A Professor of Political Science, Onyekachi Osuagwu, has launched a scathing criticism of former Abia State Governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, accused him of orchestrating a sustained media smear campaign against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
In a strongly worded statement during an engagement with journalists, Prof. Osuagwu described Senator Kalu’s alleged actions as “deceitful, envious, boastful and greedy,” warned that such conduct fell short of expected statesmanship.
The professor alleged that Senator Kalu has, over the years, deployed media platforms and proxies including individuals posing as academics to discredit the Deputy Speaker, particularly during election cycles. He claimed that some academics have monitored what they described as a “pattern of coordinated attacks” aimed at undermining Benjamin Kalu’s reputation.
According to Osuagwu, Senator Kalu allegedly boasted in private circles about controlling media outlets and using them to influence public perception against the Deputy Speaker. He further accused the senator of sponsoring negative write-ups, petitions, and campaigns of calumny without substantiated claims.
“We can no longer remain silent,” Osuagwu said. “This sustained blackmail and credibility destruction must stop. We have reviewed the records and found these allegations against the Deputy Speaker to be misleading.”
The professor defended Benjamin Kalu’s track record, noting that he had served as spokesperson of the House for four years and as Deputy Speaker for three years without failing “integrity and patriotic tests.” He also dismissed claims that Senator Kalu played a decisive role in the Deputy Speaker’s rise, insisting that Benjamin Kalu was already established before entering politics.
Osuagwu further accused the senator of attempting to rewrite political history by presenting himself as a benefactor, a claim he described as “deceptive to the public.”
On party politics in Abia State, the professor credited the Deputy Speaker with revitalizing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, particularly during challenging periods. He questioned Senator Kalu’s absence during those times and warned that his leadership could weaken the party ahead of future elections.
He also alleged that Senator Kalu may be working at cross purposes with the party’s interests in the state, cautioning that such actions could negatively impact electoral outcomes if not addressed.
In addition, Osuagwu criticized what he described as the use of religious and academic titles by individuals allegedly aligned with the senator to lend credibility to attacks on the Deputy Speaker.
The professor concluded by urging Senator Kalu to embrace statesmanship, halt what he termed divisive tactics, and allow internal party unity to prevail.
