UMUAHIA, NIGERIA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has alleged that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is sponsoring a smear campaign against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, involving the sum of N50 million reportedly distributed to some journalists to revive attacks on his image using issues long resolved by competent authorities .
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC accused the Otti-led government of resorting to what it described as a “wild goose chase” by sponsoring media attacks and propaganda targeted at the Deputy Speaker .
“Such actions appear to be driven by fear of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s rising political stature and his growing acceptance across Abia State. These coordinated campaigns are clearly aimed at damaging the reputation of the Deputy Speaker, simply because certain political actors are apprehensive about the overwhelming support he enjoys and the likelihood of his victory should he decide to contest the governorship of Abia State,” Aguoru stated .
The party noted that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as far back as May 23, 2023, issued a formal verification letter which clearly addressed and laid to rest the issues surrounding his NYSC records, affirming that there was no discrepancy or wrongdoing .
Furthermore, the APC alleged that recent meetings were held in Abuja involving officials of the Abia State Government and a section of the media, “where the sum of N50 million was reportedly distributed to some journalists to revive attacks on the Deputy Speaker using issues that had long been resolved by competent national authorities” .
The party described the attacks as being championed by a “politically stranded actor” who currently lacks a viable political platform, having destroyed the party that once gave him relevance during the Peter Obi wave .
The APC urged Governor Otti to concentrate on governance and ensure that public resources are judiciously utilized for the welfare and development of Abians, many of whom are currently grappling with economic hardship .
“The Labour Party government in Abia State should begin to put its house in order, because the APC is steadily positioning itself to take over governance and restore purposeful leadership to Government House, Umuahia,” the party warned .
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