by George Ozalla
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has accused the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, of promoting political theatrics and disregarding due process, insisting that his administration has no room for what he described as petty political confrontations.
The governor’s position was conveyed in Umuahia through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, following allegations that the deputy speaker authorized the demolition of state-owned facilities without recourse to relevant authorities. The Abia Government described the action as a deliberate affront to the state, arguing that it undermined established procedures and intergovernmental cooperation.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his preference for collaboration across political lines, stressing that governance, rather than partisan rivalry, guides his actions. He noted that his administration has consistently supported projects attracted to Abia by federal lawmakers, including those facilitated by the deputy speaker. According to the statement, this cooperation previously saw the allocation of a large parcel of land along the Umuahia–Bende Road to enable the construction of a housing estate linked to a federal initiative championed by Kalu. The governor reportedly approved the land allocation despite political differences, describing the gesture as an expression of goodwill and partnership.
The state government, however, expressed concern that this spirit of cooperation was contradicted by what it described as unilateral actions taken by the deputy speaker. Central to the dispute is the alleged demolition of Eluokwu Community School in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area. The school, according to the Abia Government, had already been earmarked for upgrade into a smart school and awarded to a contractor before it was pulled down.
The statement maintained that the demolition occurred despite the presence of contractors on site and without consultation with state agencies responsible for education and infrastructure. It described the incident as a breach of convention and an avoidable escalation, noting that the governor would have readily provided an alternative site for any federal project had a formal request been made.
Following the incident, the Abia Government said it sealed the demolished facility in line with the law. It further disclosed that the deputy speaker bypassed internal resolution mechanisms within the state and instead escalated the matter to federal authorities in Abuja. According to the statement, those authorities, after reviewing the circumstances, cautioned against actions taken without appropriate approvals and advised that future projects should follow laid-down procedures through relevant local and state institutions.
The state government argued that Governor Otti has consistently adhered to such processes in the execution of federal projects in Abia, a practice it said has contributed to a stable working relationship with the Federal Government.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both figures operating from different political platforms and intensifying engagements across the state.
