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Tag: Benjamin Kalu

  • Payment for Project Execution: Contractors Pay Tribute to Reps, Deputy Speaker, Kalu for Intervention

    Payment for Project Execution: Contractors Pay Tribute to Reps, Deputy Speaker, Kalu for Intervention

    President of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), Jackson Ifeanyi Nwosu, has expressed gratitude to the House of Representatives and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for the timely intervention in resolving the contractors’ protest over unpaid dues.

    In a letter of appreciation he personally signed and addressed to the Deputy Speaker, Nwosu thanked Kalu for his thoughtful approach, which led to a meeting with key stakeholders, including the Finance Minister, Wale Edun and Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamshudeen Ogunjimi.

    Recall that on the heels of the protests in Abuja last week over unpaid fees for projects already executed, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen set up an ad hoc committee on Budget Implementation and named Kalu the chairman to interface with the parties involved.

    Subsequently, the Deputy Speaker called for a meeting of the contractors and the government officials to discuss the issues and chart a way out.

    Held on Thursday last week in Abuja, the meeting resulted in a breakthrough, with assurances of payment to contractors, commencing this week.

    Nwosu who at the meeting announced an end to the protest also in the appreciation letter lauded Kalu’s commitment and leadership style that birthed significant solutions, restoring hope and trust among the contractors.

    The AICAN President attributed the suspension of their planned “Occupy Abuja” action to the Parliament’s intervention, expressing optimism that the meeting would lay the foundation for lasting solutions to the issues.

    “Once again, I want to sincerely thank you for your timely intervention and the thoughtful approach you adopted in giving hope to our contractors and to the association at large. May God continue to bless you with the wisdom and strength needed to navigate the complexities of leadership, even as you rise to greater heights in your political journey.

    “It is truly inspiring to see you adding value and tackling difficult challenges for the collective good of all irrespective of tribe or religion. I must admit, I came into the meeting with mixed feelings, largely due to previous engagements that had eroded the trust and confidence we once held. However, your presence and leadership brought renewed hope.

    “I believe this meeting which has, by implication, led to the suspension of our planned Occupy Abuja action will serve as a turning point and lay the foundation for lasting solutions to our demands moving forward. Thank you”, Nwosu said.

  • HoR D/Spokesperson hails Speaker, Kalu’s committee, for prompt resolution of FG/contractors’ impasse

    HoR D/Spokesperson hails Speaker, Kalu’s committee, for prompt resolution of FG/contractors’ impasse

    Deputy Spokesperson of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Philip Agbese, has lauded the effort of the Speaker, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas and his deputy, Dr. Benjamin Kalu, in resolving the lingering impasse between the federal government and indigenous contractors.

    Recall that, the Speaker, through his Chief of Staff, Prof. Jakes Dan Azumi, had earlier this week, announced two distinctive ad-hoc committees, headed by the Deputy Speaker, Kalu and his predecessor, RT. Hon. Idris wase; to look into the complaints of non funding of constituency projects by the executive and alleged lopsided recruitment into the National Assembly bureaucracy, respectively.

    Barely 24 hours after the announcement, Deputy Speaker, Kalu swung into action by causing an expanded meeting between the Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr. Wale Edu; the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), Mr. Samsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi; and about 100 indigenous contractors across various sections of the country.

    Kalu was said to have successfully brokered a resolution through his intervention, bringing an end to the standoff between the Federal Government and indigenous contractors of Nigeria, at the Thursday’s meeting.

    To this end, payments to contractors are expected to commence from Monday, 8th September, 2025.

    Responding to questions from Journalists Friday morning, Agbese, who currently represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State; acknowledged Kalu-led Committee, for swiftly arresting the agelong protests of the Contractors.

    Agbese alluded to the fact that, such intervention from the leadership of the House was a pointer that developments will not elude the people at the grassroots, saying, this is a Hallmark of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He reiterated that, the 10th House of Representatives under Speaker Abass remained committed to the welfare of all Nigerians, down to the rural areas.

