Processing Plant in Umuhu Ezechi. So, Ben Kalu is not astriker but Seam, and therefore, must be changed before he sells and liquidate Bende Fedreal Constituency…”, a publication you knowingly or intentionally made to injure the reputation of the person of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representative by exposing him to hatred, contempt or ridicule and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 373 of the Criminal Code Act and punishable under section 375 of the same Act.”
Ignoring the above, Iroegbu, who could not hide his intentions for the statement, went ahead to twist a lawsuit into a political jamboree, dragging the Bende Federal Constituency election into his joke by alleging that his party’s candidate, Chima Anyanso, has been chosen by the people against the Deputy Speaker.
Iroegbu, without any sense of regard that he who alleges must prove, recklessly said, “We hereby issue a categorical demand to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu: immediately release Mr Emenike Okorie, withdraw all criminal charges without condition, and end this autocratic clampdown.”
Reacting, Abia Iyke Mba said that the Labour Party’s latest attack on Deputy Speaker Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu may generate headlines, but headlines will not determine the future of Bende. “The people will, and they will judge by performance.”
He said that political opponents are entitled to criticise Kalu; they are entitled to challenge his record. But accusations, emotional language and political declarations do not become facts simply because they are repeated in a press statement.
He stressed that where there are legal matters, people like Emenike Iroegbu and his party should let the courts do their work.
Mba said that the real question is much bigger: What has Benjamin Kalu delivered, and what does Bende stand to lose by replacing an experienced federal lawmaker with someone who is a novice?
“Ben Kalu has built considerable political capital for Bende at the national level. From his position as Deputy Speaker to interventions in infrastructure, electricity, education, healthcare, empowerment and other development initiatives, Bende has a representative with direct access to the corridors where national decisions are made.
“That experience is not something to gamble away. The Green Chamber is not a testing ground. Bende’s federal seat is too important to become an experiment.
“In 2027, the choice is simple: continuity or uncertainty. Experience or experimentation. Consolidation or starting over. And Bende people know the difference.
“The political noise will come and go. Campaign statements will come and go. But the roads, projects, opportunities, federal connections and representation that affect ordinary people will remain.”
Mba said that is why the 2027 election should be about results—not rage; development—not propaganda; continuity—not political experimentation.
“Bende Federal Constituency can never afford to make the mistake of abandoning proven representation for untested promises. The answer is Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.”
Another Abian, Chygoz Ahuekwe, went further to say that the Abia State Labour Party’s press statement of 11 November 2026, signed by Iroegbu Emenike, is long on emotion and short on substance.
According to Ahuekwe, “It attempts to criminalise the legitimate exercise of legal rights while wrapping itself in the language of democracy.”
He said that every citizen, including a federal lawmaker, has the right to seek redress through the courts when threatened or defamed.
“Choosing a criminal process over a civil one is not “weaponisation of state power”; it is a lawful option available under Nigerian law. To portray the arrest of an individual as proof of “autocracy” while ignoring the facts of the case is selective outrage. Courts, not press releases, determine guilt or innocence.
“The attempt to contrast Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR, with Dr Chima Anyaso collapses under its own weight. Leadership is measured by results, not by the volume of accusations levelled against an opponent. Kalu has consistently chosen institutional channels over street theatrics. That is maturity, not high-handedness.”
He said that Benjamin Kalu remains one of the most consequential representatives Bende has produced in recent times.
“As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he has elevated the constituency’s voice on the national stage with rare consistency and intellect.
“His legislative work, committee leadership, and quiet but effective advocacy for infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment in Bende speak louder than any press statement. The CFR honour is not ceremonial; it reflects recognised service to the Federal Republic.”
He said that a man who has navigated the complexities of national politics while remaining accessible to his people does not need to “bully” constituents to maintain relevance.
“His record of delivery and his preference for due process over spectacle remain the standard against which others should be measured.”
He said that Bende deserves serious conversation about development, not recycled narratives of persecution.
“The people will decide in 2027 on the basis of competence, character, and concrete achievements, not on the strength of carefully worded indignation.”
Blasting Iroegbu more, Emeka Onuoha questioned him and asked, “When did going to court to substantiate claims become a siege, or does the word have a different meaning now?”
“The people you work for are in court with many people, but you never wrote any episode about the absurdity; maybe the rule of law only applies to opposing parties.
“Unless you are the one sending him the mission of character assassination, let him prove his allegations in court and go home.”
