Otti Responds to Benjamin Kalu’s Criticism: ‘He Suffers from Hubris and Information Deficiency’

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has responded strongly to recent criticisms made by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, regarding federal allocations to the state and recognition of federal involvement in infrastructure projects.

Speaking to the media parley tagged ‘Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians’ at the government house, Umuahia, on Thursday, Governor Otti dismissed Kalu’s comments as misinformed and politically motivated, suggesting that the Deputy Speaker was unnerved by the overwhelming public support his administration enjoys, especially in Aba.

“We have a good relationship. He’s not just a Deputy Speaker but my younger brother. This is the second time he’s coming out publicly to berate my administration. I think I’ve forgiven him. I don’t feel threatened by his outburst,” Otti said.

He further accused Kalu of suffering from what he described as “hubris and information deficiency syndrome,” claiming the lawmaker was commenting on issues he lacked proper information on.

“He was terrified by the kind of organic show of love that Aba people showed me,” Otti added.

The governor also questioned Kalu’s self-reference as “number 6” in the hierarchy of government, asserting that the sixth position constitutionally is the Deputy Senate President not the Deputy Speaker.

On the allegation that Abia State receives over ₦38 billion in federal allocation, Governor Otti called for a focus on governance over political distractions stating that the State receives only about half of the amount.

“I think people should focus on the jobs they have been given. I heard he wants to run for governorship in 2027, then that’s fine, it’s his fundamental right, but people should respect the law. Campaigns have not started,” he warned.

The governor warned those he believes are plotting electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I heard they want to write the results, but I’ll say they should write their will first. This is our state and we can’t be intimidated,” Otti declared.

The political tension between two prominent figures from Abia began when the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu remarked during the commissioning of Port Harcourt Road in Aba and other projects in the state that states are now receiving more revenue from the federal government, and that appreciation should be directed toward President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Addressing members of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Umuahia last week, Kalu also asserted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is on track to take power in Abia State come 2027. He argued that Governor Otti has no excuse for failure, given that he collects between ₦38 billion and ₦40 billion monthly from the same federal government he often criticises. Kalu posed a pointed question: “How can you compare yourself, who receives ₦40 billion, to someone who manages with ₦3 billion?”

He criticised the Otti-led government for spending time on blame games instead of focusing on delivering tangible projects that benefit the people. Kalu reminded everyone that the Tinubu-led APC government has been investing significant funds into Abia, yet the streets remain neglected, salaries are insufficient, and the promised “new Abia” is quickly becoming a “loud Abia with empty results.”

In response, Mr Otti’s media aide released a statement titled “Governance in Abia: Benjamin Kalu Needs Tutorials More Than He Needs a Microphone,” accusing the deputy speaker of ignorance and engaging in political grandstanding.