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

Published

2 years 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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Edo Seeks FG’s Intervention On Land Dispute With Delta

Published

46 minutes ago

November 22, 2025

Editor

The Edo State Government has appealed to the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, intercede on the land dispute between the state and its neighboring Delta.

Deputy governor of the state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa made the appeal when he led a delegation comprising officials of the state government and members of the Edo State Boundary Committee on a fact finding mission to disputed communities.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, said the fact finding mission was part of an effort to ensure peace,

Idahosa used the avenue to appeal to President Bola Tinubu to use his good office to ensure justice, equity, and fairness prevailed in the areas in dispute.

“I passionately call on the President to use all necessary demarcation agencies to resolve these lingering issues,” he appealed.

While suing for peace from the affected communities, Idahosa noted that the state government was determined to protect the territorial dignity of Edo State and that of the people of Orhionmwon.

He pointed out that the Jameson River is a natural demarcation landmark to the disputed Ugbakele boundary Community.

While calling on the state boundary committee to be diligent in their investigation, he stressed that the outcome of the investigation will guide the recommendations of the committee to the governor.

“We decided to ask questions and the history of this area. We found out that this Jameson River is the natural boundary between Edo and Delta States.

‘You can see the previous structures of the AT&P company. This land is clearly for Edo State.

“We thank the community people and settlers. We plead they continue to maintain the peace pending the outcome of the National Boundary Commission,” he pleaded.

Earlier, Idahosa and his team interfaced with stakeholders and community leaders of Oben, Ikobi, Iguelaba, and Obozogbe-Nugu communities to verify their claims and grievances.

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Police Arrest, Charge Content Creator To Court In Edo

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2025

Editor

The Edo State Police Command says it has arrested a 24-year-old content creator identified as Osarobo Omoyemen, for allegedly sharing a content on Tiktok capable of “inciting hostility against the Police and triggering unnecessary tension within the state.”

In a statement made available to newsmen in Benin on Saturday, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said the suspect, popularly known as ‘Madam Oil Rice,’ recently circulated a “false claim on social media alleging that she was kidnapped along Upper Sakponba Road in Benin City and later rescued by Police operatives who purportedly detained her at Akpata Police Station and collected the sum of Ten Thousand Naira as bail.”

Yamu said worried by the allegation, the command immediately commenced investigation, adding that it was revealed that the entire story was completely fabricated and deliberate.

According to the police’s imagemaker, Madam Oil Rice fabricated the story just to attract followers and viewership, stressing that she had confessed to having fabricated the story.

“During interrogation, the 24year old female suspect, Osarobo Omoyemen confessed that she staged the incident solely to generate online content and attract followers to her TikTok page.

“It was also discovered that she deleted an earlier video in which an accomplice in the background was appealing to viewers to follow her page, clearly exposing the motive behind the false alarm.

“The content was not only misleading but capable of inciting hostility against the Police and triggering unnecessary tension within the state.”

Yamu, while noting that the “suspect has been identified, arrested, and charged to court on Thursday 20th November, 2025 for prosecution, said “efforts are ongoing to arrest her accomplices to ensure they face the full weight of the law.”

The PPRO, who said Madam Oil Rice’s arrest and charge to court was aimed at serving as a “deterrent to others who may attempt to misuse social media to create panic or disrupt public peace,” said “the Edo State Police Command strongly warns against the creation and circulation of fake news capable of disturbing the peace and security of the state.”

He urged members of the public “to verify information before sharing and to refrain from acts that may mislead the public or undermine the efforts of security agencies.”

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FULL LIST: FG Shuts 41 Unity Schools Over Insecurity

Published

10 hours ago

November 22, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government on Friday ordered the temporary closure of 41 unity schools over the rising cases of abduction across the country.

The decision was announced in a circular issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.

“Principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister,” the circular read.

The affected schools are FGGC Minjibir; FGA Suleja; FTC Ganduje; FGGC Zaria; FTC Kafancha; FGGC Bakori; FTC Dayi; FGC Daura; FGGC Tambuwal; FSC Sokoto; FTC Wurno; FGC Gusau; FGC Anka; FGGC Gwandu; FGC Birnin Yauri; FTC Zuru; FGGC Kazaure; FGC Kiyawa; FTC Hadejia; FGGC Bida; FGC New Bussa; and FTC Kuta-Shiroro.

Others are FGC Ilorin; FGGC Omu-Aran; FTC Gwanara; FGC Ugwolawo; FGGC Kabba; FTC Ogugu; FGGC Bwari; FGC Rubochi; FGGC Abaji; FGGC Potiskum; FGC Buni Yadi; FTC Gashau; FTC Michika; FGC Ganye; FGC Azare; FTC Misau; FGGC Bajoga; FGC Billiri; and FTC Zambuk.

Recall that some students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were kidnapped by terrorists.

The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.

On Thursday, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State following attacks by bandits.

President Bola Tinubu had also cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the worsening insecurity.