Charisma Obioha: An Open letter to Rt. Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu

AN OPEN LETTER TO RT. HON. BENJAMIN OKEZIE KALU

My Dear Big Brother, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu,

I write this letter with deep respect and admiration for your remarkable contributions to our constituency, our region, and our nation.

Your journey to the office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is one that has inspired many young people across Bende Federal Constituency and beyond. Through hard work, resilience, and political sagacity, you have risen to become one of the most recognizable Igbo leaders in contemporary Nigerian politics.

However, leadership is not merely about rising; it is also about discerning when to advance, when to consolidate, and when to strategically reposition.

Every season has its purpose.

My dear brother, many of us still remember the political turbulence that accompanied your attempt to secure the APC governorship ticket in Abia State. Despite your stature and influence, circumstances did not align with your expectations. Politics can be unforgiving, and even the strongest political calculations sometimes fail to deliver the desired outcome.

That experience, painful as it may have been, should serve as a reminder that no political office is guaranteed and that timing often determines success as much as ambition does.

Today, you occupy one of the most strategic offices in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In many respects, you are already one of the most influential political figures from the South-East. Your voice carries weight nationally. Your access to the Presidency is unquestionable. Your political stock remains high.

This is why many observers believe your focus should remain on the larger national stage rather than becoming entangled in what promises to be a fiercely contested House of Representatives election in Bende.

Across the constituency, there is an undeniable and growing movement in support of Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, Ofuji Ndi Igbo. For years, he has built goodwill through philanthropy, youth empowerment, educational support, business development initiatives, and humanitarian interventions. Long before declaring political ambitions, he had already won the hearts of many through service.

Ofuji has been supportive of your political journey and I know he holds you in high esteem.

That is why people increasingly describe this moment with a simple phrase:

“It is Ofuji O’Clock.”

This is not a dismissal of your achievements. Far from it. It is simply an acknowledgment that every generation produces new leaders whose time eventually arrives.

More importantly, the political future of the South-East presents opportunities that may far exceed another term in the House of Representatives. Should President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secure a second term in office, many political analysts believe that the agitation for greater inclusion of the South-East in the nation’s power structure will intensify. Under such circumstances, the office of Senate President may very well rotate to the South-East as part of efforts to strengthen national balance and political inclusion.

It will be nearly impossible for you to return as the Deputy Speaker or Speaker if the South East clinches the Senate Presidency.

For a politician of your experience, visibility, and national reach, such possibilities should not be ignored.

Statesmen think beyond the next election. They think about the next chapter of history.

You have already secured your place in Nigeria’s political story. The title of Deputy Speaker cannot be taken away from you. The goodwill you currently enjoy was built over many years of sacrifice and strategic engagement. It would be unfortunate to risk such a distinguished legacy in a contest where public sentiment appears to be shifting dramatically.

The people of Bende appreciate your service. They honour your accomplishments. Yet many also believe that this is the season for Dr. Chima Anyaso to represent the constituency in the Green Chamber.

Leadership is a relay race, not a permanent possession. Great leaders understand when to carry the baton and when to pass it on.

This is not a plea neither are we afraid to vote and defend the votes we will cast for Dr Chima Anyaso under Labour Party, but a show of brotherhood and love for your person and efforts.

May God grant you wisdom as you continue to serve our nation and our people.

Remain blessed, my dear brother.

Yours Affectionately,

Charisma Obioha