Abia Lawmaker Disowns Speaker’s Statement, Backs Deputy Speaker Kalu

Confusion has emerged in the Abia State House of Assembly as the member representing Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Chinedu Ndubuisi, has dissociated himself from a recent statement attributed to the Speaker and members of the Labour Party caucus, which attacked the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

In a personally signed statement made available to journalists, Hon. Ndubuisi described the position taken by the Speaker and his caucus as misleading, politically motivated, and unrepresentative of his views or those of his constituents.

“It is important to make it categorically clear that I, Hon. Emmanuel Chinedu Ndubuisi, representing the good people of Bende South, am not a party to that statement. Neither was I consulted nor did I give my consent to be included in such a politically driven narrative,” he declared.

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The lawmaker expressed full support for Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, maintaining that Kalu’s recent comments on governance in Abia were constructive and patriotic, not offensive as portrayed by the Labour Party lawmakers.

“His comments were neither offensive nor out of place. He only urged the Abia government to do more in fulfilling its promises to the people. Calling for improved governance is not an attack; it is an act of democratic responsibility,” Ndubuisi stated.

He warned against what he called “emerging intolerance to criticism” within the state, stressing that attempts to silence dissenting voices or intimidate opposition figures threaten the foundation of democracy.

“Opposition is not enmity; it is a necessary pillar of democracy. Any attempt to suppress critical voices or stifle alternative opinions in Abia State is a direct assault on democracy and accountability,” he warned.

Hon. Ndubuisi urged the government to embrace constructive dialogue and transparency rather than viewing criticism as hostility, adding that good governance flourishes where diverse opinions are respected.

Reaffirming his loyalty to his constituents, the Bende South lawmaker vowed to continue to “speak truth to power and defend the interest of the people without fear or favor.”

“I stand firmly with the Deputy Speaker’s position and urge that criticism be viewed as an opportunity to serve better, not as an act of opposition,” he concluded.