Group Slams Deputy Speaker Kalu Over Silence On Amamba Uzuakoli Erosion Crisis, Warns Of Eroding Public Trust

The Abia Coalition for Equity and Justice, ACJE, has condemned what it described as the “complacency and indifference” of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in responding to the worsening erosion menace ravaging Amamba Uzuakoli in Bende Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Media Office, ACJE expressed concern over the continued neglect of the affected community despite repeated appeals and the growing destruction of homes, farmlands, and access roads.

The coalition accused the Deputy Speaker of failing to treat the erosion disaster as a matter of urgent public importance, noting that residents have been left vulnerable while no visible federal intervention has been mobilized.

“The people of Amamba Uzuakoli are daily watching their homes and livelihoods swallowed by erosion. Yet, the representative of the area at the highest level of legislative leadership has remained largely silent and absent on this critical issue,” ACJE stated.

The group warned that such an attitude erodes public confidence in elected representatives and creates the impression that those in power are disconnected from the suffering of their constituents.

ACJE urged Rt. Hon. Kalu to use his position as Deputy Speaker to immediately push for emergency intervention from relevant federal agencies, including the Ecological Fund Office and the Ministry of Environment, to carry out remedial work in the community.

The coalition also called on the National Assembly and Federal Ministry of Works to declare the Amamba Uzuakoli erosion site a priority emergency area and allocate funds for permanent control measures.

This is coming on the heels of the visit of the Deputy Speaker on Wednesday after months of wanton destruction by the erosion.

ACJE noted that it was after the state government in collaboration with the Labour Party House of Representatives candidate, Dr Chima Anyaso began intervention which according to ACJE, made the Deputy Speaker to react.

“True representation is measured by impact, especially in times of crisis. The people of Bende deserve more than condolences and photo opportunities. They deserve action, funding, and results,” the statement added.

ACJE cautioned that continued neglect of critical infrastructure and environmental issues in Bende Federal Constituency could further widen the trust deficit between the electorate and their leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition pledged to continue to monitor the situation and mobilize stakeholders until concrete steps are taken to address the erosion menace in Amamba Uzuakoli and other affected communities in the constituency.