‎Group Accuses Abia Govt of Earmarking N100b for Smear Campaign against Ben Kalu

‎The Igbo Mandate Movement Group has accused the Abia state government of earmarking more than N100 billion for a co-ordinated campaign to demarket Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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‎In a statement signed by Igboeli Arinze, its convener, the group said the alleged plot was aimed at preventing Kalu from returning to the house of representatives.
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‎The group claimed that its investigation revealed that the funds were designated for a comprehensive demarketing campaign against the Kalu.
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‎Furthermore, it alleged that the project was being masterminded by a top official of the Abia state government and executed in phases.
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‎The statement further alleged that the first and second phases of the campaign involve sustained attacks on Kalu across social media platforms and sponsored reports in traditional media.
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‎The group added that the next phase would involve lobbying traditional rulers in affected zones, including intimidation of those who refuse to co-operate.
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‎It also alleged that the final phase of the plot would involve sponsoring violence to provoke Kalu’s supporters into retaliation, adding that such violence would then be blamed on the deputy speaker to justify further actions against him.
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‎The group questioned why such a sum, which it said could be used for infrastructure, security, healthcare and water supply, would be channelled toward targeting one individual.
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‎It also described the alleged plot as sinister, wicked, and antithetical to the progress of our people.
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‎The group warned those behind the alleged plan to reconsider, saying it would not stand by while Kalu is undermined.
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‎It argued that Kalu has represented his constituents creditably and brought honour to Igbo land through his leadership as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
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‎The group called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the international community to prevail on the Abia state government to abandon what it described as a divisive project.
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‎It declared its firm support for Kalu, insisting that it would resist any attempt to undermine his position and reputation in the country.