By Adebiyi Omotosho Dan.
There is a proverb in my neck of wood that says: “Nígbà tí ọkùnrin tí kò retí pé kí wọ́n fún un ní ọtí wáìnì ní àṣìṣe, ó máa ń kánjú mu ún kódà nígbà tí a bá dà á pọ̀ mọ́ ẹrẹ̀. Meaning, that when fate unexpectedly fills a poor man’s cup with wine, even if it’s mixed with mud, he drinks and he becomes so intoxicated by the sudden good fortune.
This is the story of Benjamin Kalu, a local champion consumed by his own self-importance and blinded by his ambition; an individual who puts his own interests above all else, even if it means backstabbing his benefactors. With an inflated sense of self-worth, Kalu is willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goals, regardless of the cost or who he may hurt in the process. His ruthless pursue for power has led him to compromise the values and principles of his office, making him a master of manipulation and deception.
Currently, he dominates the headlines in all major national news outlets, but unfortunately, it is for all the wrong and contentious reasons. His once perceived promising reputation has given way to a legacy of duplicity and hubris, leaving a trail of controversy in its wake.
Just recently, Nigerians woke up to a captivating article on the politics lead page of THISDAY newspaper. The headline, “Kalu’s Quest to Pursue Regional Agenda As Deputy Speaker,”. Like many Nigerians, I was eager to dive into the piece by Adedadayo Akinwale. As a regular reader of THISDAY, I have come to appreciate their in-depth political analysis, and this article did not disappoint.
In the article, the writer presented a nuanced view of Kalu’s intentions. He also expressed reservations about Kalu’s leadership style, characterizing him as a parochial and tribally motivated individual who prioritises regional agendas over national interests, misusing the position of Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives. This critique suggests that Kalu’s leadership is marred by a narrow focus that neglects the broader needs of the nation, instead perpetuating a harmful bias that favours regional concerns over collective well-being.
The author’s stance is evident, and it is striking that while there are numerous genuine prisoners of conscience from various regions in the country, Kalu, in his capacity as Deputy Speaker, has consistently remained silent and failed to advocate for their freedom. His selective outrage and lack of concern for those suffering from similar perceived injustices elsewhere in the country raise questions about his true motives and commitment to PEACE.
A closer examination of the article reveals a hidden motive behind Kalu’s recent advocacy for the release of Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government. It is evident that Kalu’s intentions are not entirely altruistic, but rather driven by political calculations. On one hand, he seeks to leverage this move to pressure and blackmail the federal government, gaining an upper hand in the political arena in the South East region. On the other hand, Kalu’s ultimate goal is to secure his re-election to the House of Representatives in 2027, using this high-profile stance to bolster his popularity and cement his political fortunes.
These are the underlying motivations the writer tried to paint, that Kalu’s actions are not solely guided by a desire for justice or compassion, but rather by a desire for political gain and self-preservation. This revelation sheds new light on the true nature of Kalu’s political maneuvering, exposing the intricate web of interests and ambitions that drive his actions.
Upon reading the article, I sensed that something was amiss. As I shared with a friend, and I said, THISDAY is not typically known for sensationalism or scandal-mongering, which led me to infer that Kalu must have offended some powerful interests. My confidence in making this assertion stems from my familiarity with the newspaper’s editorial policy and standards, which suggest that such a critical piece would not have been published without substantial backing and approval from the management. And I said to myself, the local boy must have stepped on toes, prompting a strong response from the newspaper.
While the storm that this article gathered was yet calmed, a viral video surfaced on social media and was even broadcast on Channels Television, featuring Benjamin Kalu, at the center of another controversy. This time, it was his colleagues in the green chamber who called him out for alleged selective treatment during plenary sessions.
Cyril Hart, a member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, had staged a walk-out of the session on Tuesday after accusing Kalu of ignoring first-time contributors during debates. Hart expressed his frustration, stating that Kalu consistently prioritised ranking members over newcomers, denying them the opportunity to share their perspectives.
