Questions continue to trail Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu’s viral photograph with Adeniyi Adeyemi. The lawmaker has now responded, saying he also fell victim to the situation.
ABUJA, FCT — Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has addressed the controversy surrounding his trending photograph with Adeniyi Adeyemi, the convener of the disowned PFIPC. Speaking on the matter, Kalu said he was also a victim, explaining that he carried out checks before honouring the invitation but later developed concerns after interacting with the organisers.
Why This Happened
According to Kalu, he received an invitation letter from the organisation and instructed members of his team to verify the address before accepting the invitation. He said his aides reported that the location and other available details appeared genuine. However, after engaging further with those behind the event, he said he suspected that something was not right.
What They Said
Speaking on the incident, Benjamin Kalu said:
“Mr Speaker, I am a victim. When I got the invitation letter from the agency, I asked my team to go verify the address. They returned and told me everything checked well, but after interacting with them, I suspected something was wrong somewhere.”
He made the remarks while responding to public concerns over the widely circulated photograph linking him to Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Who Is Adeniyi Adeyemi?
Adeniyi Adeyemi has been identified in recent reports as the convener of the disowned PFIPC. His name gained national attention after photographs and reports connected several prominent public officials with activities linked to the organisation. The matter has since generated public discussion, with officials providing explanations about their interactions with the group.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development means public officials may face increased scrutiny over invitations from private organisations and advocacy groups. It also highlights the importance of thorough due diligence before attending public events, as photographs taken at such gatherings can quickly circulate online and influence public perception. Authorities and public office holders are expected to strengthen verification processes to avoid similar controversies in the future.
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