The Abia Progressive Youth Frontier (APYF) has rejected allegations that a constituency project linked to the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, was abandoned, describing the claims as misleading and politically motivated.
The group said recent reports questioning the implementation of a conference and e-learning facility generated unnecessary controversy without adequate understanding of the project's execution process and current status.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its state coordinator, Chinedu Nwafor, the organisation argued that attempts to portray the project as abandoned ignored what it described as Kalu's broader record of infrastructural and educational interventions across Bende Federal Constituency.
According to the group, the deputy speaker has remained one of the most visible federal lawmakers from Abia State, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, education, healthcare support, infrastructure and constituency development.
The organisation said public commentary regarding constituency projects should be guided by fairness, verification and proper understanding of implementation timelines rather than assumptions capable of eroding public trust.
“We consider it necessary to caution against the growing trend where incomplete project sites are hastily labelled abandoned projects without considering procurement processes, execution phases, and administrative adjustments that may occur during implementation,” the statement said.
The group maintained that several projects facilitated by Kalu across the constituency remain visible and verifiable, including educational, road and youth-focused interventions.
According to APYF, Kalu has consistently demonstrated commitment to effective representation through projects aimed at improving educational opportunities and expanding youth development initiatives.
The organisation further argued that relocation of project components or implementation adjustments should not automatically be interpreted as fraud or diversion of public funds without concrete findings from regulatory authorities.
It added that accountability for public office holders should be pursued through credible institutional mechanisms rather than what it described as “social media sensationalism” capable of distorting facts.
“The people of Bende federal constituency are not disconnected from developments within their communities. We have seen projects, interventions, scholarships, youth programmes, 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 commended Kalu for what it described as responsive leadership and sustained engagement with community needs, noting that many young people in the constituency have benefitted from empowerment schemes, educational support programmes and skills development initiatives associated with his office.
APYF also urged anti-corruption agencies and oversight institutions to continue discharging their responsibilities professionally and without political influence, stressing that accountability must remain evidence-based.
The organisation added that while civic scrutiny of public projects remains essential in a democratic society, such scrutiny should avoid creating false impressions capable of damaging reputations without verified findings.
According to the group, Kalu's growing national profile is tied to his legislative contributions, constituency engagement and developmental interventions across Abia State.
