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OPINION: Can Benjamin Kalu Be Trusted? Part I ~ Ndimele George

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OPINION:

Can Benjamin Kalu Be Trusted? Part I

~ Ndimele George

 

There once lived a farmer who found a venomous viper while walking home after a busy day at his farm. The snake was freezing to death in the cold evening harmattan breeze. The pitiful snake pleaded with the farmer, begging to be let into his warm coat, where it could rest until it had regained its strength.

The farmer thought himself a kind man, so he picked up the innocent looking viper, and wrapped it within his coat to make it warm. The viper, revived by the warmth, bites his rescuer, who dies realizing that it is his own fault.

Suffice I to say that one should never expect a reward or any act of good from the wicked, no matter what you do for them. The farmer knew that there was enmity and natural antipathy between his kind and the snake’s, but he was moved by empathy. He failed to realise that a serpent in the bosom, a mouse in a bag and fire in a barn gave their hosts an ill reward.

This diegesis is an analogy of the man – Benjamin Okezie Kalu, chief manipulator number one deceiver and betrayer of trust.

Recently, Kalu, publicly declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over the governance of Abia state in 2027. This pronouncement is laughable and anyone who knows Kalu would never take a man who betrayed his political godfather, seriously.

Isn’t this the same Kalu who was accused by Ikechi Emenike of sowing seeds of discord among APC party members and using propaganda and blackmails to disunite the party for his own selfish interest, during the 2023 elections?

Who would take a mole like Kalu who was busy hobnobbing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seriously? Of course, he’ll always do what he knows how to do best – betray – just as he did to Ikechi Emenike.

A man who instigated a lot of crisis in the APC and even went on to discourage Ikechi from reconciling with other factions in the party.

Kalu has always been known as a man whose belly is his god. No wonder he accepted the offer to be Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives which is the 6th position in the hierarchy of office and position of power in the nation, against the collective decision of Ndigbo.

Kalu has constantly brought nothing but insults and ridicule to not just Abians, but the entire South-East, by agreeing to play second fiddle to other zones. A dishonest man who is constantly at war with his party men over his selfish interest cannot determine who becomes what in Abia State.

As is typical of a deceiver like Kalu, he crept into Alex Otti, who gave him warmth, only to turn around and betray the people’s governor. You claim to be friends, what kind of friend are you, Benjamin “Brutus” Kalu? It’s quite unfortunate that Otti trusted a scoundrel like Kalu and allowed him within his circle. Kalu’s actions towards his ‘friend’ Otti is as a chill and wily snake that was cherished in the governor’s bosom.

His track record and actions suggest that his trustworthiness is questionable. His sudden confidence in the APC taking over Abia state in 2027 is nothing but a desperate attempt to cling to power. His statements come across as more of a rallying cry for his party than a genuine concern for the people of Abia state.

Kalu’s commendment of Otti’s performance as governor while simultaneously stating that Abia should be governed by the APC reeks of political opportunism. Is he genuinely interested in the welfare of Abia state or just trying to score cheap political points?

If he really cares about the people, then his assertion that the APC will determine who becomes the next governor of Abia state without considering the will of the people is deeply troubling. Does he believe in democracy or is he trying to impose his party’s will on the people?

Can he be trusted to prioritize the interests of the people over his party’s ambitions? Only time will tell, but for now, his trustworthiness remains in question.

Asides recruiting the same crop of kleptocrats who looted Abia’s treasury, into APC, what other achievements does he have?

Kalu’s arrogance and sense of self-importance led him to betray his former boss and mentor, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, demonstrating a callous disregard for loyalty and friendship. His ruthless ambition and desire for power drove him to turn against Orji Uzor stabbing him in the back with calculating precision. Kalu is nothing but a man with no integrity and honour left, trying to get relevant and recognised by the central government.

Like the viper in the farmer’s coat, Kalu’s true nature has been revealed, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in his wake. Abians now knows who the real Benjamin Kalu is, a man whose thirst for power and self-interest has led him down a path of destruction, leaving his reputation in tatters.

Abians must demand integrity, honesty, and transparency from those in power and reject those who would seek to exploit and deceive us. Only then can we build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

To be continued…

Politics

Speaker Obasa Celebrates Deputy Governor Hamzat At 60

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Speaker Obasa Celebrates Deputy Governor Hamzat At 60

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described Deputy Governor Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as a seasoned administrator passionate about the growth and development of Lagos.

 

 

Dr. Obasa said this on Wednesday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, celebrating Dr. Hamzat, who clocks 60 on Thursday, September 19.

 

 

The Speaker, while calling Dr. Hamzat a blessing to Lagos and Nigeria, added that the Deputy Governor had shown over the years that he is a strong believer in the Lagos project and that his contributions to the progress of the State cannot be under-emphasised.

“He is not just a seasoned administrator alone, a fine gentleman, he has contributed through his office and collaborations with other leaders in the state to make Lagos remain great.

“At 60, Dr. Hamzat maintains a series of achievements making him a perfect example of a technocrat whose commitment has brought positive results to the State.

“He is a dedicated Nigerian, a true brother and trusted ally in the push to make Lagos a better place,” Obasa said while noting the cordial relationship between Hazmat and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and their collaboration with other arms of government resulting in the seamless running of the State.

“I congratulate Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, a worthy friend and committed leader in Lagos as he becomes a sexagenarian. He remains a blessing to us all and we are happy to have him as the Deputy Governor of Lagos.

