Abia Traditional Ruler Apologises Over Viral Video Threatening Death for Non-Support of Benjamin Kalu
The traditional ruler of Umunnato autonomous community in Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Innocent Kalu Mba, has apologised to voters in his area following a viral video in which he was heard invoking death on anyone who failed to vote for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
In the video, which circulated last week, Eze Mba was heard saying: “I will call a meeting because of this election and I will tell the people if you don’t vote for Benjamin Kalu, the land will strike you dead.”
On Thursday, the monarch publicly rendered an apology, reading from a letter on his mobile phone in the presence of some officials of Bende Local Government Area. He described his choice of words as “capable of being misunderstood” and said they did not reflect his true intentions.
Eze Mba clarified that he remains firmly supportive of the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti. As a traditional ruler, he said, he continues to pray for the governor and for the peace, unity and progress of Abia State, adding that his support for the administration “remains unwavering.”
Addressing the controversy, the traditional ruler expressed deep surprise at the impression created by the video on social media. “The statement attributed to me does not reflect my true intentions or my deep respect for the governor and his administration. I could never deliberately make a remark intended to undermine or embarrass a government that I wholeheartedly support,” he stated.
On sober reflection, Eze Mba acknowledged that his words could be misinterpreted and sincerely regretted any anxiety or misunderstanding the video may have caused. “I wish to assure everyone that I do not support violence, intimidation or any act capable of endangering human life. My commitment has always been to peace, justice, reconciliation, and the welfare of my people,” he said.
He appealed to Governor Alex Otti, Bende LGA Chairman Bassey Uwabunkeonye, and all Abia people to accept his clarification “in the spirit to which it is made,” concluding: “I send my sincere apology to everyone who felt hurt.”
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