The Igbo Mandate Movement Group has alerted the Nigerian public, Ndi Igbo, and all people of goodwill about a troubling and deliberate attempt by the Abia State Government to undermine the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and prevent his return to the House.
This was disclosed in a statement by Igboeli Arinze, Convener of the group.
According to the group, investigations have revealed that the Abia State Government has allegedly earmarked over One Hundred Billion Naira (₦100,000,000,000) for a targeted demarketing campaign against this distinguished son of Igbo land. The campaign, reportedly orchestrated by a senior state official, is being carried out in well-planned phases.
The first two phases, already underway, involve systematic negative publicity against the Deputy Speaker across social media and traditional media platforms. These attacks aim to tarnish the reputation of a man who has served his people and Nigeria with distinction.
The group claims credible intelligence indicates that the third phase will target traditional rulers in key areas, using threats and intimidation against those who resist the agenda. Most alarmingly, the final phase is allegedly designed to instigate organized violence to provoke Deputy Speaker supporters, after which the state government would blame Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for the unrest, creating grounds for punitive actions against him.
OUR POSITION:
We ask: why is such a massive sum of money—capable of transforming the lives of Ndi Abia through road construction, erosion control, security improvements, healthcare delivery, and provision of pipe-borne water—being diverted to target one individual?
We condemn this alleged plot as sinister, malicious, and contrary to the progress of our people. We urge those behind this plan to reconsider immediately.
No true son or daughter of Igbo land should watch as one of the brightest leaders to emerge from Ala Igbo—since the era of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Alex Ekwueme, and the late Senator Chuba Okadigbo—is undermined by individuals envious of his rising influence and achievements.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has honorably represented our people and brought distinction to Igbo land through his role as Deputy Speaker. Any attempt to discredit him is an attack on the collective aspirations of Ndi Igbo.
We call on traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the international community to take note and urge the Abia State Government to abandon this wasteful and divisive initiative.
The Igbo Mandate Movement Group reaffirms its unwavering support for Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and will resist any attempt to tarnish his hard-earned position and reputation.
