“Kalu Did Nothing Wrong by Promoting His Party”: LP Lawmaker Defends Deputy Speaker’s Comment on Gov Otti

Ginger Onwusibe, the representative for Isiala Ngwa South/North in Abia State, has stepped forward to defend the recent comments made by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu. Kalu had called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to consider joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), a statement that has sparked controversy in the political circles of Abia.

Aguocha, a member of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia, criticized Kalu’s remarks, labeling them as disrespectful and condescending toward Governor Otti. However, Onwusibe, who leads the Labour Party caucus in the House, dismissed these accusations, clarifying that Kalu’s comments were not meant to demean the governor.

Speaking on Tuesday, Onwusibe stated, “The Deputy Speaker did nothing wrong by promoting his party and inviting Otti to join the APC. If you carefully listen to his speech, he was simply marketing his party and inviting the governor to consider an APC ticket.”

Onwusibe further emphasized that Kalu’s remarks were taken out of context. “In the video, Kalu mentions that Otti is his friend, that they communicate regularly, and he acknowledged the governor’s performance. There was no derogatory intent unless there’s another video we’re unaware of,” he noted.

The lawmaker criticized Aguocha for allegedly twisting the narrative for personal gain and warned against misinterpreting Kalu’s intentions. Onwusibe expressed his longstanding professional relationship with Kalu, dating back to 2021, and acknowledged Kalu’s role in his political journey, particularly during Kalu’s successful campaign for the Deputy Speaker position.

“As the Deputy Speaker, Kalu is a leader I respect in the House of Representatives. While I am loyal to my party and the governor, I will not discredit my friendship with Kalu over this matter,” Onwusibe added.

He also addressed rumors circulating among his colleagues that he and Kalu were planning to run as governor and deputy in the 2027 elections, calling them baseless. Onwusibe urged his fellow lawmakers to avoid escalating political tensions and to view Kalu’s comments as a routine political strategy aimed at strengthening the APC ahead of future elections.