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

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.
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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.
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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.
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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
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
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Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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