Ex-minister: Ben Kalu’s comment taken out of context… he was calling on Otti to rejoin APC

Emeka Wogu, former minister of labour and productivity, says a recent remark by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the house of representatives, was taken out of context.

Recently, Kalu, who represents the Bende federal constituency of Abia, said Alex Otti would be the last member of the Labour Party (LP) to be governor of Abia.

“This will be the last time that a labour governor will govern Abia state. I say it without mincing words. The next governor of Abia state will be APC governor,” Kalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had said.

“APC will determine who will become the next governor of Abia state. I don’t care about who the person is. But one thing I know is that the party platform, APC, will produce the next governor of Abia state.”

Otti was the only LP candidate to win a governorship poll in the 2023 general election.

Nigerians, especially members of the LP, have widely condemned the deputy speaker’s remarks.

Speaking on Wednesday, the former minister said Kalu’s comment was misinterpreted by critics.

Wogu said the deputy speaker was calling on Otti to rejoin the APC, of which he was a member until he defected to the LP.

“The call by the Rt. hon Benjamin Kalu has been hijacked by mischief makers who have interpreted it out of context,” Wogu said.

“It was a reminder to party faithful to work hard and also a political clarion call to the incumbent governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to consider rejoining his former party.

“Both gentlemen are working in some cases as partners to develop the state.

“What else do you expect from the high-ranking leader of APC? The DS also commended the governor for his good works in Abia.”