By EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency, appears to have developed an unrelenting obsession with Abia State’s statutory allocations. His recent outburst, in which he falsely claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been “releasing N38 billion monthly to Abia State,” exposes a troubling mix of ignorance, political mischief, and deliberate distortion of facts. What makes Kalu’s fixation even more disappointing is that the figures he bandies about are not hidden; they are publicly available on the official website of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, accessible to every citizen, including legislators.

Official records from January to June 2025 show that Abia State received a total of about N124.6 billion, combining both the State’s FAAC and Local Government Joint Account (JAAC) allocations. The monthly breakdown tells a consistent story: N18 billion in January, N22 billion in February, N21.1 billion in March, N20.3 billion in April, N21.5 billion in May, and N21.7 billion in June. This means that, on average, Abia receives roughly N20 billion monthly, far below the fictitious N38 billion being peddled by the Deputy Speaker. For a principal officer of the National Assembly, such a blatant misrepresentation of data raises serious questions about either his understanding of public finance or his willingness to twist figures to serve narrow political interests.

The Abia State Government has rightly described Kalu’s comments as an unfortunate display of ignorance and rascality. The government correctly noted that FAAC revenues are not gifts from the President or any political party but constitutionally derived statutory allocations to states and local governments. Kalu’s repeated suggestion that these funds are benevolent gestures from President Tinubu or the APC reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism. It also reeks of political sycophancy, an attempt to please his party hierarchy while discrediting a governor whose performance continues to resonate with the people.

The economic reality further exposes the hollowness of Kalu’s argument. The naira has depreciated sharply from N460 to about N1,500 to the dollar since April 2023. Consequently, nominal increases in FAAC figures have not translated to real value gains. A project that cost N1 billion in 2022 now requires nearly N4 billion due to currency devaluation and inflation averaging 20 percent annually. In this challenging fiscal environment, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has managed state resources with prudence, transparency, and focus. His administration has raised the minimum wage from N30,000 to between N70,000 and N74,000 and expanded the verified civil service workforce from 31,000 to over 67,000, excluding more than 5,000 newly recruited teachers. These reforms have restored dignity to workers who were neglected by previous administrations.

Beyond payroll reforms, Governor Otti’s leadership has translated vision into tangible progress across every sector. Roads are being constructed and rehabilitated to modern standards. Health facilities are being revitalized and equipped. Education is receiving renewed attention through infrastructure upgrades and teacher recruitment. The state’s agriculture and SME sectors are attracting new investments, while youth empowerment, poverty alleviation, and urban renewal initiatives have redefined the development agenda. These are the visible dividends of responsible governance that Abians experience daily.

Kalu’s persistent attempts to downplay these achievements reveal a deeper political motive. Rather than engaging constructively, he has chosen to attack, misinform, and distract. It is no secret that his sudden activism is tied to his rumoured 2027 governorship ambition. His recent speeches and media outbursts are calculated efforts to undermine the governor’s credibility and position himself as an alternative. Yet, Abians are not deceived. They remember his silence when previous administrations plunged the state into decay. They know the difference between genuine service and opportunistic politics.

If Kalu is truly interested in governing Abia, he should summon the courage to declare his ambition openly instead of hiding behind half-truths and false statistics. The people will decide their future through the ballot, not through propaganda. Abia has moved beyond political theatrics and empty rhetoric. Under Governor Otti, the state has embraced a new era defined by accountability, innovation, and people-driven governance.

Those who have visited Abia recently can attest that the transformation is real. From the bustling streets of Aba to the renewed calm in Umuahia, there is a growing sense of pride and ownership among the people. The massive turnout during the President’s recent visit was spontaneous, not stage managed or induced. It was a genuine expression of support for a governor who has restored confidence in governance.

Benjamin Kalu may continue to speak, twist figures, and play politics, but facts remain stubborn things. The people of Abia are watching and will not be swayed by theatrics. They know that the so called federal might is no longer a determining factor in Abia’s political direction. The real might now belongs to the people, and they have made their choice clear. Under Alex Chioma Otti’s leadership, Abia is on a path of transformation that no amount of political obsession can derail. Abians have left Egypt, and they will never return.

•Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs.

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