The lawmaker specifically pointed out that during a recent motion condemning a suicide bombing in Borno State, only ranking members were allowed to contribute, while fresh voices like his own were silenced. He urged Kalu to create space for new ideas, emphasizing that national security issues affect all Nigerians and deserve diverse perspectives.
This was followed by another article from one Mbaukwu Ihedigbo, a kinsman of Benjamin Kalu, who sounded the alarm, urging the people of the South East and Nigeria to be cautious of Kalu’s political machinations. In his piece, titled “The Urgent Need to Halt Hon. Ben Kalu’s Political Maneuvering and Why Governor Alex Otti Should Be Vigilant,” Ihedigbo presented compelling reasons why the people of Abia State must unite to prevent Kalu’s harmful influence from permeating the state’s political landscape.
According to Ihedigbo, Kalu’s actions pose a significant threat to the state’s progress, as he seeks to infiltrate the political sphere with unscrupulous individuals who have historically ravaged the state’s fortunes. Ihedigbo emphasized that Kalu’s desperation to regain power is akin to reintroducing a cancerous element into the state’s fabric, which must be stopped at all costs.
His words: “We need to stop Ben Kalu now so that he will not recycle these men and inject them back into our political system.
“With these men, Ben should know that whatever ambition he has is dead on arrival. These men have lost their influence in the political space of Abia State and can never drive his ambition.
The writer also cautioned Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to remain vigilant, as Benjamin Kalu was secretly plotting to usurp power from him. He alleged that Kalu had already initiated a covert movement across all 17 local government areas in Abia State, laying the groundwork for his power grab. Ihedigbo urged the governor to recognize the threat Kalu posed, stating:
Kalu’s ultimate goal may be to overthrow the governor in the near future. It is crucial for Governor Otti to acknowledge Kalu as a political adversary and a rival, rather than a friend. He must end their cordial relationship and prepare for the impending political battle. By doing so, the governor can protect his administration and the progress achieved thus far from Kalu’s sinister ambitions.
Anyone who has followed Kalu rise, will agree with Ihedigbo. His warning should serve as a wake-up call for Governor Otti to be aware of Kalu’s alleged hidden agenda and take necessary measures to safeguard his position and the state’s interests.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive report published by Leadership Newspaper on Wednesday, a fresh development has unfolded in the House of Representatives. Over 150 newly elected lawmakers are said to be plotting the impeachment of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, his deputy Benjamin Kalu, and two other officials. The reason behind this move, as reported, is the lawmakers’ feelings of marginalization and exclusion from key legislative decisions.
The lawmakers have supposedly formed a pressure group, dubbed the “Novelty Group”, to actualize their objectives.
However, upon closer examination, two possible scenarios emerge. It is possible that the report was instigated by Benjamin Kalu’s allies in the House to draw the Speaker into their conflict, or alternatively, the lawmakers’ frustration stems from the Speaker’s inaction regarding their requests for recognition and inclusion in the legislative process.
This development suggests the underlying tensions and power struggles within the Abbas led House of Representatives, which may have far-reaching implications for the legislative body’s dynamics and productivity. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the reported impeachment plot will materialize or if it is merely a tactic to exert pressure on the Speaker to allow them cut Kalu to size.
If this is the case, Abbas must recognise the gravity of the situation and demonstrate leadership by taking decisive action. Whispers of Benjamin Kalu’s attempts to overshadow him in various settings are circulating, which reflects poorly on the number four citizen in the country’s political landscape. It is essential for Abbas to address this issue promptly, as Kalu’s continued influence over him could harm his political future.
As the leader of the House of Representatives, Abbas has a duty to unite the lawmakers and maintain harmony within the legislative body. He cannot afford to carry a political liability like Kalu, who may jeopardize his own career and the stability of the House. By addressing this situation, Abbas can demonstrate his ability to lead and ensure the smooth functioning of the legislative branch. The sooner Kalu is “tamed”, the better it will be for Abbas and the House as a whole
Adebiyi Omotosho writes from Lagos, Nigeria
