A youth advocacy group in Abia State has come to the defense of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, following allegations that a constituency project linked to him was abandoned. The group, Abia Progressive Youth Frontier (APYF), described the claims as politically motivated and misleading.
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 17, and signed by its state coordinator, Chinedu Nwafor, the organization stated that public criticism of the proposed conference and e-learning facility in Bende federal constituency failed to consider the implementation process and execution timelines associated with constituency interventions. The group warned that labeling an incomplete project as abandoned without understanding procurement procedures and administrative adjustments could create unnecessary public distrust.
Group Highlights Kalu’s Constituency Interventions
APYF noted that Kalu has maintained a visible record of constituency projects and interventions across Abia State, particularly in youth empowerment, education, healthcare support, and infrastructure development. According to the organization, several projects facilitated by the Deputy Speaker are already benefiting residents in communities within Bende federal constituency.
“The people of Bende federal constituency are not disconnected from developments within their communities. We have seen projects, interventions, scholarships, youth programs, and strategic investments facilitated through the office of the Deputy Speaker,” Nwafor said. “To reduce an entire record of representation to allegations driven largely by assumptions does not reflect the realities on ground.”
The group also emphasized that changes in project structure or relocation of components should not automatically be interpreted as fraud or diversion of public funds without findings from relevant regulatory authorities.
Group Calls for Evidence-Based Accountability
APYF urged anti-corruption agencies and oversight institutions to continue carrying out their duties professionally and without political interference. The organization maintained that while scrutiny of public projects is important in a democratic system, such criticism should be based on verified facts rather than speculation that could damage reputations.
The group further commended Kalu for what it described as responsive leadership and sustained engagement with community development. It added that many young people in the constituency have benefited from empowerment programs, educational support, and skills acquisition initiatives linked to his office.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Kalu dismissed allegations surrounding the construction and furnishing of a conference and e-learning facility at Bende Secondary Grammar School in Abia State. In a statement signed by Udora Orizu, Special Adviser on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, the office clarified that lawmakers are only responsible for facilitating development projects for their constituencies through the budget process and do not supervise or execute contracts. The statement followed a report by civic organization TrackaNG, which claimed that the federally funded ultra-modern facility, for which N265.3 million has reportedly been paid, is not known to the school and appears to have been relocated to another community.
