Otti Fires Back at Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Labels His Comments ‘Misinformed and Politically Driven’

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has issued a firm response to recent remarks made by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, concerning federal allocations to Abia and recognition of federal contributions to state infrastructure.

Speaking during a media session titled “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians” at the Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday, Otti dismissed Kalu’s criticisms as “misinformed” and politically motivated, alleging that the lawmaker’s outburst was triggered by the strong grassroots support his administration enjoys, particularly in Aba.

“We have a cordial relationship. He’s not just the Deputy Speaker; he’s my younger brother. This is the second time he’s attacking my administration publicly, but I’ve forgiven him. I’m not threatened by his comments,” the governor stated.

Otti accused Kalu of “hubris and information deficiency syndrome,” suggesting the lawmaker speaks without accurate facts. “He was shaken by the genuine affection Aba people showed me,” he added.

The governor also took issue with Kalu’s claim of being the “number six” in Nigeria’s political hierarchy, noting that the Deputy Senate President — not the Deputy Speaker — constitutionally holds that position.

Responding to allegations that Abia receives over ₦38 billion in monthly federal allocations, Otti clarified that the state gets roughly half that amount. “People should focus on their assigned duties. I hear he’s eyeing the governorship in 2027 — that’s his right — but campaigns haven’t started. Let’s respect the law,” he cautioned.

Otti also issued a stern warning to those allegedly planning to manipulate the 2027 polls. “I heard they want to write results; I’ll advise them to write their wills first. This is our state — we won’t be intimidated,” he declared.

The political clash between both Abia-born leaders escalated after Kalu, during the commissioning of the Port Harcourt Road and other projects in Aba, stated that states now enjoy higher federal revenues and should credit President Bola Tinubu’s administration for it.

While addressing the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Umuahia last week, Kalu boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to take over Abia in 2027, alleging that Governor Otti receives between ₦38 billion and ₦40 billion monthly from the federal government. “How can you compare yourself, who gets ₦40 billion, to someone managing ₦3 billion?” Kalu asked, accusing the Otti administration of offering “loud rhetoric with little results.”

In response, Otti’s media aide issued a statement titled “Governance in Abia: Benjamin Kalu Needs Tutorials More Than He Needs a Microphone,” accusing the Deputy Speaker of ignorance and engaging in political showmanship.