The recent outburst by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and his Labour Party caucus against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is a clear case of misplaced priority and a sign of leadership weakness within the State Assembly.
Rather than focus on their constitutional duty of holding the executive accountable, the Speaker and his loyalists have reduced the hallowed Assembly to a mouthpiece of the government, attacking anyone who dares to speak the truth about the realities facing Abians.
It is shameful that a legislative arm that should serve as the people’s watchdog now spends its energy defending the government from harmless criticism. Where was this energy when roads remained impassable? When workers lamented unpaid arrears? When communities cried over unfulfilled promises?
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu did not insult the Governor; he only reminded the government that campaign promises must be matched with results. His words were rooted in patriotism, not politics — in truth, not bitterness.
We commend Hon. Emmanuel Chinedu Ndubuisi (Bende South) for boldly distancing himself from the Speaker’s politically motivated statement. His action confirms what many Abians already know — that the Speaker no longer represents the collective interest of the people, but the comfort of the few in power.
Let it be clear:
A Speaker who cannot checkmate the executive has lost the essence of legislative leadership.
A Speaker who silences dissenting voices has abandoned democracy.
A Speaker who attacks constructive criticism is unfit to preside over a House meant to protect the people’s interest.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s call for improved governance should be applauded, not condemned. The Deputy Speaker has, through his national influence, attracted projects, empowerment initiatives, and visibility to Abia State — feats no propaganda can erase.
Abia needs courageous leaders who speak truth to power, not politicians who hide behind titles to defend failure.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu represents what true leadership stands for — truth, accountability, and service to the people.
The Speaker and his cohorts would do well to emulate him instead of trying to silence him.
In the end, history will remember those who stood for Abia’s progress, not those who tried to protect political egos.
