Why Abia Government Says Ben Kalu's 'Handshake' Claim Is Misleading - Full Details Revealed

The Abia State Government has broken its silence on what it described as a misleading public narrative by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, over claims that he extended friendship and collaboration to Governor Alex Otti but was allegedly rebuffed.

In a strongly worded press statement released on Tuesday, the government said it deliberately avoided political drama for months but was forced to respond to what it called a distortion of facts surrounding the relationship between the Governor and the federal lawmaker.

The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Citizen Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, revealed that contrary to Kalu's claims, Governor Otti had not only shown goodwill but had gone out of his way to support projects attracted by the Deputy Speaker to Abia State.

According to the government, Governor Otti approved and allocated a large expanse of land along the Umuahia-Bende Road for the construction of a housing estate project attracted by Rt. Hon. Kalu to his constituency.

The statement emphasized that the governor refused to bow to political pressure to block the project, choosing instead to demonstrate goodwill, cooperation, and maturity in governance.

This, the government noted, was done as a clear sign that Governor Otti places development above politics, regardless of party lines.

However, the relationship reportedly took a drastic turn when Eluokwu Community School in Igbere, Bende LGA-a public school already awarded for upgrade to a smart school by the Abia State Government-was demolished on the orders of the Deputy Speaker, without consultation or approval from relevant state agencies.

The government described the action as a deliberate affront, noting that contractors handling the upgrade were already on site when the demolition took place.

"One would have expected a lawmaker of his standing to approach the state government for an alternative site,ÔÇØ the statement said, adding that such a request would have been approved without hesitation.

Following the demolition, the Abia State Government sealed the site in line with the law. Instead of resolving the issue through state channels, the Deputy Speaker reportedly ran to Abuja to report the matter.

After investigation, federal authorities allegedly admonished him, warning against actions that violate due process and disrespect constituted authorities.

The government stated that this same lawful procedure has been consistently followed by Governor Otti in executing federal projects across Abia, which has earned him a harmonious relationship with the Federal Government.

The statement also addressed the Deputy Speaker's reported invitation to Governor Otti to join his political party, noting that it was either ignored or declined.

In a sharp but measured closing remark, the government advised that while Kalu may have "shut the door,ÔÇØ it might be wise to leave a window open, should the need arise for dialogue in the future.

Observers believe the statement signals the Abia Government's readiness to defend its record with facts, especially as political temperatures rise ahead of 2027.

For the Otti administration, the message is clear: development is welcome, but due process is non-negotiable.