    “This swift intervention by His Excellency, Kalu-led Committee, has greatly solved more than half of Nigerians’ problem. You know a hungry man is an angry man. And it is when a man is hungry that he would appreciate a plate of food. These Contractors have actually been agitating, now succors have come their way, as they would be smiling to the banks as from Monday next week.

    “This is what only responsible and responsive leadership can give. We must give it to the Speaker and his Deputy! This is what we have known them for and this is one of the reasons why the entire 358 Members of the House will continue to rally round them with support until the timeline of the 10th House is over; and we pray for the 11th House to be graciously blessed with the duo of Abbas and Kalu, again”, Agbese added.

    He said, the House under Abbass has played several strategic roles between critical stakeholders such as, “averting industrial disputes between the Federal Government and ASUU, FG and NLC and most recently, conflict between the FG and the youths, where Mr. Speaker engaged young Nigerians in marathon meetings that lasted for days before amicable resolutions were reached.

    “What that tells us is that, with Tajudeen Abass heading a strategic arm of Government as Speaker, the President can always go to bed with his eyes fully closed as well as the youths and other stakeholders having a Government that they are sure will protect and serve their interest, irrespective of the hour of the day”.

    The Lawmaker expressed great optimism that, the development would no doubt make Nigerians happy as those contractors have families, loved ones and friends, who depend on them.

    Agbese, however, called on the Contractors and the general public, to keep fate with the current leadership of the House and the executive, trusting their various Representatives enough to work with the administration, in delivering all the deliverables encapsulated in the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

  • Nigerian Youths, heartbeat of nation, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Nigerian Youths, heartbeat of nation, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    …celebrates International Youth Day

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has described Nigerian youths as the heartbeat of the nation.

    Kalu made the submission in a statement on Tuesday to commemorate the 2025 International Youth Day.

    He highlighted the crucial role young people play in driving progress within the communities of the country to ultimately, accelerate national growth and development.

    Emphasizing his office’s collaboration with some youth-led organizations to implement empowerment programmes and initiatives, the Deputy Speaker praised Nigerian youths for their hard work, resilience, creativity, patriotism and passion for greatness, believing that these qualities will illuminate their path toward a brighter and more inclusive future.

    He said that the youths are the country’s innovators, change-makers, and leaders of today and tomorrow, acknowledging their vital contributions to society.

    The Deputy Speaker noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has been youth-friendly, also working assiduously to empower them more.

    Calling to them to continue being supportive of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Kalu also urged the youths to remain law-abiding, assuring that their future is brighter under President Tinubu’s leadership.

  • Reps to vote on Special Seats Bill, others after recess-Deputy Speaker Kalu

    Reps to vote on Special Seats Bill, others after recess-Deputy Speaker Kalu

    …urges Women Groups, Devt Partners, Others to Sustain Advocacy

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the parliament will vote on the special seats bill alongside other crucial constitutional amendment bills upon resumption of plenary in October, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy for the Special Seats Bill.

    It will be recalled that the National Assembly recently adjourned plenary session for annual vacation to resume in September.

    Speaking during a Roundtable Reception on the Reserved Seats For Women Bill organized by The Osasu Show (TOS) with support from the Switzerland Embassy in Abuja on Monday, Kalu who is the sponsor of the all-important piece of legislation for gender inclusion in governance space said that it is not born out of sentiments but current realities to deepen democracy in Nigeria.

    He called on the women groups to massively reach out to all the relevant stakeholders and influential people in the country.

    He said: “As the sponsor of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, I want to make this abundantly clear: this bill is not born out of sentiment. It is born out of reason, out
    of evidence, out of the stubborn facts of our current reality. It is rooted in the
    belief that justice delayed is democracy denied.

    “Nigeria is a nation of over 220 million people, and nearly half (49.3 percent) of
    this population are women. And yet, the number of women who sit at the table of
    power in this country is painfully low. In the current 10th National Assembly, only
    19 out of 469 legislators are women (just 3.8 percent). In the House of Representatives, there are only 15 women out of 360. In the Senate, only 4 out of 109. Across all 36 states, we have not a single female governor. And in our
    State Houses of Assembly (out of 991 seats) only 45 are occupied by women.
    That’s a mere 4.5 percent.

