Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said he harbours no resentment towards the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, over recent comments the lawmaker made about his administration.
Governor Otti made the remarks during a media chat with journalists at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, where he responded to questions on Kalu’s criticisms regarding the state’s management of federal allocations.
“You will find out that this is the second time he [Benjamin Kalu] has come out publicly to berate the administration and myself,” Otti said.
“I think that I want to forgive him. Do I feel threatened? Absolutely not.”
Otti cautioned Kalu and other political figures to refrain from making statements that could unnecessarily heat up the state’s political atmosphere.
While addressing the specific allegation that Abia receives over ₦38 billion in monthly federal allocations, which Kalu implied was being misused, Otti described the claim as inaccurate and misleading.
“It will be sad for someone to come out and say the state receives up to ₦38 billion. Those who know better are aware that we receive just about half of that,” he stated.
The governor suggested that Kalu’s recent remarks may have been motivated by political apprehension, particularly following the strong public support shown during Otti’s recent visits to Aba and Umuahia.
“I guessed that what happened is that he was a bit terrified because he was there in Aba and saw what happened. He saw the organic show of love the people showed,” Otti added.
He went on to criticize what he described as Kalu’s “Information Deficiency Syndrome” — being in a position where one is expected to have accurate information, yet lacks it.
Reflecting on a previous video in which Kalu criticized his administration earlier this year, Otti said he chose not to respond at the time.
“I still maintain that I don’t have the anointing to speak about what will happen in 2027 by 2025,” he said.
“But there are a few things I know — I know that power belongs to God, and He gives it to whomever He chooses.”
The governor also made biblical references, citing the Book of Lamentations and urging political actors not to make presumptuous statements about the future.
Addressing rumours of Kalu’s interest in contesting the Abia governorship in 2027, Otti acknowledged it as Kalu’s constitutional right but warned against premature campaigning.
“I heard that he wants to run for governorship in 2027. That is fine; it is his fundamental human right. But we must respect the law.
“If INEC releases the timetable and says this is when campaigns should start, and someone begins early, such a person could even be disqualified before the election,” Otti warned.
