The Abia Patriots (TAP) is shocked and disappointed by the recent outburst and vituperations of Hon. Ben Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives during a recent philanthropic programme, where he boasted of of possessing immense potentials, pedigree and unparalleled capacity to contest for governor during the forthcoming 2027 general elections
While not speaking for the state government, we are compelled by the weight of our position as Elders, Statesmen and Patriots to weigh in by condemning outrightly what has now become the Deputy Speaker’s penchant of leveraging his privileged status in the APC-led Federal government to intimidate and grandstand against the people of Abia State. This is a selfish and anti-people approach to politics, which we do not support.
We wish to remind Hon.Kalu that opposition politics is not all about flaunting personal ambition and indiscriminately issuing threats but about serving the people and holding the government accountable. Other top-ranking APC members from states governed by other parties have shown restraint and statesmanship, choosing to work with their governors for the good of their people.He should take cues from the examples of both Senators Umar Shehu Buba of Bauchi South and Abdulfatai Buhari of Oyo North, who, despite being chieftains of the APC, have refrained from attempting to harass and intimidate their PDP governors with their presumably powerful “Aso Rock connections.”
While not opposing his ambition to contest for the office of Governor in 2027, we urge Kalu to reflect on his actions and prioritize the peace and progress of Abia State by leveraging his current political assets to add more building blocks to the ongoing task of rebuilding and transforming the state. His constant threats and divisive rhetoric are heating up the political environment even before the INEC permitted period of electioneering campaigns.
We therefore urge both the electoral umpire and the Presidency to rein in on Hon Kalu to exercise caution and restraint before anarchy sets into an albeit peaceful state as other groups may be forced to embark on self help.
Again, we invite all patriotic Abians to come together, irrespective of partisanship, clannish and religious inclinations and prioritize the progress and development of our state.
God bless Abia!
Signed,
Mazi Adindu Madumere
Secretary General, The Abia Patriots (TAP)