    “Keep the advocacy alive. Keep doing it, keep lobbying, there’s no time. We don’t have time. It’s our desire to vote on these constitutional review provisions once we are back from recess. That’s to show you there’s no time.

    “The people you’re talking to must be people who have influence over those that will vote or the voters themselves. So tell your religious leaders, political big players, the wives of the parliamentarians and so on.

    “The language of advocacy should change too. Appeal to them. Reach out to prominent women in this country. Let them come on board. Reach out to influencers, there’s no time. Barely 60 days remaining”.

    Revealing that the bill aligns with the legislative agenda of the House and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kalu also appealed to the political parties, the media and Nigerians in general to support the bill, adding that his office is always ready to give the needed technical insights.

    “The 10th House of Representatives, under the purposeful leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, has placed inclusion at the centre of its legislative vision. This commitment aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which anchors national development on equity, justice, and opportunity. Through progressive policies and appointments, the President has shown a clear intent to disrupt entrenched norms. The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is a reflection of this shared resolve and the 10th Assembly is proud to be the legislative catalyst advancing it.

    “To our partners in civil society, the international community, and the development sector: your role is indispensable. Join us in equipping, mentoring, and amplifying the voices of the women this bill seeks to empower. Your expertise, advocacy, and collaboration remain vital.

    “To political parties: reform must begin within. Open your ranks. Prioritise women not merely as supporters, but as candidates and decision-makers. The strength of our democracy depends on the strength of our internal democratic institutions.

    “To the media: shape the national conversation. Tell this story not as tokenism, but as transformation. This bill is not a favour, it is a framework for equity. A nation cannot fly with one wing.
    And to the Nigerian people, men and women, young and old, this is your bill.
    Support it. Speak for it. Stand behind it. Because when women rise, nations do
    not merely progress, they prosper. When women lead, societies heal.

    “The Office of the Deputy Speaker stands as a convening platform for all committed to gender-responsive governance. We invite collaboration across sectors to co-design advocacy, mobilise communities, and build consensus. We welcome development partners to offer technical insight, policy guidance, and leadership training. We urge political institutions to work with us to institutionalise inclusion”, Kalu said.

  • Finally, Senate confirms Uzor-Kalu as NASC Commissioner

    Finally, Senate confirms Uzor-Kalu as NASC Commissioner

    The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Dr. Nnanna Uzor-Kalu as Commissioner in the National Assembly Service Commission.

    The Senate confirmed Dr. Nnanna Uzor-Kalu after the consideration of the report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service of the Senate for the nomination of Uzor-Kalu for the National Assembly Service Commission.

    It could be recalled that Nnanna Uzor-Kalu’s name was dropped by the Senate Committee earlier during screening due to petition against t the Committee, but after a thorough investigation by the Committee he was cleared and his name submitted to the Senate for consideration and confirmation.

  • Don’t copy Kenya – Lawmaker begs Nigerians ahead of nationwide protest

    Don’t copy Kenya – Lawmaker begs Nigerians ahead of nationwide protest

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu on Thursday urged youths to avoid any form of protests over the current economic hardship.

    The lawmaker while speaking during plenary insisted that Nigeria is the giant of Africa and it would be degrading for citizens to carry placards and line up the streets like other small African countries.

    Kalu who admitted that there was economic hardship in the country, appealed to the citizenry to be patient with the federal government.

    According to him, “We have a problem. It is not in doubt, Mr. Speaker. There is no member here who disagrees with the point that there is a problem in Nigeria. But also there is no representative here who doesn’t believe that problems that we refer to did not just arise overnight. It is a compilation of years of difficulties that piled up.

    “There is an agreement in our mind also that one year is not enough to resolve hydra headed problems, and as a solution hub, what we are here to do is to find the best plug to fit into the hole that will soothe the pain of Nigerians. Nigeria is bleeding. We agree. We are also Nigerians.

    “So, I want to join in the prayers of this motion to speak to the people of Nigeria. Your crying is right. Your complaint of hardship is right. But is the solution found in carrying placard and lining the streets? Is the solution found in copying a country lesser than us? The references that are made today to Kenya and the rest of them; they are smaller countries to Nigeria.

