The Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers has cautioned the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to desist from making public statements that could incite division or create political tension in the State.
The traditional rulers, while addressing Journalists, on Wednesday, at the end of an emergency Meeting of the Council held at the JAAC Building, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, expressed deep concern over the “war of words” between Governor Alex Otti and the Deputy Speaker.
The Royal Fathers, in a statement signed by the Council’s Chairman, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, and its three Deputy Chairmen on behalf of other members, said they would not remain silent while the disagreement between the two leaders continued to escalate, warning that such public altercations could have adverse effects on the peace and progress of the state.
They dismissed the Deputy Speaker’s claims that Governor Otti has underperformed despite receiving substantial funds, describing the statements as unsubstantiated.
“It is on this premise that we, as custodians of our culture, call for a ceasefire on the ongoing acrimony and unnecessary outbursts.
“We also enjoin Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu to restrain from making public statements that he cannot substantiate”, the Council stated.
The Monarchs further appealed to Kalu to “apply caution and restrain from making statements that may pitch Governor Otti against President Bola Tinibu and the people of the State”.
Reaffirming their support for the Governor, the traditional rulers passed a vote of confidence on Governor Otti and urged him to continue his good works for the state.
They further commended Governor Otti’s leadership and developmental strides across the state, describing him as the most performance-driven Governor Abia has had in recent history.
“It is on record that no Governor in Abia State has demonstrated the political will to fix Abia State than Governor Alex Otti, OFR, Chioma Ndi Abia”, the statement read.
The royal fathers also warned politicians against using their ambitions to incite unrest or destabilise the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Politicians are hereby warned sternly to desist from inciting Abians against our most performing Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR.
“Politicians should equally wait till 2027 to talk about their electoral cum political businesses and should not use their ambitions to put Abia State into political turmoil”, the statement added.
