My call for Otti to join APC has ended – Ben Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said that the time extended to the Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti to come into the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elapsed, stressing that that the olive branch was hitherto extended, but that the window is now closed.

Kalu also denied the claim that he is desperate to become the governor of Abia State in 2027, stressing that his next political move will be determined by his party, the APC and the people of the state.

According to him, governance is the main focus for him at moment and not 2027. He maintained that being governor is not the ultimate ambition for people like him, stressing that his ambition for now is to continue to serve the people of Bende Federal Constituency.

Speaking at his country home during a media chat with journalists, Kalu maintained that 2026 is still early for political permutations, pointing out that his primary focus remains the delivery of quality dividends of democracy to his constituents and not the position he will occupy in 2027.

On his invitation to Governor Alex Otti to join the APC, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, declared that his invitation to Governor Alex Otti to join his party was borne out of friendship and the interest of APC adding however, that the call has now ended.
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He used the opportunity to also deny the rumour that he, Kalu, is blocking the governor from joining the APC, as he explained that as a party leader, he was prepared to allow any sitting governor who joins the APC to take charge of the party structure in the state, in line with the party’s national policy.

Giving his account of stewardship, Kalu reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation of the Bende Federal Constituency, saying that over 20 road projects have been completed in the constituency, with several others currently ongoing.

On local government financial autonomy, Kalu restated the commitment of President Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the judgment of the Supreme Court is complied with by states and local government councils.

He maintained that credit of achievements recorded by the sub-nationals should go to the President for ensuring that the states get increased revenue as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.

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According to him, he is very interested in attracting development to Bende Federal constituency, even as he reiterated this support for the creation of one more state for the South East to enable the zone to be at par with other zones of the federation.

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, used the opportunity to also dismiss the reports that some ongoing roads he attracted to Bende have been abandoned.

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