Since assuming office as Chairman of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State Chapter, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has extended tremendous support to the union.
As a matter of fact, the realization of our State Secretariat would have been difficult without his support. His decision to personally attend and commission the Secretariat on August 5, 2024, remains a gesture the union deeply appreciates.
Beyond OMPAN, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu also supported us at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in 2025 when I served as Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the Nigerian Public Relations Week held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State . His Chief of Staff, Barr. Sam Hart, who is also a professional colleague, played a key role in facilitating that support.
Unfortunately, one of the major problems in our political environment is that many people do not understand how media practice works. Opinion writing, features, and political analysis are often wrongly interpreted as personal attacks. To some people, the only proof of support is complete silence or refusal to mention certain political figures at all.
Politically, I do not share the same political views as the Deputy Speaker, neither am I a member of his party. I am not on his payroll, and he does not pay me monthly. However, acknowledging the support he has shown to institutions I represent is only ‘fair and professional’
What is more concerning is that some individuals around him, especially those who became politically close after the 2023 National Assembly elections, have consistently attempted to create unnecessary tension between us.
I still remember that during a 2024 OMPAN courtesy visit, I was informed that some persons questioned why I was allowed to visit him.
As far as the politics of Bende Local Government Area is concerned, time will naturally take its course. Some people may be uncomfortable with the reality that I still have prospects, energy, and many years ahead in public life, but that is not my fault.
Having served as a media aide before, I understand clearly that the responsibility of those around a leader should be to build relationships and goodwill for their principal, not to create enemies unnecessarily.
A wise aide encourages engagement, understanding, and reconciliation not conflict and destruction.