“Dr. Hamzat is a very loyal team player with fantastic knowledge and managerial skills and we are always proud to have him with us.

“His experience over the years has helped advance the glory of our dear State. We appreciate him for being a valuable contributor to the success so far recorded in Lagos.

“On behalf of my family, my colleagues, management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I thank Allah for helping our Deputy Governor achieve this milestone. I also pray for more of Allah’s grace upon him,” the statement added.

 

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Why Obedient Group Rejected Peter Obi Choice For Edo Election

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Why Obedient Group Rejected Peter Obi Choice For Edo Election

Why Obedient Group Rejected Peter Obi Choice For Edo Election

 

All over the world politics comes with certain incontrovertible demands and such demands are more strident in democracies. There are calls/demands for Competency, Capacity, Commitment to the common good, Credibility and Character, and there are those of Justice, Equity, Fairness and Inclusiveness. Even in the recent choice of Tim Walz as Vice Presidential candidate to Kamala Harris over Josh Shapiro, the fact that Kamala Harris is married to a Jewish American, and that Josh Shapiro the Governor of Pennsylvania is Jewish was a deciding factor.

In Peter Obi’s 2022/2023 Presidential Campaign Council, there was the reflection of balance on account of Religion and Region. Even the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges the Federal Character normative. For the reflection of Justice, Equity, Fairness and Inclusiveness in his Campaign Council, Peter Obi chose someone from the South West as Campaign DG, Doyin Okupe, even when he became muddled in some ex-convict controversy and excused himself, Peter Obi did not elevate Eseloke Obaze the Deputy DG to DG but still insisted on another Yoruba man Dr Akin Oshotokun as his replacement. But for Partisanship such deep values that work for balance means nothing anymore to Peter Gregory Obi.. What more defines hypocrisy?

When Peter Obi wanted to appoint a Lead Spokesperson for his campaign, he had better orators and proficient Speakers in Kenneth Okonkwo and Dele Farotinmi, but he chose Dr. Yunusa Tanko because he wanted a reflection of Religion and Region, he wanted a sense of balance and inclusion. What he considered right for his campaign, he doesn’t consider right for Edo State. What more defines insincerity?

Peter Obi’s candidacy was endorsed by the South South Forum PANDEF, it was endorsed by Afenifere, it was endorsed by The Middle Belt Forum, and by Ohanaeze all on the call for Justice, Equity, Fairness and Inclusion. Peter Obi cannot deny that. Why does he not think that Edo Central deserves Equity, Justice and Fairness? Why does Partisanship, or selfish ambition blind him to the call of the Edo People for Justice, Equity and Fairness?

He has been jumping from podiums to platforms in Edo State spewing invectives and spitting on the same values that made him popular in 2022/2023 which was the call for Justice, Equity and Fairness, yes those were the lead issues that got him huge endorsements. He didn’t query the Labour Party when the Party allowed the manipulation of the Labour Party Primaries by Olumide Akpata and Julius Abure against the Candidates from Edo Central. Even when the APC corrected the same error by organizing a fresh Primaries to replace the Edo South Candidate they had earlier chosen with a Candidate from Edo Central. Peter Obi looked the other way, for his personal ambition and comfort, Truth, Justice, Equity Fairness and Inclusiveness can go to blazes.

Peter Obi would ask for no fresh Primaries to replace a candidate of division and exclusion because his ambition matters more to him than the call for Equity, Fairness, Justice and Inclusion in Edo State. He hid behind ‘Olumide Akpata is the Candidate of my Party’ to mock the same reason he left the PDP to the Labour Party. Peter Obi left the PDP when it became obvious that Atiku Abubakar was going to win the PDP Primaries, and he along with his supporters in the PDP thought that it was only fair for Power to shift to the South after Buhari’s 8 years, how come it doesn’t matter to Peter Obi that after 8 years of Godwin Obaseki, Olumide Akpata his Cousin from the same Edo South zone cannot and should not for the sake of Equity, Fairness and Justice be Governor? Is Partisanship more important to Peter Obi than Justice, Equity and Fairness? In Edo, Peter Obi’s insincerity has come to the fore.

We MUST state very clearly that the principles for which we supported Peter Obi in the last election has been consistently betrayed by him. His ambition matters more than the great values we hold dear. Every sincere and genuine Obidient in Edo State believes that the next Governor of Edo State should come from the Edo Central Zone, and not only have we chosen to support Asue Ighodalo who is by far the best and the most competent candidate in the race, his candidacy guarantees Justice, Equity, Fairness and Inclusion.

Citizen Peter Obi has shown wanton hypocrisy and insincerity in his choice of Partisanship over Justice, Equity and Fairness in Edo State. He has thrown under the bus the values that stand him out, however the Edo voters will reject him and his candidate because Edo prides in Justice, Equity and Fairness.

Come September 21, 2024 GO AND VOTE for the Ticket that Guarantees Prosperity for All… Vote for Asue IGHODALO and Osarodion OGIE, it is the most Competent Ticket, and it is the Ticket of Justice, Equity, Fairness and Inclusion.

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FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION

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Governor Yahaya Bello Reveals His Preferred Successor

 

FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION

Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello today, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.

The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.

The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.

It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.

He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.

It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.

Ohiare Michael,
Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office

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