Group Accuses Benjamin Kalu of Spreading Falsehood in Abia

The Media Alliance for Good Governance and Development (MAGGD) has warned the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, against what it described as falsehood and inciting statements in Abia State.
MAGGD, in a statement issued by its Executive Secretary, Nathaniel Onuoha, on Friday, said it had taken note of a recent provocative remark allegedly made by Kalu at an event organised by the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the group, Kalu falsely claimed during the event that the newly constructed Omenuko Bridge was built by the “President.”
“Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s lofty position as the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives demands a high level of circumspection and forethought when making public statements. It is, however, unfortunate that the Bende federal legislator has refused to appreciate the enormity of the responsibility of the high office he occupies and has instead continued to belittle his position with reckless utterances, blatant falsehoods, and statements that often portray him as largely ignorant, disconnected, and lacking in decorum and prudence.
“It is bewildering that Rt. Hon. Kalu has elected, for some strange reasons, to continually drag his office and, by extension, the institution of the National Assembly into public disrepute.
“In light of the foregoing, we advise the Deputy Speaker to immediately desist from lobbing verbal grenades of falsehood, acrimony, and slander against the Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti.
“We find it atrocious that Kalu has taken every opportunity available to attack and malign the Governor, who has done nothing but dedicate himself to the economic emancipation, industrialisation, and robust socio-economic growth of the state.
“These rapid and conspicuous changes have been welcomed with great elation by the people of Abia State, to whom the Governor has endeared himself. It is indeed regrettable that Chief Ben Kalu has refused to read the room, choosing instead to align himself with those opposed to the will of the Abia public.
“On the ludicrous claim that the new Omenuko Bridge, recently commissioned by the Abia State Government, was constructed by the ‘President,’ one finds it comical that Kalu, in his desperation for attention, is openly misleading the public with barefaced falsehoods and utterances that would certainly shock anyone who understands how federal institutions work.
“We know for certain that the federal lawmaker representing Bende is neither the President’s spokesperson nor the Minister of Works, nor is he connected to any federal government agency responsible for executing civil engineering projects. It is therefore evident that Chief Kalu imagines his audience — leaders and frontline APC members in Abia State — to be ignorant, absent-minded, and unable to distinguish the truth from falsehood.
“At any rate, we call on the good people of Abia State to remain vigilant against the shenanigans of political adventurists like Chief Benjamin Kalu and his ilk, who apparently have nothing but deceit and poorly concocted tales to offer the people. Abia State has certainly made significant progress under the administration of Dr. Alex Otti, and this progress must be guarded and not derailed by the antics of individuals who do not mean well for the people.
“As history has taught us, he who wishes to enjoy the beautiful fruits of freedom must be willing to resist the ploys of those who thrive in the sordid business of oppression,” the statement added.