By Suleiman Anyalewechi
In a move that has provoked widespread and diverse discuss and speculations within the Abia state political space, Governor Alex Otti, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, appointed Dr Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu , wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital ABSUTH Aba.
For the records, the Deputy Speaker, apart from being one of the most vociferous critics of the present Abia state Government, has been the rallying point of the opposition camp in Abia State.
Although he has not formally declared his intention to vie for the highest office in the State, he has nevertheless remained the most visible potential challenger for the gubernatorial race in the State on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
Governor Otti is the national leader of the Labour Party, LP, and the only Governor elected on its platform.
Dr Ezinne’s appointment is contained in a release from the Secretary to the State Government SSG ,Dr Emmanuel Meribole who announced the reconstitution of the hospital’s Board.
According to the release, the reconstitution of the 11-member Board is aimed at strengthening governance, improving service delivery and enhancing the quality of medical training and healthcare services provided by the tertiary hospital.
Other members of the board whose appointments are with immediate effect, include the Chief Medical Director CMD of the hospital, Prof. Nneka Chioma Okoronkwo, Dr Kelechi Omende, Dr Temple Nwosu, Dr Patrick Umezurike ,and Dr Mrs Ifeyinwa Blossom Uma Kalu.
Others are Prof. Gazie Okpara ,the Deputy Vice Chancellor and representative of the Abia State University Uturu, Prof.Chuks Kamanu, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Mrs Ihuoma Nwagbara, the Director of Administration/Secretary to the Board, and a representative of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr Odochi Ewurum.
The Abia State Governor charged the Board Members to work in concert and assiduously to reposition the hospital as a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical training and research.
As at the time of reporting, it could not be established if the Deputy Speaker was consulted before his wife’s appointment.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker was yet to officially react to the development which has aroused the curiosity of not a few Abians.
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