*
_ABUJA, Nigeria – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, *Ben Kalu*, has come under intense criticism for failing to translate his public sympathy for Nigeria’s suffering masses into meaningful legislative action. While Kalu repeatedly declares that his “focus is governance, not 2027 ambition” and claims to champion the hungry citizens hit by President Tinubu’s harsh economic policies, observers say his record shows a pattern of *rubber‑stamp leadership* that sidelines genuine oversight.
In recent months, Kalu has highlighted a series of infrastructure achievements—over 20 completed road projects and a ₦10 billion rehabilitation of the Umuahia‑Bende‑Ohafia‑Arochukwu corridor—as evidence of his commitment to development. Yet, critics argue that these projects, while visible, do little to address the soaring inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity that have left millions of Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
“Instead of demanding urgent fiscal reforms or holding the executive accountable, the Deputy Speaker has become a *yes‑man* for the party, echoing its lines and allowing the National Assembly to drift into a passive chamber,” said political analyst *Aisha Bello* of Lagos‑based Risk Advisory. “His reluctance to confront the root causes of the economic crisis betrays the very people he claims to protect.”
Kalu’s own statements, such as “my focus is governance, not 2027 ambition,” have been dismissed as empty rhetoric by opposition members who point to his consistent support for government‑backed bills without substantive debate. “When a leader with his platform chooses silence over scrutiny, it signals a dangerous credibility gap that undermines public trust in our democratic institutions,” added Bello.
The backlash comes at a time when Nigeria’s economy is grappling with a *record‑high inflation rate of 34.8 %* and a *food‑price index that has surged by 27 %* over the past year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Civil‑society groups have called on the Deputy Speaker to leverage his position to push for immediate relief measures, including targeted subsidies and a review of monetary policy.
In response to the mounting criticism, Kalu’s office issued a brief statement reaffirming his commitment to “people‑centered legislation” and promising to “engage with stakeholders to find lasting solutions.” However, no concrete actions or timelines were provided.
As the National Assembly prepares for its next session, the pressure on Kalu to move beyond symbolic gestures and deliver tangible results for Nigeria’s hungry masses continues to grow. Whether he will rise to the challenge or remain a *rubber‑stamp leader* remains to be seen.
