Abia State’s political space was on Tuesday jolted by a startling allegation that over ₦100 billion of public funds is being deployed in a coordinated campaign to politically undermine the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, igniting fresh concerns over political intimidation and the misuse of state resources.
The allegation was made by a socio-political organisation, the Igbo Mandate Movement, which accused the Abia State Government of orchestrating what it described as a multi-layered smear operation designed to weaken Kalu’s political standing ahead of future electoral contests.
In a statement dated January 6 and signed by its convener, Igboeli Arinze, the group claimed that the alleged operation is being executed in phases, beginning with sustained attacks on the deputy speaker across social media platforms and sponsored reports in sections of the traditional media.
“These actions are meant to destroy the credibility of a federal lawmaker who has consistently represented his constituents and projected Igbo interests at the national level,” the group alleged.
Beyond media attacks, the group further alleged that subsequent stages of the plan involve lobbying and pressuring traditional rulers in affected areas, including intimidation of those unwilling to align with the alleged agenda.
More troubling, the group claimed that the final phase of the alleged plot would involve sponsoring violence aimed at provoking Kalu’s supporters into retaliation, which would then be blamed on the deputy speaker to justify further punitive actions against him.
The group did not provide documentary evidence to support the claims.
Public Funds, Public Questions
The allegation has sparked debate over governance priorities in Abia State, with the group questioning why such a large sum—if true—would allegedly be channelled toward political battles rather than critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.
“₦100 billion can transform Abia State. The idea that such funds could be deployed to fight one individual is deeply disturbing,” the statement said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Abia State Government had not responded to the allegation. Efforts to reach officials for comment were unsuccessful.
Political analysts say the government’s response—or lack of it—will be critical in shaping public perception, given the seriousness of the claims and the stature of the official involved.
A Broader Political Undercurrent
Observers note that Kalu’s rising profile as one of the highest-ranking Igbo officials in the federal legislature has made him a significant figure in regional and national political calculations—often attracting both support and resistance.
They warn that escalating political rivalries, if not managed within democratic norms, risk deepening distrust and diverting attention from governance.
Calls for Restraint
The Igbo Mandate Movement called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and security agencies to closely monitor developments and prevent any slide into political violence.
It reaffirmed its support for the deputy speaker and warned that attempts to undermine his reputation would be resisted through lawful and peaceful means.
While the allegations remain unproven, the controversy has injected fresh tension into Abia’s political atmosphere, raising pressing questions about accountability, political tolerance and the true cost of power struggles as the next electoral cycle gradually comes into view.
₦100bn Smear Allegation Throws Abia Politics Into Turmoil as Group Raises Alarm
