Members of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives from Abia State have condemned Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for what they described as “careless, divisive, and disrespectful remarks” against Governor Alex Otti.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the lawmakers, led by Hon. Ginger Onwusibe (Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency), accused Kalu of making “unguarded and politically toxic” comments aimed at undermining the Abia State Government.
Their response follows Kalu’s recent criticism of Governor Otti, in which he alleged that the governor had failed to justify the increased federal allocations to Abia following the removal of fuel subsidy. The Deputy Speaker also vowed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would “take Abia from Otti” in the 2027 elections.
Describing Kalu’s statement as “insensitive and unbecoming of a national leader,” the Labour Party lawmakers said his remarks displayed “arrogance and poor emotional intelligence.”
“Such careless talk, repeated shortly after assuming office as Deputy Speaker, was not only unintelligent but also contrary to the humility and emotional intelligence expected of a leader,” the statement read.
The caucus recalled that Kalu had previously “boasted” in 2024 that the APC would capture Abia, flaunting his federal ranking as though political power were a personal trophy.
“Since then,” the lawmakers said, “Hon. Kalu has carried on with arrogance and recklessness, making provocative, sycophantic, and inflammatory statements, both publicly and privately. His conduct reveals a deliberate attempt to incite the Federal Government and the ruling party against the Abia State Government.”
They reminded the Deputy Speaker that Governor Otti personally directed Abia Labour Party lawmakers to support Kalu’s emergence as Deputy Speaker — a gesture they said should have been “reciprocated with respect and cooperation, not hostility.”
Urging Kalu to engage in “sober reflection,” the legislators said:
“His hubris and inciteful remarks are unbecoming of a Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. That office should be occupied with decorum, not arrogance — that is the mark of true leadership.”
They further noted that Governor Otti had facilitated major federal projects and enjoyed a cordial working relationship with President Bola Tinubu, advising Kalu to “channel his office toward development, not division.”
“If the massive public endorsement of Governor Otti’s performance—seen at the recent Aba project flag-off attended by the President’s representative, Senator David Umahi—unsettles Hon. Kalu, that is no justification for mischief or incitement,” they warned.
The statement concluded by urging Abians to disregard Kalu’s “empty boasts and divisive rhetoric,” adding that “Governor Otti’s commitment to good governance remains unwavering.”
