Item Day Controversy: Why Benjamin Kalu And His Pundits Must Stop Dragging Onye Ocha N’Aba Into Their Political Misfortune

It appears Benji’s political foot soldiers have completely lost their sense of direction following the embarrassment that greeted Benji during yesterday’s Item Day celebration. Rather than undertake an honest assessment of what transpired, they have resorted to pointing accusing fingers at Hon. Mascot Alex Ikwechegh, Onye Ocha N’Aba, as though he were responsible for the reception Benjamin Kalu received from the people of Item.

Let us get the facts straight. Political frustration must not become an excuse for dragging people who have distinguished themselves through years of service into unnecessary controversies.

Benjamin Osisiogu, cannot be placed in the same performance bracket as Onye Ocha N’Aba. The difference in their records, contributions and grassroots impact is too significant to be ignored.

While Benjamin Kalu’s supporters celebrate the renovation of classroom blocks, Onye Ocha N’Aba has undertaken the renovation of entire schools (Go and Verify). While Benji recently made a show of bringing a few transformers into his constituency after seven years of being a principal officer in the National Assembly, Onye Ocha N’Aba, in 2024 November 9, barely one year as a Federal Lawmaker, distributed 17 transformers across Aba North And South and even in some parts of Obingwa.

On empowerment, the contrast is equally remarkable. While Benjamin Kalu’s supporters are yet to present an equally compelling record of grassroots empowerment, Onye Ocha N’Aba has empowered close to 5,000 persons across Aba North and Aba South and is preparing for another massive empowerment programme.

What Benjamin Kalu earns in a month as a Deputy Speaker, is what Onye Ocha N’Aba earns in sixty months (Five Years). Benjamin Kalu’s budgetary provision in a month as a Deputy Speaker, is hundred times larger than that of a regular member, yet the enormous resources and incentives he receives as a Deputy Speaker doesn’t reflect in the lives of the people he represents except of course for his pride, belligerence and arrogance. In contrast, Onye Ocha N’Aba has, nevertheless, demonstrated the capacity to translate his resources into meaningful interventions that positively impact the lives of his people. That is the difference between occupying a political office and making a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary people.

In three years, Onye Ocha N’Aba has established an impressive record of visibility, philanthropy and constituency interventions. He has also been associated with interventions in sensitive national programmes. Meanwhile, Benji’s supporters must tell Nigerians what tangible, verifiable national achievements they can confidently place on the table as the record of a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives aside reminding us daily that he’s close to the people in the villa.

Instead, concerns have repeatedly been raised about allegations of intimidation, the incarceration of young Abians, including Emenike Okorie, and the treatment of political stakeholders who played significant roles in his emergence, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor Alex Otti and Governor Hope Uzodimma. These are issues that deserve honest answers, not propaganda.

Now, some of Benji’s supporters have reduced their arguments to the distribution of streetlights by Onye Ocha N’Aba. Yes, Onye Ocha N’Aba has distributed over 6,500 streetlights across Aba North and Aba South. And what exactly is wrong with providing illumination, improving neighbourhood security and making communities safer? Is that now an offence?

Beyond streetlights, Onye Ocha N’Aba has donated two coaster buses that have provided free transportation for schoolchildren and residents over the years. These are tangible interventions that directly affect ordinary people. Where are Benji’s buses?

More importantly, before Onye Ocha N’Aba ever stepped into the House of Representatives, he had already established himself as a widely recognised philanthropist in Abia and beyond. His reputation was not manufactured by a political appointment, nor did it begin with an elected office.

But before Benjamin Osisiogu became Deputy Speaker, who exactly knew him as a philanthropist or a major contributor to the development of Bende Federal Constituency? What enduring legacy can he point to outside the privileges and influence of the office he currently occupies?

Benjamin Osisiogu must also tell the people of Bende what has become of the enormous public resources allocated to his constituency and identify the projects that justify the expectations of the people. Holding a principal position in the House of Representatives should come with measurable responsibilities and visible results.

Let us make another point absolutely clear. Despite being a Deputy Speaker, Onye Ocha N’Aba commands considerable goodwill, recognition and respect beyond the political boundaries of Abia State. Titles do not automatically translate into influence, just as political offices do not automatically confer public acceptance.

Onye Ocha N’Aba remains a movement. Benji’s political camp should understand that distinction.

Interestingly, while all this noise is being generated, Onye Ocha N’Aba is currently in Canada and has remained completely silent throughout the unfolding political tussle involving Ofuji and Benji. It is therefore both unnecessary and unwise to drag him into a controversy that has absolutely nothing to do with him.

However, Benji should call his political pundits to order before their desperation takes this conversation somewhere they may not be prepared to handle. There is a limit to how far people can stretch political propaganda against someone whose public record speaks independently of political appointments.

The Igbo have a powerful proverb: “Onye akpala nwa agu aka na odu, ma o di ndu ma o nwuru anwu.” In other words, nobody should dare touch a tiger by its tail, whether dead or alive.

Benji’s supporters should understand the message. Political relevance is not established by attacking other people’s records. It is earned through service, sacrifice, performance and the confidence of the people.

Onye Ocha N’Aba does not need Benjamin Kalu’s validation, and he certainly does not need to be held responsible for anybody’s political embarrassment or public humiliation.

Let everyone return to the business of presenting their records. The people are watching, and the records will always speak louder than political noise.

Op-ed: Every opinion expressed in this article does not represent the opinion of AbaCityBloq or endorsed by this platform. It’s solely that of the author.