ABUJA, NIGERIA — JULY 24, 2026 — The Igbo Community Association (ICA) FCT, representing the entire Igbo population residing within the Federal Capital Territory and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) since 1998, expresses its deep sadness, outrage, and disappointment over the recent actions of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
Speaking on behalf of the Igbo community in Abuja, the leadership of ICA FCT expressed grave concern over reports revealing that the Deputy Speaker—currently the highest-ranking political figure of Igbo extraction in the Federal Government—inserted over N700 million into the national budget for the maintenance and refurbishing of unnamed churches within his constituency, an action he has publicly defended.
“His actions speak poorly of his office and his leadership, and we, the Igbo people of the FCT, find this development deeply shameful and confusing,” said Nze (Engr.) Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, President General of ICA FCT. “At a time when the South-East region, particularly Hon. Kalu’s home state of Abia, is grappling with severe economic hardship, insecurity, and decaying public infrastructure, prioritizing nearly one billion Naira for repainting churches is a profound misplacement of public trust.”
Key Concerns Raised by ICA FCT:
- Neglect of Critical Sector Needs: Schools across Abia State remain in dire infrastructural conditions, with underpaid teachers struggling to survive. Furthermore, basic healthcare delivery and elderly care in the state urgently require immediate funding and intervention.
- Misuse of Public Funds in a Secular State: Nigeria is a secular nation, and the pressing needs of the South-East electorate far outweigh the cosmetic renovation of unnamed religious institutions.
- Transparency & Accountability Concerns: ICA FCT raises strong suspicions regarding whether these budget insertions represent disguised channels for political funding or campaign reserves ahead of future elections.
Demands of the Association
- Call for an Immediate Probe: ICA FCT explicitly calls on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant federal anti-graft agencies to launch a thorough investigation into this budget insertion and the allocation of these funds.
- Accountable Representation: The association calls on Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu to reconnect with his constituency, understand the daily struggles of his people, and realign his legislative focus toward genuine development.
“The South-East geopolitical zone can no longer afford or accept this type of disconnect and poor representation from its highest-ranking political officers,” the statement concluded.
SIGNED:
Nze (Engr.) Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe President General, ICA FCT
Mazi Chinwoke Emmanuel Onah Secretary General, ICA FCT
