NEWS
Bende Monarch, Innocent Kalu Eze Mba Apologises Over Viral Video, Says Comment on Benjamin Kalu Was Misunderstood
The traditional ruler of Umunnato Autonomous Community in Item, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Eze Innocent Kalu Mba, has apologised to voters, Governor Alex Chioma Otti and other stakeholders following a viral video in which he appeared to threaten death against anyone who refused to vote for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The monarch’s apology came amid growing attention surrounding the video, which circulated widely on social media and generated reactions over the nature of the statement attributed to him.
In the video recorded last week, Eze Mba was heard making a direct appeal to members of his community ahead of the election while linking their voting decision to the traditional authority of the land.
“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,” Eze Mba said.
The statement quickly became a subject of public discussion, particularly because of its reference to death and the perceived pressure it could place on voters in the community.
However, in an apology rendered on Thursday, Eze Mba acknowledged that his choice of words was “capable of being misunderstood,” stressing that the statement did not represent his actual intentions.
The traditional ruler read his apology letter from his mobile phone in the presence of some officials of Bende Local Government Area, using the opportunity to clarify his position on the political situation and, particularly, his relationship with the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti.
Eze Mba stated that he remains firmly behind Governor Otti’s administration and maintained that his support for the state government has not changed despite the controversy generated by the viral video.
According to the monarch, his role as a traditional ruler requires him to consistently pray for the Governor, the people of Abia State and the overall peace and development of the state.
He stressed that his support for the administration “remains unwavering.”
Addressing the controversy surrounding the video, Eze Mba said he was deeply surprised by the impression created by the footage as it circulated across social media platforms.
“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.
The monarch further explained that after reflecting on his words, he realised that the statement could have been interpreted differently from what he intended.
He expressed regret over the anxiety and misunderstanding the video may have generated among members of the public, particularly those who interpreted the comment as an endorsement of intimidation or violence during the electoral process.
Eze Mba said he wanted to make it clear that he does not support violence or any action that could put the lives or safety of citizens at risk.
“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.
The traditional ruler also appealed directly to Governor Alex Otti, the Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Bassey Uwabunkeonye, and the people of Abia State to accept his clarification and apology.
He urged all concerned to view his statement in the context in which the apology was offered, while reaffirming his commitment to peace and the welfare of his community.
“I send my sincere apology to everyone who felt hurt,” he concluded.
The development effectively places the monarch’s clarification at the centre of the controversy, as Eze Mba seeks to distance himself from any interpretation of his earlier remarks as an endorsement of violence, intimidation or threats against voters.