Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Defends Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, a leading Igbo cultural group, has stepped in to address the criticisms against Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. He recently said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will lead Abia State by 2027.

Benjamin Kalu, Nigeria’s sixth highest leader, mentioned on a TV show that his state, Abia, should not be in opposition to the ruling party.

His statement upset many, especially members of the Labour Party, which is Governor Alex Otti’s political group.

In a statement given to journalists on Thursday, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, said the anger towards Kalu is unnecessary.

Okwu explained that Kalu’s political comments did not disrespect the governor’s office.

He said, “We felt the need to respond to the negative comments about Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu after he asked Governor Alex Otti to join the APC. Kalu did not insult Governor Otti in any way.”

Okwu added, “Kalu only invited Governor Otti to return to the APC, a party Otti was once a member of before joining the Labour Party. Asking him to join the ruling party does not harm anyone.”

He continued, “Governor Otti and Kalu are friends who talk almost every day. So, why is there so much fuss over a friendly invitation?”

“Is Governor Otti the first person Kalu has invited to the APC? During Governor Ikpeazu’s time in office, Kalu invited him to join the APC on his radio show every week. In return, Ikpeazu asked Kalu to join the PDP, and there was no media uproar.”

“It is up to Governor Otti to decide if he wants to join the APC or stay in the Labour Party and seek re-election in 2027.”

Okwu urged the Igbo people to respect their leaders and support those who work for peace in the South East. He praised Kalu for his efforts to establish the South East Development Commission, which was promised 54 years ago.

“Kalu wants the best for the South East. If he believes that bringing everyone together under one party is the way, it is his right to advocate for it,” Okwu said.

“As the highest-ranking Igbo person in Nigeria’s federal government, Kalu has earned our respect. Any attack on him is an attack on the youth of Igbo land, and we will respond. We are satisfied with his work,” Okwu warned.

He concluded, “We urge the Igbo people to show Kalu the respect he deserves. We will not stand by and let anyone insult him without reason.”