Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations linking his Chief of Staff, Mr. Sam Hart, to a fraud scandal involving the company ENASCO. The controversy has sparked calls for public accountability and clarification from Kalu over his relationship with Hart and his silence on the matter.
Leading the charge is Women for Positivity (WP), a women’s advocacy group based in Abuja, which issued a statement over the weekend demanding that Kalu “come clean” on his role and knowledge of the alleged fraudulent dealings. The group, led by Mrs. Roseline Alajemba, described Kalu’s silence as “worrisome and telling,” especially in light of the gravity of the allegations surrounding misuse of public funds in Abia State.
“We find it deeply concerning that the Deputy Speaker has not addressed the allegations implicating his Chief of Staff in an attempted fraud case,” said Alajemba. “His silence speaks volumes.”
The group also levelled political accusations against the Deputy Speaker, alleging a pattern of betrayal and political opportunism. According to WP, Kalu has a history of “snitching” on political allies to curry favour within his party. Alajemba referenced the 2019 political battle involving APC candidate Dr. Uche Ogah, claiming that Mr. Hart, then serving in the PDP-led Abia government under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, was allegedly involved in undermining Ogah’s candidacy.
Criticism was also aimed at Kalu’s decision to appoint Hart—a known PDP loyalist—as his Chief of Staff. WP suggested the appointment was a reward for Hart’s alleged political espionage in the past. “This appointment raises questions about loyalty, competence, and the true motives behind it,” Alajemba said.
In a further jab, the group questioned Kalu’s earlier assertion that the South-East would deliver 70 percent of votes to President Bola Tinubu, noting that a state assembly member from his own Bende constituency had recently defected to the Labour Party. “Is that how he plans to deliver 70 percent to APC?” Alajemba quipped.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Abia Conscience Movement, a political pressure group led by Mr. Akubokwu Onuoha, issued a stern warning to the Deputy Speaker, daring him to publicly deny the allegations. “If he continues to remain silent, he should be prepared for more revelations,” Onuoha said.
As of press time, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has not issued an official response to the allegations.
The growing pressure from civic groups and political observers has heightened public interest in the case, with many awaiting the Deputy Speaker’s reaction and the potential political implications it may have within both state and national politics.
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