“They Have Held Him Hostage, Says Abia For Youths 2027 Group
Tensions are escalating in the political camp of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, amid allegations of a cabal restricting access to him by prominent Abia politicians.
Leading the group accused of monopolizing Kalu’s attention is Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and the recently appointed Executive Director of Finance at the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Another key figure named is Hon. Martins Azubuike, also a former Speaker, currently serving as a Commissioner in one of the commissions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a petition addressed to Kalu, a socio-political organization known as Abia for Youths 2027 warned the Deputy Speaker about the influence of these men, accusing them of sidelining genuine politicians.
The petition, signed by Comrade Austin Njoku, alleged that the group’s activities are detrimental to Kalu’s political future and could jeopardize the re-election campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The petition specifically named other members of the alleged cabal, including Daniel Akwari, Kalu’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, and Elton Onwu, described an American returnee from Ikwuano Local Government Area.
“What is more concerning,” the petition stated, “is that Ohajuruka has abandoned his responsibilities at SEDC to hover around Ben Kalu like an aide.”
The group lamented that Ohajuruka’s absence has left Abia State underrepresented in the SEDC, especially as its chairman, Barr. Emeka Wogu, is reportedly battling health challenges.
The petition further accused Azubuike of blocking access to Kalu by politicians from Ngwa extraction, warning that such actions could harm Kalu’s political standing in Ngwa land.
“These men have turned themselves into political hostage-takers while masquerading as friends of the Deputy Speaker,” the group wrote.
The group claimed that none of the individuals in question holds significant electoral value, alleging, “They didn’t secure more than three votes each in their wards during the last election.”
They added that Akwari, who reportedly intends to run for Senate, “commands no political influence in the state.”
“They are hurting his political future by chasing away genuine politicians from Abia State,”
“Our advice to the dynamic Deputy Speaker is to distance himself from these dangerous men.”the petition stated.
The group also called for Hon. Ohajuruka to resign from his position at the SEDC, citing his failure to perform his duties. Similarly, they demanded the removal of Martins Azubuike as a Commissioner in the FCT, alleging he has abandoned his responsibilities.
“This cabal’s actions are not just damaging to Ben Kalu but to the overall political prospects of Abia State in national politics,” the group concluded.