    “We are giant of Africa. We must proffer solution that is better and sustainable and lasting. That solution is not found in our children being killed on the street while protesting. It is not found in our raising placard. It is found in supporting the policies of government and understanding that these policies need time to begin to materialize.

    “Rome was not built in a day. In 360 days, the president of this country has not rested, has not gone on Jamboree, has not gone to pursue shadows. He has been deliberately, intentionally laying foundation for a nation that needs stability.’’

  • Right of Reply: Benjamin Kalu: The power of focus and triumph over distractions

    Right of Reply: Benjamin Kalu: The power of focus and triumph over distractions

    By Levinus Nwabughiogu.

    If not for the good and protection of the unsuspecting members of the public who may be hoodwinked into believing the series of invidious hogwash deliberately written against my principal, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in the media recently, I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid for a rebuttal because the purveyors would certainly feel dignified with a response.

    For starters, I had taken a position earlier to ignore those claptraps as they didn’t speak to any significant issue of social or economic importance or development which has been the drive in our political trajectory. But consequent upon the delugeness of the onslaughts and the need to correct the wrong narratives, I am persuaded to change my position.

    Besides, I have been inundated with calls from various quarters of the society for my reactions and, naturally, when calls reach a crescendo, showing sufficient predilection for a response, anyone would be compelled to budge. And this is it.

    First. It was an opinionated piece title “Kalu’s Quest To Promote Regional Agenda As House Deputy Speaker” authored by one Dayo Akinwale published in Thisday Newspaper on July 1, 2024 wherein he spewed unprovoked hate and animosity, painting the Deputy Speaker with an ethnic brush.

    The second piece ensued from one Mbaukwu Ihedigbo. Apparently coming from a known background, the minion, understandably an e-rat, propelled by his affinity with the powers-that-be in Abia State, danced naked on Facebook through a piece titled “The Urgent Need to Halt Hon. Ben Kalu’s Political Maneuvering and Why Governor Alex Otti Should Be Vigilant”.

    Yet, on a dramatic dimension and in quick succession, one Adebiyi Omotosho Dan collated the publications in his article titled “Local Boy Gone Bananas: Kalu’s Descent into Controversies” published on Opera news on July 12, 2024.

    What a tittle-tattle from a bunch of delusional ignoramuses who obviously deserve our collective pity.

    To my chargrin, Dayo struck the cord of infantilism when he fathomed and justified his diatribe with Kalu’s consistent efforts to advance the cause of Ndi Igbo and catalyze the development of the eastern region.

    Worst of it all is that a reputable national newspaper like ThisDay tolerated Dayo’s unabashed indiscretion when he submitted that Kalu’s advocacy on the release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a sin.

    One would have thought that Dayo who is understood to be a parliamentary reporter, covering the proceedings of the House of Representatives would have picked up a better faultline like incompetence and tell the world that Kalu was not fit for the job but no, he took the unsavory route, plunging himself into pettiness and rabble rousing in abject ignorance and crass idiosy, displaying his tremendous hatred for Kalu.

    He did not punctuate on the self embrassing, delusional punchline afterwards but elatedly ethnicized the piece, thereby casting a slur on the sanctity of journalism profession. For anyone who knows his onions in the noble profession of journalism, truth, substance, accuracy and objectivity are the cannons as well as the golden rules. Put succinctly, they are the hallmarks of journalism, anywhere. But Dayo chose to dance naked on the pages of the newspaper with some celebratory air, unabashedly.

    But it is gratifying to read him eulogize the legislative acumen, the oratory prowess and adept intellectual sagacity that define the political persona of Kalu. Even Kalu’s political opponents will agree that those are the distinct features that have made him a deputy speaker extraordinaire.

    Read Dayo: “No one ever doubts the competence and capacity of the Deputy Speaker, even his political adversaries doff hat for him. Despite being a second term legislator in the House, he is well grounded in the legislative processes. The Bende-born lawmaker is also a delight to watch whenever he presides over the plenary. He’s a beauty to watch”.

