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OPINION: Kalu’s Brazen Assault and Calculated Torpedo To Undermine South East Governors’ Peace Effort

Published

1 year ago

December 30, 2023

Onwuzuruike Uchenna

By Onwuzuruike Uchenna

Abia at the eve of the year, braced another spectacle of self-aggrandizement yesterday. A local figure, Benjamin Kalu, cloaked in the pretense of gratitude, took the stage, not to offer thanks as he wanted people to believe, but to spin the yarn of his imagined peacekeeping exploits. His thirst for undeserved accolades fueled this charade.

When the fragile threads of security hang by a thread in a society desperately craving peace, deception can be a weapon more lethal than any blade. The South East is under a calculated assault, not from guns and blades, but from a weapon far more insidious: deception.

A wolf draped in the sheep’s clothing of a peacemaker, a figure imposing himself on the people as the new leader of the region, aiming to torpedo the genuine efforts of established leaders and derail the region’s progress towards true tranquility, is at it again!

Abians must remain vigilant, lest they fall prey to those who would exploit their yearning for stability and plunge the entire South East region further into the abyss of confusion.

The clock ticks down on the year, and a worrying trend has emerged with individuals like Benjamin Kalu, under a newly formed charade- Peace in South East Project, targeted to undermine the genuine efforts of leaders and threatening to potentially stall the region’s progress towards true tranquility.

Kalu, an individual whose political tactics have previously involved maneuvering and betrayal, has now chosen a different path. This time, he has entered the delicate landscape of security concerns in the Southeast, seemingly aiming to capitalize on the situation for personal gain and garner undeserved sympathy.

We must “pray and watch”!

His actions haven’t just cast a cold shoulder on regional leaders, many of whom, I suspect, are caught in a web of personal pressures that force them to acquiesce. Meanwhile, within the region, dedicated individuals toil day and night to stitch the fragments of a shattered peace back together, all while he remains oblivious.

Kalu now projects himself as the sole navigator towards stability, preying effortlessly to sway hearts through persuasive rhetoric, while inadvertently diverting attention from the already established channels of reconciliation recently adopted by the five governors of the South East region.

Each time this man finds a way to circumvent a genuine process, he does it without recourse, typical in a clever and surreptitious way.

In light of the sensitive nature of this topic, I believe it is crucial to preface my remarks with a reminder. This article originates from a place of deep empathy and unwavering devotion to my people, those who have borne the brunt of decades of social and political injustice at the hands of their own leaders like Kalu; citizens, whose lives have been marked by chronic social and political disadvantage perpetrated by those entrusted with their well-being.

In September 2023, a pivotal two-day summit titled “SOUTH EAST SUMMIT ON SECURITY AND ECONOMY” with the theme: SOUTH EAST BEYOND 2023: TIME TO RESET” gathered key figures from the region, including five governors and prominent individuals, to address pressing issues of security and economic development.

Notably absent from this pivotal gathering was Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a significant figure in the region. His failure to attend, or even send a representative, raised eyebrows and sparked questions about his commitment to tackling the challenges facing the South East.

This absence stood in stark contrast to the participation of other high-profile leaders, such as Governor Hope Uzodima, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, and his counterparts from Anambra, Prof Charles Soludo, Alex Otti of Abia State, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Governor Francis of Ebonyi State. Their presence underscored the gravity of the summit’s theme and their dedication to finding solutions. Kalu’s absence, on the other hand, left an unsettling void, prompting speculation about his motives and dedication to the region’s well-being.

The summit in Owerri, Imo State, served as a vital platform for brainstorming strategies to revitalize the South East beyond 2023. The conspicuous lack of Kalu’s input, especially given his prominent position, cast a shadow of doubt on his commitment to the region’s progress and collaborative efforts to overcome security and economic hurdles.

The recent snub by Benjamin Kalu of a peace summit organised by regional leaders raises serious questions about his commitment to unity and progress in the South East. His absence, despite being in the country during the event, casts a shadow over his own self-proclaimed peace summit.

One wonders if Kalu harbors ulterior motives. Could he be deliberately sabotaging the genuine efforts of established leaders to bring peace and stability to the region? Is he, perhaps, driven by personal political ambitions, seeking to supplant the existing leadership?

Onwuzuruike Uchenna writes from Orsu LGA of Imo State

Related Topics:#opinion Onwuzuruike Uchenna

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Uproar As Senate Okays Non-indigene As Rivers Electoral Commission Chairman

Published

8 hours ago

June 25, 2025

Editor

There was an uproar in the Senate on Wednesday following the approval of a non- indigene, Dr. Michael Odey as the Chairman, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

The confirmation of Odey, who hails from Cross River State, alongside other members of the Commission followed the consideration of the report of the Ad- Hoc Committee on Oversight of Emergency Rule in Rivers State presented by its chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central).

The development sparked as a few senators objected the appointment of a non-indigene to head a sensitive position as that of a state electoral commission.

Those confirmed as members of the RSIEC are Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof. Author Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, Dr. Olive A. Bruce and Prof. Chidi Halliday.

