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Why Opposition to Benjamin Kalu in Umuimenyi/Nkpa Ward Raises Questions.
By: Aglow TV.
Visible Projects and Tangible Development Should Remain Above Political Sentiments
The recent criticisms directed at Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu by some political voices, particularly Ugochukwu Nwankwo, have sparked conversations across Umuimenyi/Nkpa Ward. Many observers find the sudden change in narrative difficult to reconcile, considering that Ugochukwu reportedly worked closely with and benefited from the Deputy Speaker for several years without publicly accusing him of neglecting the ward. It is only after political loyalties shifted that questions began to emerge about projects and developmental efforts that had previously attracted little or no criticism.
Interestingly, while confidently predicting victory for his preferred political camp, Ugochukwu himself referred to the constituency as Umuimenyi/Nkpa Ward, a ward comprising Nkpa, Lodu, Akoli, Amoji Imenyi, and Lohum. If the discussion is centered on this ward, then it is equally important to examine the record of development across these communities. Public discourse should be guided by verifiable facts rather than changing political alignments, especially when assessing the performance of elected representatives.
Across Amoji Imenyi, residents have witnessed significant infrastructure projects, including over 2.3 kilometres of road construction with a bridge. The Ngwu/Amorji Lodu Road, stretching approximately two kilometres, serves both communities by improving accessibility and transportation. In Lohum, three different roads have been completed, including the one-kilometre Amankwu Ebi Amaegbu Road, the 700-metre Williams Nduka Road, and the 300-metre Justice Chijioke Amakwe Road. Educational infrastructure has also received attention through the extensive renovation of a three-classroom block at Lohum/Imenyi Central School.
Akoli has equally benefited from development initiatives, including approximately 2.5 kilometres of road linking the Akoli/Amoji Imenyi corridor, a 600-metre Ngodo Akoli Ogubi Road, and the establishment of a rice processing mill aimed at supporting local agriculture and economic activities. In Nkpa, numerous projects have been executed, including about six kilometres of roads, the construction of the Eme Bridge and Egwu Onuoha Bridge, an automated cassava processing facility, renovation of schools, perimeter fencing, classroom furniture, learning materials, a solar-powered borehole with a water treatment plant in Ovum Ugwunkpa, and a modern library at Umuimenyi Technical School.
Lodu has also recorded meaningful improvements through the reconstruction and fencing of a three-classroom block with offices after the previous building was destroyed by fire. Educational support was further strengthened through the provision of desks, textbooks, and other instructional materials for pupils. Notably, these achievements represent development in just one ward out of the thirteen wards that make up Bende Local Government Area, and incidentally, they are concentrated in the very ward from which the strongest criticisms have recently emerged.
Given these visible projects, many residents continue to ask why anyone from Umuimenyi/Nkpa Ward would dismiss the contributions of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Roads, bridges, schools, agricultural processing facilities, educational support, and water projects are tangible investments that remain visible regardless of political affiliation. While politics naturally accommodates differing opinions, it should not obscure objective realities. Development projects cannot simply be wished away because they do not fit a preferred political narrative. The physical evidence across Umuimenyi/Nkpa Ward continues to stand as part of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu's record, inviting voters to judge his performance based on facts rather than political sentiment.
