EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD
In the evolving political landscape of Abia State, one figure has increasingly drawn attention not for the depth of his contributions, but for his tendency to wield political rank like a weapon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, has in recent times turned his so-called “Number 6” position on the national protocol list into a symbol of political arrogance rather than service. Instead of leveraging his influence to uplift his people, Kalu appears more preoccupied with using it to intimidate, belittle, and disrupt the democratic progress steadily unfolding in Abia under the capable leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
Most recently, Kalu made what can only be described as a reckless, boastful, and profoundly undemocratic statement:
> “I will not be the No. 6 citizen in this country while the Labour Party is ruling my state. This will be the end of Labour Party in Abia. APC must take over in 2027!”
This brazen outburst is not just distasteful; it is a direct affront to democracy. For an elected federal lawmaker, and no less the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s national legislature, to openly threaten the political survival of a legitimately elected government in his state simply because it is not of his party is both reckless and disgraceful. It smacks of entitlement, desperation, and a fundamental misunderstanding of the democratic process. Abia is not the personal estate of any politician. The people alone reserve the right to determine who governs them, not through threats from Abuja, but through free, fair, and credible elections.
Kalu’s persistent flaunting of his federal position, especially his repeated boasts that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will “capture Abia in 2027,” is not only tactless but politically tone deaf. It reveals a troubling sense of ownership over power and influence as though Abia were a prize to be conquered rather than a subnational entity to be served. In making such claims, Kalu not only disrespects the people’s mandate freely given to Governor Otti, but also trivializes the solemn responsibilities of his high office. Leadership at any level is not a personal conquest; it is a sacred trust bestowed by the people and accountable to them.
Even more disturbing is Kalu’s attempt to present his position as Deputy Speaker as the pinnacle of Igbo political achievement in the current dispensation. His posturing suggests that the South East should be content with his “Number 6” seat, as though it represents the height of Igbo aspiration. This narrative not only diminishes the collective ambition of the Igbo people but also disregards their historic contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution. From Senate Presidents to national party leaders, the South East has produced political figures who have occupied positions far more influential than Kalu’s current role. By turning his office into a spectacle, he diminishes the very people he claims to represent.
Kalu’s recent conduct also runs counter to the core values that define a true son of Igbo land. The Igbo worldview exalts humility, communal respect, and service above self. Kalu’s growing display of pomposity, divisive rhetoric, and disrespect toward the office and person of Governor Otti does not align with these values. If anything, it portrays a man more obsessed with optics than substance, more interested in personal vendettas than in the collective progress of his people. It is time he engaged in honest self reflection and purged himself of these tendencies if he truly desires a lasting political legacy.
For a model of leadership grounded in humility, sincerity, and impact, Benjamin Kalu needs to look no further than Governor Alex Otti. Despite wielding the enormous power of an executive governor, Otti has carried himself with uncommon restraint and reverence for democratic ideals. He has never brandished his office to insult, threaten, or undermine others. Rather, he believes that power belongs to the people and must be exercised with integrity, transparency, and the fear of God. Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Otti has remained steadfast in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. From massive infrastructure projects like the reconstruction of Portharcourt Road, Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, and the Omenuko Bridge, to the soon to be flagged 25 kilometre Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, his administration has been focused on laying a strong foundation for sustainable development.
Perhaps it is this striking contrast in leadership style that unsettles Kalu. While he appears consumed by status and political theatre, Governor Otti’s performance driven, people centred leadership continues to attract admiration from far and wide. The recent Aba event, where the President, represented by Senator David Umahi, commended the Governor’s transformative efforts, clearly rattled Kalu and his allies. But envy is not a political strategy, and bitterness cannot halt the winds of change sweeping through Abia. No amount of scheming or rhetorical sabotage can diminish the credibility and goodwill Governor Otti enjoys among the people and even at the federal level.
Abians are politically discerning. They see through the smokescreen of Kalu’s posturing. They know that his recent antics are driven not by public service, but by personal ambition. They also recognize that while one man seeks to drag the state backward, another is steadily pushing it forward with vision, discipline, and compassion. The choice is clear. Governor Alex Otti embodies true leadership, one that listens to the people, responds to their needs, and governs with accountability. He has never taken Abians for granted, and in return, they continue to stand firmly with him.
In the end, political power is fleeting, but legacy endures. Benjamin Kalu must realize that his actions today are shaping the verdict of tomorrow. It is not enough to sit high in protocol; true greatness lies in serving with humility and purpose. Until he embraces this truth, his “Number 6” will remain not a badge of honour but an anathema to the very people he claims to represent.
Abia is indeed in safe hands, and no measure of political mischief will derail the transformation currently underway in God’s Own State.
– Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.