Objecting to Odey’s confirmation, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP Bauchi Central) said bad precedent should not be set by allowing a non-indigene to head the electoral commission of a state.

He said: “I objected as observed because if it is allowed and becomes the norm, it will not be well for the country.

“I do not see the necessity of having someone from another state to chair an electoral body.”

Also kicking against the approval, former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, (APC Borno South), said it is wrong to scout for a non-indigene for such sensitive position when there are over one thousand indigenes who are qualified.

Referring to a comment by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), said politics was infused into the matter.

“It is here that politics is brought into this matter. Nobody is objecting to the personality but to a question of morality this appointment has raised.

“I am not a lawyer and not talking law, we are talking about ethics. This is unethical. We should not intrude politics into what we do here,” Moro said.

But the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), argued that Odey’s appointment is constitutional and that there is nothing wrong im the confirmation by the Red Chamber.

He said: “The constitution is the ground norm and inasmuch as there is no provision in the constitution that is against appointing a non-indigene, the confirmation is then in order.

“Any Nigerian is free to take up appointment in any state. I can be a governor in Benue State. We are talking about constitution, not morality.”

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele while appreciating concerns raised, however, appealed that it is a matter that should not be politicized, saying “The matter does not call for grandstanding.”

He argued that Odey is both eligible and qualified as a PhD holder.

Bamidele disclosed that the committee had also raised similar concern during the screening exercise where he called on Odey to provide constitutional evidence of his eligibility.

He said the Odey is eligible and qualified, adding that having the six other members from Rivers State, picking a non-indigene as chairman would create room for transparency and neutrality.

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Barau, who presided over the session, insisted that anybody can work anywhere in Nigeria.

Barau cited an example of an indigene of Edo State who is the Head of Service in Abia State.

He said the objection “is purely politics because it is coming from APC”.

In the same development, the Senate also confirmed the appointment of members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission nominated by President Bola Tinubu.

The Civil Service Commission consists of five members, including its Chairman, Dr Livinus Bariki, and Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija, Mrs Maeve Ere Bestman, Mrs Joy Obiaju and Mrs Charity Lloyd Harry as members.

Also confirmed are the chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Mr Isreal N Amadi and Mr Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel Ego, George Didia, Dr Tonye Willie D Pepple, Barrister Richard Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (rtd) and Dr Sammy Apiafi, as members.
(DAILY POST)

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Nigerian Senate Passes 2025 Budget For Rivers State

Published

9 hours ago

June 25, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian senate on Wednesday, passed the 2025 budget of Rivers State, to the tune of N1.485 trillion.

The passage came after the third reading of the appropriation bill on the Senate floor.

This came after the upper chamber considered the report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State during the Committee of Supply session.

DAILY POST reports that the bill seeks to authorize the issuance of N1,485,662,592,442 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

According to the approved budget breakdown, N120.8 billion is for debt servicing, N287.38 billion is for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N1.077 trillion is for capital expenditure.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), while supporting the passage of the bill, however, raised a concern regarding the additional 50 billion naira earmarked for the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities.

The lawmaker charged the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to carry out more rigorous oversight to ensure that the funds reach the rightful pension beneficiaries without delay.

DAILY POST reports that with the passage, the Rivers State 2025 budget will now proceed for assent and implementation.

It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu in May submitted the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Rivers State to the National Assembly for consideration, after the suspension of the state’s House of Assembly.

In a letter addressed to the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio, the proposed budget totals N1.481 trillion, with major allocations aimed at revitalizing key sectors.

The president also wrote to the House of Representatives for the Rivers State budget approval, reminding the House that the Supreme Court had nullified the 2025 budget presented by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

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Kebbi Govt Mulls Death Penalty For Bandit Informants

Published

9 hours ago

June 25, 2025

Editor

Kebbi State Government has said it would review existing laws to impose death penalty or life imprisonment on convicted informants aiding the criminals in the state.

This is coming in the wake of renewed attacks by armed bandits in parts of the state.

The State Governor, Nasiru Idris made this disclosure on Tuesday, when he paid condolence visits to Tadurga village in Zuru and Kyebu in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Areas, both recently targeted by bandits in attacks that claimed 30 lives.

The governor, while describing informants as deadly to society, reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on insecurity and promised to treat the issue with utmost seriousness.

He expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, praying for the victims and asking Allah to grant the deceased Aljannah Firdausi and a quick recovery to those injured.

“We are here to see things for ourselves, commiserate with you and reassure you of the urgent steps we have taken to improve security,” he said.

The Governor called on the public to refrain from politicizing security issues or spread unverified information on social media, warning that such actions could jeopardise ongoing efforts to restore peace.

Responding, the Chief of Danko, Ibrahim Al’aji, and the Chief of Dabai, Suleiman Sami, appreciated the governor for his swift intervention and called for enhanced security measures, especially along routes used by bandits entering from neighboring states.

The Emir of Zuru, Rtd. Major General Sani Sami also expressed appreciation for the governor’s visit and ongoing commitment to security in the emirate.