It is necessary at this point to decisively address the malicious, poorly veiled political hit piece titled “Enough Is Enough: Stop Insulting Old Bende People’s Intelligence.” While I typically ignore personal attacks and unfounded tirades dressed up as opinion pieces, the level of dishonesty, misrepresentation, and desperation exhibited in this write-up leaves no room for silence.
1. Old Bende vs. Abia North: Facts, Not Folklore
To correct the ignorant assertions made by the writer: Old Bende Division historically comprised present-day Bende, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isuikwuato, Umunneochi, Ikwuano, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and even parts of present-day Aba. I am not “unschooled” on this history — I live it, represent it, and defend it every day. Abia North is a senatorial zone, a creation of electoral demarcation. Old Bende is a cultural and historical identity. I know the difference. But it seems the writer doesn’t or is hoping the public won’t notice the deliberate obfuscation.
The so-called Old Bende Young Professionals are entitled to their opinions, but they do not speak for all youths of Old Bende. Nor do they represent any democratic mandate to issue endorsements or disclaimers on behalf of an entire people. Their rebuke of Hon. Alex Ikwuecheghe was selective, shallow, and politically timed. What exactly was “uncharted” about Ikwuecheghe expressing solidarity with the Governor of the state? Did he break a law? Or was his offense that his views didn’t align with those of a vocal minority looking for relevance?
Governor Alex Otti is not perfect, but it is intellectually dishonest to dismiss all strides made under his administration as “ghost projects.” The rehabilitation of over 200 kilometers of roads across the state, major urban renewals, ongoing infrastructural commitments, and improved fiscal discipline are not illusions. These are verifiable. Yes, projects like the airport and innovation park are in different phases of development. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But rather than undermine efforts in progress, patriotic stakeholders should support constructive oversight and offer solutions, not empty sarcasm.
I have never — and will never — apologize for standing with progress. My support for good governance is not transactional. It is based on principle. I was critical when there was rot; I will be supportive when there is reform.
As for my senatorial ambition: I have earned my voice through decades of service, engagement, and commitment to this cause, not through cheap headlines and anonymous tantrums. If choosing unity over division, truth over propaganda, and development over bitterness makes me “desperate” in your eyes, then I wear that label with pride.
I do not weaponize respect; I live it. But let it be clear: disagreement is not disrespect. Debate is not disloyalty. And principled advocacy is not sycophancy. What is truly insulting to Old Bende people’s intelligence is the idea that youthful dissent must be loud, rude, and toxic to be considered “accountability.”
To whoever wrote the article, hiding behind the pseudonym “Oracle”: if you believe in your convictions, come forward, identify yourself, and let’s debate the issues in the open — not behind Facebook rants and shadowy WhatsApp write-ups. Courage is not only in speaking loudly; it is in standing openly.
Abia North, and indeed Old Bende, deserves leadership grounded in substance, not bitterness. I remain committed to that vision. My conscience is clear, my integrity intact, and my mission unchanged. Let us rise above pettiness. Our people deserve better.
Dr. Emeka C. Kalu
Bridge-builder | Advocate | Proud Son of Bende