By our correspondant, Umuahia
The Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, LL.D, CFR, has dismissed as false and misleading a report circulating on social media alleging that he has declared interest in contesting the Abia State governorship in 2027.
In a press release issued on Sunday and
signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the office described
the report – attributed to an online platform, Native Reporters
– as baseless, unfounded, and lacking credibility.
The statement clarified that the Deputy
Speaker has not, at any time, made either a private or public declaration to
run for the Abia governorship in the 2027 general elections.
According to the release, Rt. Hon. Kalu
remains fully focused on his four-year mandate of representing the Bende
Federal Constituency of Abia State and serving Nigerians with dedication and
integrity through his current legislative responsibilities.
The office called on Native Reporters to retract the
publication and adhere to fundamental journalistic ethics, including accuracy,
truth, and fairness. It also cautioned media practitioners against spreading
misinformation, urging them to verify facts before publication.
The statement further noted that any
future political plans or intentions of the Deputy Speaker would be formally
communicated by his political family at the appropriate time.
