Gov. Otti Justifies Appointment of Benjamin Kalu’s Wife as Hospital Board Chair
Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Benjamin-Kalu’s recent appointment as the Board Chairman of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, has been defended by Governor Alex Otti. Dr. Ezinne is married to Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who has publicly opposed Governor Otti.
Otti explained his actions at his Aide-de-Camp, ASP Emeka Ogbonna’s wedding on Saturday. He stated that Dr. Kalu was appointed on the basis of her qualifications and merit rather than political calculations or goals.
In response to the widespread criticism surrounding the hospital board selection, the governor of Abia referred to all critical remarks as “noise.”
He explained that Dr. Ezinne Benjamin-Kalu was selected first out of seven candidates he interviewed in 2025 for the position of Chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Board, and that he did not consider a person’s political affiliation when making appointments.
“We recently elected the Chairman of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Board,” he stated. Additionally, I believe I hear some noise on the left, right, and center.
“We don’t give a damn if she is YPP, PDP, APC, or anything else. They are not significant.
“We don’t give a damn if she comes from Abia, Delta, or somewhere else. What’s going through her mind is of interest to us. Otti spoke.
