Abia Govt plotting N100bn smear campaign against Ben Kalu – Group alleges

The Igbo Mandate Movement Group has alleged that the Abia State Government earmarked more than N100 billion for a coordinated campaign to demarket the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

In a statement dated January 6 and signed by Igboeli Arinze, its convener, the group said the alleged plot was aimed at preventing Kalu from returning to the House of Representatives.

The group claimed that its investigation revealed that the funds were designated for a “comprehensive demarketing campaign” against the deputy speaker.

It alleged that the project was being masterminded by a top official of the Abia state government and executed in phases.

According to the statement, the first and second phases of the alleged campaign involve sustained attacks on Kalu across social media platforms and sponsored reports in traditional media.

“These coordinated assaults seek to tarnish the impeccable reputation of a man who has served his people and Nigeria with distinction,” the group said.

The group further alleged that the next phase would involve lobbying traditional rulers in affected zones, including intimidation of those who refuse to cooperate.

It claimed that the final phase of the alleged plot would involve sponsoring violence to provoke Kalu’s supporters into retaliation.

The group alleged that such violence would then be blamed on the deputy speaker to justify further actions against him.

The group questioned why such a sum, which it said could be used for infrastructure, security, healthcare and water supply, would be channelled toward targeting one individual.

“Why is such a humongous sum of money, which could transform the lives of Ndi Abia, being channelled toward fighting one single individual?” the statement asked.

It described the alleged plot as “sinister, wicked, and antithetical to the progress of our people”.

The group warned those behind the alleged plan to reconsider, saying it would not stand by while Kalu is undermined.

“No true son or daughter of Igbo land will fold their hands and watch as one of the best things to have emerged from Ala Igbo is rubbished by envy,” the group said.

It said Kalu has represented his constituents creditably and brought honour to Igbo land through his leadership as deputy speaker.

“Any attempt to pull him down is an attempt to pull down the collective aspirations of Ndi Igbo,” the group said.

The group called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the international community to prevail on the Abia State Government to abandon what it described as a divisive project.

It said it remains firmly behind Kalu and would resist any attempt to undermine his position and reputation.