The people First Mandate Team, a group seeking change in Abia North Senatorial representation has described a statement credited to a Chieftain of Organization and All Progressives Congress from Ikwun Ihechiowa in Arochukwu, Elder Kalu Kalu that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu is sponsoring a foremost aspirant for Abia North Senate in the upcoming primaries as unfounded, unfortunate and laughable.
The group in a statement endorsed by Uchenna Kalu Akpi noted that Elder Kalu Kalu has by such allegation reduced himself to the level of a political errand messenger, desperately pushing falsehoods because of the growing popularity of Dr. Philips Nto has clearly unsettled the camp he serves.
“What is even more insulting in his careless allegation is the absurd assumption that Dr. Philips Nto is incapable of purchasing his own nomination form. This is a man who served as Commissioner for Finance, worked as a World Bank consultant, and successfully led a state institution as Provost of ASCETA. Are they honestly suggesting that someone with such pedigree, experience, and professional background cannot afford to buy his own form?
“That statement alone exposes the shallow mindset and poverty-driven political mentality behind these attacks”, the group pointed out.
The group reminded Elder Kalu that what Dr. Philips Nto clearly stated regarding the leadership of APC in the State is that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, by virtue of his position as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, remains the highest-ranking APC elected office holder from Abia State and a major leader of the party in the state.
“Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu has not only elevated the visibility of APC in Abia State, but has also played a major role in rebuilding and repositioning the party into a stronger and more viable opposition force within the state. Beyond politics, he has demonstrated leadership through inclusiveness and fairness by ensuring that federal appointments and opportunities are spread across the 17 local government areas of Abia State, instead of concentrating such opportunities around family members or a narrow circle of associates.
“That is what leadership looks like, leadership that carries people along rather than leadership built around personal and family interests,” the people first Mandate noted.
The Team therefore made it clear that no amount of propaganda, intimidation, or emotional blackmail can change these facts.
“The real issue frightening some people is that Dr. Philips Nto has boldly challenged a political culture built around fear, monopoly, and entitlement. They never imagined that someone credible, accomplished, intellectually grounded, and widely accepted would step forward and connect massively with the people across Abia North.
“Since his declaration, panic has taken over certain camps. Sponsored blogs suddenly became active. False stories began circulating daily. Political attack dogs were unleashed everywhere. Why? Because the old political order is shaking under the weight of a growing movement they can no longer control,” the group stated.
‘The people First Mandate’ Team therefore urged APC members and the people to disregard the noise coming from such individuals like Elder Kalu Kalu whose loyalty depends entirely on survival and political handouts.
“Dr. Philips Nto is not driven by desperation or political dependency. He is driven by the desire to bring fresh leadership, inclusiveness, fairness, and effective representation to Abia North.
“The truth is that many people across the zone are already embracing this movement because they see in Dr. Philips Nto a leader prepared to liberate Abia North from recycled politics, intimidation, exclusion, and politics centered around a narrow circle of interests,” the group boasted.
