From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has said that contrary to speculations, in some quarters, he is neither working against his party, the All Progressives Congress ( APC), nor the Minister of State, for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

Kalu, in a statement by Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, on Tuesday, said he is busy delivering on his mandate as member representing Bende Federal Constituency , as well as deputy speaker, and urged the Onyejiocha to get busy with her duties as a federal minister too.

The deputy speaker, who was reacting to a press briefing by a group, accusing him of alleged campaign of calumny against Onyejiocha and anti party activities, said he has good relationship with the minister as a sister and worthy partner in the APC led government.

However, he stated that the fact the minister was yet to disassociate herself from the press briefing leaves much to be desired.

The statement read in part “it will suffice to say that the office of the Deputy Speaker sees this as a false alarm and deliberate plot to cause a disaffection between a brother and his lovely sister. Recall that Kalu has used every opportunity to seek support for Onyejiocha.

“It is on record that Kalu asked the leaders of Abia APC who paid him a courtesy call in August to rally round Onyejiocha even when she was yet to be made a minister. Kalu also attended her reception on the night of her inuaguration.”

It added : “anyway, the office of the deputy is busy, so busy in helping the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and the APC government to realize the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and would not want to be joined on a wild goose chase.

“the Office of the Deputy Speaker urges the office of the minister of state for Labour and Employment to get busy too and contribute in finding solutions to the myriad of challenges facing our dear country at this time.

“The Deputy Speaker who will also not succumb to any form of subjugation or cowardice will also not accept to be covertly or overtly distracted from the tasks he’s been entrusted by his constituents and Nigerians, in general, to do. He’s too busy to give attention to speculations and unfounded narratives of campaign of calumny and therefore, it will be foolhardy to call for his sanction in whatever guise.”