Former chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area and Abia State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Ibe Michael Nwoke, has urged the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to prioritize addressing issues affecting the South-East region rather than engaging in political showmanship.
In a strongly-worded statement, Nwoke dismissed the Southeast Local Government Forum as an "illegal and self-serving group" that lacks legitimacy to represent former local government chairmen in the region.
Illegitimate Representation
"There is no recognized or constitutionally backed forum representing former local government chairmen in the Southeast. What we're seeing is a group of individuals using the name of the region to seek political favour and personal gain," Nwoke stated.
The former ALGON chairman condemned attempts by the group to portray a false image of consensus or regional alignment, describing such moves as deceptive and harmful to genuine democratic representation.
"No one appointed them to speak for us. Their statements do not reflect the pain, the hardship, or the concerns of the people they claim to represent. These are political actors staging a performance, not leaders advancing the public good," he added.
Call for Genuine Leadership
Nwoke specifically criticized Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for supporting such activities and focusing more on public appearances than addressing the pressing needs of the Southeast region.
"Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu should concentrate on governance and the realities our people face, rather than investing in political theatre. The Southeast remains marginalized, and no amount of staged endorsements can change that truth," he noted.
We cannot allow shallow pageantry and illegitimate groups to distract us from the real issues. Our youths are frustrated, our farmers are afraid, and our communities are under threat. These are the realities, not the narratives some are trying to sell.
The former Obingwa council boss further alleged that "political gladiators are using the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu to cash out while politicizing Federal government support programmes and initiatives" and called on those involved to "stop forthwith."
Focus on Real Issues
Nwoke urged the media and civil society to be vigilant and discerning, and not to amplify the voices of groups with no mandate or moral authority.
"This so-called forum should not be taken seriously. It is nothing more than a mouthpiece for political convenience. We must redirect our focus to real leadership, people-centered policies, and the restoration of hope for our region," he concluded.
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