‘Accountability Is Not An Attack’ – Citizens Group Warns Abia Govt

A civic group under the banner of Concerned Citizens for Truth and Development in Abia State has issued a strong response to a recent press statement by Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Alex Otti, accusing him of launching an “insult-laden and combative” attack against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

In a press release signed by its Director General, Enyinnaya Duke Ako Atulomah, the group defended Kalu’s recent remarks on governance in Abia, insisting that his comments were factual observations aimed at promoting transparency and responsible use of federal allocations.

“Rather than engage with facts, Ekeoma resorted to insults and mockery. Rt. Hon. Kalu only asked for accountability in how increased federal allocations to Abia State are being used,” the statement read.

The group maintained that as Deputy Speaker and a top-ranking federal legislator, Kalu understands the workings of the national budget and state revenue processes. They dismissed Ekeoma’s insinuation that Kalu lacks economic understanding as “uninformed and disrespectful.”

The statement also responded to claims that Kalu’s recent activities in Abia were politically motivated, asserting that his visit to Aba was in line with his constitutional duties and advocacy for the South East.

Highlighting Kalu’s Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), the group said the Deputy Speaker has continued to promote federal-state collaboration and goodwill to benefit the region.

They warned against tagging every dissenting voice as “ambitious,” describing such behavior as undemocratic and anti-progress.

The group condemned what it described as “demeaning language” used in the government’s response, urging the Otti administration to rise above name-calling and instead focus on facts and delivery.

“Criticism is not hostility. It is a civic responsibility. Even if Rt. Hon. Kalu seeks a higher political office, that is his constitutional right,” the statement added.

They concluded by reaffirming Benjamin Kalu’s respect for Governor Otti’s developmental efforts but insisted that calls for transparency and good governance should not be twisted into political warfare.