The Awareness Forum for Abia Development and Economic Advancement (AFA) has issued a strong statement condemning recent comments made by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing them as reckless, provocative, and capable of destabilizing the peace currently enjoyed in Abia State.
In a detailed communiqué signed by Chief Joe Eze Aru, Prof. George C. Alozie, Dr. C.C. Okwuonu, and Chief (Barr.) Jackson Agbai, AFA, accused Kalu of attempting to “throw the State into political turmoil for selfish political gains,” warning that his utterances pose a direct threat to the peace and progress Abia has experienced under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
According to the group, the Deputy Speaker’s recent statements “portray Abia as a political fiefdom where the expectations of the people are subservient to the whims of desperate politicians,” a move they say insults the collective intelligence and democratic will of Ndi Abia.
“We are saddened to note that the peace and sense of order enjoyed in the State since Dr. Alex Otti assumed office now face an imminent threat from the reckless utterances of no less a person than the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu,” the statement read in part.
The Forum recalled that it was instrumental in mobilizing grassroots support for what it described as the “New Abia” political revolution that brought Dr. Otti to power in 2023. Founded in 2019 at the height of Abia’s governance crisis, AFA then known as the Abia Freedom Alliance, said it worked with professionals, civil society groups, and political stakeholders across divides to ensure that voters made informed choices at the polls.
The group explained that its evaluation of the then-gubernatorial candidates led it to adopt Dr. Otti as the “most credible and visionary leader” to restore the state’s lost glory.
Following Otti’s inauguration, AFA noted that visible transformation began immediately across the State. The group cited improved security, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, clearing of refuse dumps, road rehabilitation, and a renewed investor confidence in Aba and other parts of the state.
“Through effective stakeholder engagement, fairness, and accountability, peace found a home in Abia State,” AFA stated.
“Insecurity and chaos of the old order have become distant memories, and Ndi Abia now enjoys a sense of belonging and progress not felt in decades.”
However, the group warned that Ben Kalu’s recent political posturing and unguarded utterances could reverse these gains.
“Seeking to arbitrarily heat up the polity for ultra-selfish gains in the guise of playing opposition politics must be rejected by all men and women of goodwill,” the Forum cautioned.
“Recklessness and political brinkmanship have no place in the New Abia.”
AFA called on well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on the Deputy Speaker to desist from making statements capable of instigating crisis and to respect the will of the people of Abia.
The group further warned that Kalu and his“political support group, mostly operatives of the old order, would be held responsible for any action that disrupts the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.
“We shall not fold our arms and watch anyone undermine what we have collectively achieved,” AFA declared. “Ndi Abia at home and in the diaspora must stand firm and renounce anyone or group that attempts to compromise the peace in pursuit of personal gains.”
AFA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Governor Otti’s administration and to defending the New Abia vision built on peace, accountability, and sustainable development.
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