Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

Elders from different autonomous communities in Bende Ward, Bende LGA of Abia State, have called on their traditional ruler, Eze Sir Anthony Okorochukwu, the Ohuhu IV of Bende Ancient Kingdom, to intervene in the growing political tension between their son, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu. In a strong show of unity and concern, the delegation of elders led by Chief Hon. Emmanuel Onwuchekwa, former Chairman of Bende LGA, paid a respectful visit to Eze Okorochukwu to formally present their concerns and report the matter, with the hope that all Ezes…

The South East APC Renewal Group has said that it has rejected Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu’s self-elevation as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, describing such claims from the senator as constitutionally baseless, politically mischievous, and an affront to the sensibilities of loyal party members across the state. In a statement made available to DrumAfricanews by the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Jerry Okwu, the APC group said that OUK’s insinuation that a meeting with President Bola Tinubu conferred upon him any formal leadership role within the Abia APC is not only a misrepresentation of facts but also a…

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Saturday, 2nd May 2026, was presented with Expression of Interest and Governorship Nomination Forms by the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders from Abia State.  Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to Kalu, in a release made available to DrumAfricanews, said that shortly after receiving the forms, Kalu assured the stakeholders that the APC would deliver victory across the board.  Kalu equally expressed strong optimism that the APC will win the Abia State governorship and sweep the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly seats in the 2027 general elections.…

Dr. Ezinne Kalu, wife to Rit. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives has debunked an online posts credited to her, where she threatened to expose her husband’s alleged lifestyle.  The post which was made on a Facebook handle titled “Team OUK” dubiously quoted Dr Kalu to have said, “I am ashamed to have found myself in your life. You are a terrible soul. Wicked, deceitful, a selfish crook and liar.  “You are nothing but a heartless betrayer who is bent on betraying everyone around you. If you could openly lie to yourself about those who made…

Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has affirmed the commitment of the green chamber to advancing legislative initiatives that protect the welfare, safety, and economic security of workers across the country. Kalu, who paid glowing tribute to Nigerian workers as the nation marks Workers’ Day on 1st May 2026, lauded their dedication, hard work, and resilience in driving the country’s growth. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, said that in a goodwill message today, he described Nigerian workers as the backbone of national progress, noting that their daily sacrifices have continued to…

…urges completion of reconstruction exercise at Ekeoha Shopping Plaza The President-General of the Abia State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, has expressed concern over the delay in the completion and delivery of the first phase of the remodelling and reconstruction efforts at the Ekeoha Shopping Plaza, Aba. This is as he lauded the high level of enthusiasm so far shown by traders in registering and obtaining their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and National Identification Number (NIN). Chief Udeigbo, who spoke on Thursday, April 30, 2026, when he led executive committee members of ASMATA on a working tour…

The Director-General of the Benjamin Kalu Movement (BKM), Hon. Emma Trumps Eke, has called for the immediate reversal of the decision by the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to zone its governorship ticket to the Abia Central Senatorial District. Eke, while reacting, expressed shock and deep disappointment over the decision and described the move as hasty, ill-timed, and lacking broad consultation with key stakeholders across the three senatorial districts. DrumAfricanews reports that Kalu, who is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency in Abia North Senatorial District, was seen…

In what now appears like a political shocker as the 2027 governorship election approaches in Abia State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has zoned its governorship ticket for the forthcoming election to Abia Central Senatorial District. Many Abians had expected that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rit. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who hails from Bende LGA in Abia North Senatorial District will clinch the ticket. However, a release by Uche Aguoru Publicity Secretary, APC Abia State said that the notice serves to guide APC members and intending aspirants in the purchase of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.…

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has raised a grave concern over the targeted victimisation and institutional neglect of Mrs Nwokocha Esther Ucheya by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB). CEHRAWS said that while it holds the responsible officials accountable for the injustice, “we must clearly distinguish these actions from the broader vision of governance under Governor Alex Chioma Otti.” The Civil Society Organisation said that it is both ironic and concerning that, at a time when Governor Otti has demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare through prompt salary payments and reform-orientated leadership, certain actors…

The Imo State Ministry of Education (Primary and Secondary) has issued a firm warning to private schools, reaffirming a strict ban on certain graduation ceremonies and the indiscriminate swapping of textbooks. In a notice dated April 27, 2026, the government directed all private school proprietors, headteachers, and principals to comply immediately or face severe consequences, including license revocation. Under the existing policy, graduation ceremonies are completely prohibited for: · Kindergarten · Nursery · Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) Only two groups may hold graduation events: · Primary 6 pupils · Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) students The Ministry also barred…