The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has publicly challenged Abia State Governor Alex Otti to accelerate development in the state, using the rapid expansion of the Governor’s own Signature Bank as a benchmark.
Speaking to supporters in Abia, Kalu stated his demands for faster progress would cease “if only the rate of growth in the state could match the astonishing expansion of Signature Bank,” which has grown from two branches to 18 nationwide in under two years.
The comment is seen as a pointed critique of the Labour Party administration’s development record, which Kalu suggests has not kept pace with its media promises. Political observers note the remark reflects growing sentiment among Abians who seek measurable results beyond government rhetoric.
Governor Otti’s “New Abia” slogan now faces increasing scrutiny as citizens await visible infrastructure and economic improvements matching the private sector growth demonstrated by his banking enterprise.
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