By EDWARD ONYEKWERE
The political temperature in Abia State has hit boiling point as social-media users tore into the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, after his recent swipe at the state’s governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
What started as mild criticism from the Bende-born lawmaker quickly snowballed into an online firestorm, with angry citizens describing his remarks as “unguarded, unnecessary and born of envy.”
“You Go Know Say Abia No Be Beans!”
On X (formerly Twitter), one user, @ifusuresaygetliver, dared the Deputy Speaker to test his popularity at the polls:
“If you sure say you get liver, go collect APC governorship ticket for Abia State—you go know say Abia no be beans!”
Others joined the fray, branding Kalu a “proud man” and insisting that Otti’s performance speaks for itself.
“Alex Otti will be Governor till he says no,” wrote @abigailnwankwo_, adding a string of heart emojis.
Ambition or Criticism? Many Abians believe Kalu’s comments hint at a hidden 2027 governorship ambition.
@gentle_vic_ thundered:
“If his criticism is coming from an ambition of contesting in 2027, he should have a rethink. Let him zero his mind. Otti carry go!”
Still, the user gave Kalu a rare compliment, calling his past call for a South-East port “the only truth he’s ever spoken.”
Online Outrage and Street Slang, From sarcasm to street-level jabs, the insults flew thick and fast:
@obkalm dismissed the lawmaker as “Efulefu”—Igbo word for a“worthless son or daughter”
, @nuelcomics mocked: “How many MG of Tramadol wey this man take?”, @jaydee38108 sneered, “This one na eye and nose service.”
Another furious user, @ryanezeibe, delivered a scathing reminder:
“Must we play politics and leak ass at every opportunity? Otti changed Abia because he has integrity. Dear Deputy Speaker, what have you done for Abia in your capacity?”
Constituents Cry Neglect, From Bende itself, residents voiced frustration. One wrote:
“Your village no get light, oga! Amaogwu, Isiegbu, Amaoba, Okpotorn—all these places no get NEPA light. Stop to dey disgrace Bende people.”
Daniel Chionye asked bluntly: “What is the impact of Benjamin Kalu in Bende—and where is it viewable?”
Otti Fires Back
In what many see as a subtle response to his critics, Governor Otti defended his administration’s record, particularly on infrastructure.
“In 2017, $29 million was spent on Port Harcourt Road, but the road was not done. Fast forward to 2025, $22 million was spent, and the road is now standing,” he declared.
Political Sparks Before 2027
Observers say the rift between the once-friendly politicians may be an early preview of Abia’s 2027 political battles.
For now, the court of public opinion appears firmly behind Otti—while the Deputy Speaker faces the full heat of Abians most unforgiving jury: the internet.
