Former aide to deputy speaker removes posts claiming fake social media accounts

A former personal assistant to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has taken down Facebook posts. In those posts, he accused the lawmaker's media team of running fake Facebook accounts to sway public opinion.

Ugochukwu Nwankwo confirmed he deleted the posts during a phone chat with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. This was a day after the newspaper reported his resignation and the claims against Mr Kalu's media team.

But Mr Nwankwo did not explain why he removed the posts. He insisted he did not have to explain his actions.

‘It is my choice’

When asked about deleting the posts after the PREMIUM TIMES report, Mr Nwankwo said, "Am I not at liberty to post and delete whatever on my (Facebook) wall? I’m from Bende. Those people are my brothers and kith and kin. If I post something today and decide to delete it tomorrow, is there any law saying I shouldn’t do that?"

PREMIUM TIMES reminded him that the deleted posts claimed Mr Kalu's aides created fake Facebook accounts "to retain support for a sitting House of Reps member and control the narrative on social media." He accused the deputy speaker’s camp of choosing "the path of self-deceit and make-believe."

Mr Nwankwo refused to take back the allegations. Instead, he said, "Go and check all those Facebook accounts. Check their activities and then use your tongue and count your teeth. I’ve spoken with my brothers, and I have deleted my post. I don’t owe anybody any explanation for what I do with my post."

No retraction

When asked if deleting the posts meant the allegations were false, Mr Nwankwo again did not answer directly.

"You can make whatever you want out of the post. I alone know why I deleted it, but you’re free to make any meaning out of it. The deputy speaker is my friend, my former boss, and my brother. So, if I decide to make a post and delete it, it is within my right," he said.

PREMIUM TIMES asked if he regretted making the allegations.

"Did you see where I wrote anything as a retraction? I said I deleted my post. I saw your report after calling me (on Sunday). It was sent to me. So, now that I have deleted the post. I deleted it out of my personal decision. If you want to make any meaning as you did after calling me yesterday. You can make any meaning out of it."

Background

PREMIUM TIMES reported on Sunday that Mr Nwankwo stepped down as Mr Kalu’s personal assistant. He said he wanted to avoid a conflict of interest ahead of the 2027 general election. He also declared support for Labour Party candidate Chima Anyaso in the Bende Federal Constituency race. The report pointed out Facebook posts where he accused members of Mr Kalu’s media team of creating fake accounts to promote the deputy speaker online.