Accusations of diploma forgery: Former official claims Tinubu's rivals are orchestrating a defamation effort targeting Kalu

Philips Nto, the former Abia Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, has come to the defense of Reps Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, stating that the individuals behind the false allegations of academic fraud against him are, in fact, political opponents of President Bola Tinubu.

According to Nto, these accusations are part of a broader strategy to undermine President Tinubu's chances of reelection, with Kalu being targeted due to his key role in the president's campaign in Abia.

The allegations against Kalu center on his purported attendance at law school while simultaneously completing his national service, two programs that are typically undertaken separately.

However, Kalu has categorically denied these allegations, and Nto has expressed bewilderment as to why such claims are emerging at this juncture, given Kalu's tireless efforts to secure a victory for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Nto characterized the allegations as a deliberate ploy to distract and weaken Kalu, who has been instrumental in bolstering support for President Tinubu's campaign in Abia.

As a former Provost of Abia College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, Nto noted that Kalu has undergone rigorous screening by relevant security agencies and has been cleared in all his previous political offices.

Nto asserted that President Tinubu's adversaries are targeting Kalu because he is the face of the president's reelection campaign in Abia, having previously served as chairman of Bende Local Government Area and held various other positions.

Nto questioned the timing of these allegations, asking why they are surfacing only now, when Kalu is vigorously campaigning for President Tinubu's reelection.

He described the targeting of Kalu as "unfortunate" and a testament to the desperation of the opposition, adding that this tactic is a "worn-out political strategy" that has ultimately failed.

Nto praised Kalu as an invaluable asset to the APC, his constituents, and the entire state of Abia, citing his exceptional record of political representation.

He highlighted Kalu's achievements, including his role in attracting two federal universities to Abia and his dedicated support for the existing federal university, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

As a former World Bank Economic Consultant, Nto also referenced the numerous developmental initiatives undertaken by Kalu across Abia, which extend beyond his own Bende Federal Constituency.

Nto noted that Kalu has empowered many individuals from Abia, regardless of their political affiliations, and advised the deputy speaker to remain focused on his campaign efforts, rather than being swayed by the smear campaigns.

Nto urged Kalu to concentrate on "driving the moving vehicle" for President Tinubu's reelection, undeterred by the false allegations and opposition tactics.