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.

By Amarachi Uzoukwu

The post Abia Monarchs Caution Ben Kalu Against Inciting Statements on Gov Otti first appeared on National Ambassador News.

Governor Otti issued the caution on Thursday during the October edition of the monthly media parley tagged “Governor Alex Otti Speaks,” held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, where he responded to questions from journalists on various issues affecting the state.

While addressing a question about his relationship with the Deputy Speaker, Otti acknowledged that he and Kalu shared a long-standing personal bond, describing him as his friend and “younger brother.”

The Governor, however, criticised Kalu’s recent public remarks, which he described as misinformed and unbecoming of his exalted office.

He said, “This is the second time that he has come out publicly to berate the administration and myself. But I think I want to forgive him. Do I feel threatened? Absolutely not.

“I think he has a few challenges. One of them is what is described as hubris. And closely related to that challenge is also what I would, for want of a better word, describe as information deficiency syndrome, where you are supposed to be in a place where you have information, but you don’t have the real information.”

Governor Otti faulted Kalu’s claim that Abia State receives between ₦38 billion and ₦40 billion monthly from the Federation Account, saying such statements were misleading.

“It would be sad if somebody comes out and says that the state government receives 38 to 40 billion.

“Whatever you say should be taken very, very seriously if you are number six. Those who know better have shown that we receive just about half of that, and it’s not for me to argue,” the Governor emphasized.

He urged political figures to be guided by truth and to concentrate on their official responsibilities rather than speculative politicking.

Governor Otti emphasized that the will of God and the mandate of the people will determine who wins the 2027 governorship election in the state and warned that nobody should contemplate rigging results against people’s will.

The Governor advised politicians to wait for the official campaign period before making political declarations in order not to be disqualified by the electoral body before the elections.

“I hear he wants to run for governorship in 2027. That’s fine, it is his fundamental human right. Nobody should stop him, but again, we must respect the law.

“If INEC releases the timetable and says it is the time that campaigns start, if you start campaigning before then, you put yourself in harm’s way. You could even be disqualified before the election.

“So when you gather people and you are telling them they are going to take over the state in 2027; you are campaigning. It’s not right.

“So, I would plead with him that if he wants to run for election, he should hold his fire. Once INEC blows the whistle, he should go and pick up a form and begin to campaign,” Otti added.

The Governor reaffirmed his confidence and commitment to peace in the state, stating that his administration would not be distracted by political provocations.

“We have managed, in the last two years plus, to keep this place peaceful. We should continue to maintain the peace. Nobody can intimidate us,” he stated.

He stressed that his administration remains focused on fulfilling his mandate to Abians and on upholding good governance.

By Amarachi Uzoukwu

The post Gov. Otti Cautions Deputy Speaker Kalu Over Misleading Statements, Early Campaign first appeared on National Ambassador News.