The South East Progressives Front, has come down had on the member representing Bende federal constituency, Hon Benjamin Kalu over what they described as his malicious sponsor of media attacks against Gov Hope Uzodimma and other key members of the APC in the south East.
In a statement made available to newsmen at Abuja, through the group’s convener, Dr Ugochukwu Ndubuisi ( Okwadike) at Abuja on June 1st, 2023 they frowned at the moves by Benjamin Kalu to brew crisis in the APC south East.
The statement read in full:
“Our attention has been drawn to another reckless and thoughtless sponsored attack, targeted at maligning the image and towering reputation of the member representing Okigwe North Federal constituency and Deputy Speaker hopeful of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Princess Miriam Onuoha, by a group of fidgeting irritants, whose sponsors feel so threatened by her great ambition.
“In a poorly cooked fairy tale, published on the online edition of the sun newspaper on 31st May, 2023, they were so unreasonable and puerile to drag the name of the Imo state Governor and of course APC leader in the south East and Chairman APC Governors Forum, His Excellency most distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to their show of untamed desperation and wantonness. By accusing the Imo governor of using Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha to work against alleged President Tinubu’s choice for NASS positions.
What has become more nauseating is that, this faceless group has not just been struggling to malign some of our very best in South East APC, but they have gone along to prove their sponsor to be one Hon Benjamin Kalu, representing Bende Federal constituency, by constantly throwing up his name as one who must be worshipped by all and his inordinate ambition of becoming deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, a position which Imo state born Hon Miriam Onuoha clearly has an overwhelming support of her 10th Assembly Members -Elect.
It’s indeed true that a drowning man clutches to any and everything to stay afloat, including straws. The case of Hon Benjamin is not different, as he has become so desperate to the unthinkable point of throwing caution to the wind by sponsoring media attacks that are capable of brewing disunity and crisis in APC south East. The same way he brought division and rancour to Abia APC that made the party perform so badly by getting a paltry 8,000 votes and as well performed so badly in the Guber election, compared to Imo that produced over 66,000 votes, with two APC Senators, four Rep members and 25 house of assembly members for the party. We advice Benjamin Kalu not to spread the seed of discord he planted in Abia APC to the entire South East.
For the purpose of clarity, His Excellency most distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is a party faithful who has contributed immensely to the growth of APC in south East.His Excellency played a fatherly role in the just concluded 2023 general elections and gave his best to the APC, as the South East DG of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket and if the conscience of Ben Kalu and his co travellers tells them that the Imo deserves her due respect and right of first refusal for whatever that the National leadership of APC considers due for the south East, so be it.
Even the NWC of the APC has clearly stated that the party is still consulting better and further, having seen that their earlier issued letter has created more rifts within the party and other aspirants.
Benjamin Kalu is advised to go to the poll and face Hon Miriam Onuoha who the president has chosen on the basis of competence and inclusivity. She is also representing the interest of the millions of Nigerian women and youths who supported the president whole heartedly. He should leave the female lawmaker who has endeared herself to the masses, out of his travails”