    Yes, Kalu may not be your regular politician but he’s surely your passionate leader that is promoting patriotism and and typifying nationalism, not ethnicism or parochialism. Kalu’s passion for the oneness of Nigeria is covert and unassailable. In his legislative duties and responsibilities, he has equally shown remarkable zeal and zest. No ethnic jingoist or tribal enthusiast would embark on a sprawled advocacy to relaunch his region into the mainstream politics for national cohesion and integration. No ethnic bigot would wear Nigeria and the embroidery of diversity. No tribal activist would spread appointments to accommodate the heterogeneity of Nigeria. But that is Kalu in his pure Nigerianness. He did it. Kalu would rather be championing secession and similar preachments with his position if he was pursuing a regional agenda. Far from it. The deputy speaker is a nationalist. A pan-Nigerian and this is exemplified by the preponderance of his engagements across the federation.

    And then, you ask, what is wrong in appealing to the authorities for the release of his kinsman who has been in the gulags for years? You also ask, what is wrong in Kalu preaching peace and amplifying the message of love amongst Nigerians? You also ask, what is wrong in Kalu calling and galvanizing his people to support the party in power? You ask again, what is wrong in Kalu inviting Nigeria to his native town of Bende in Abia State during the unveiling of his pet project, Peace In South East (PISE-P) to declare the restoration of peace and treat his august visitors to the hospitality of Ndigbo? And what is wrong in the appeals for non kinetics as a measure to quelling youth restiveness and addressing insecurity and the concomitant sociological effects and disparities?

    This must be Kalu’s array of misdemeanours that elicited anger in Dayo and his co-travellers and catapulted them to the path of infamy and perfidy. Dayo’s journey to the wide plains can only find summary in one word: Ignorance of the ethos of his journalistic calling. And this suffices.

    Equally, the lackey from Abia, my home State went suicidal in his wailing and wilful attempt to create a deceitful social media narrative that Kalu was plotting to take over the government house by 2027.

    Referring him as an agent provocateur may be appropriate just to describe his clomping around, struggling to be noticed, at least for his nuisance value. This is why I was reluctant, ab initio, to rebut.

    Ihedigbo’s headache is that Abians and indeed, Nigerians have fallen in love with Kalu’s legislative prowess and technical competences. His worry is that individuals across the State have decided to group themselves in solidarity to his growing political profile and influences. So, for him, this is all about 2027 elections and for that, Kalu should be checked and stopped before he outwits and outflanks Governor Otti from the government house.

    Of course, this alarm may be a sundry display of youthful exuberance but, for me, it is of cataclysmic impudence. Anyone who is very familiar with Kalu’s style of politics will attest to the fact that he has never been inebriated by the strength of the federal politics. He might be an opposition in Abia from Abuja but it is not in his totems to distance himself from issues that will contribute to the growth and development of his home State. Recall that he always attended important meetings of State during the administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu who was PDP. In the present regime, Kalu I’d also giving his unflinching support to Governor Otti. So, to have one street urchin line up some combustibles, ostensibly to injure the wall of relationship and destroy the affinity that exists between Otti and Kalu is to play the Devil’s advocate. And people like him should be kept far from the corridors of powers with serious alacrity as a way of containing their toxins.

    For purposes of recapitulation, Kalu has a job in Abuja that he is passionately and diligently discharging. He is not talking politics. He’s talking governance and that is his lot for now.

    It is needless to tell these mischief makers and alarmists that while they were basking in the euphoria of their unbridled, ignoble and ludicrous fantasy of gossips, Kalu was busy with state matters, engaging with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, presiding over the plenary sessions, chairing the meetings of the Constitutional Review Committee in Lagos and attending the south east stakeholders meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State for the good of the country.

    Now enter the Omotosho Dan guy from Opera news. For a better understanding of his role, call him a middlesome interloper. His swift chronological compilation of the publications and their torrential timelines gave him up as a mercenary. He wears the toga of a man recording many slips of his enemy but I got news for him: Kalu’s colleagues are pleased with him and he clearly understands that his position is a privileged one. The deputy speaker does not see himself as anybody’s boss but a servant-leader unanimously called by his contemporaries to serve them.

    Dan also needs to understand the age-long rules of the House and the constitutional provision that in the absence of the speaker, the deputy speaker presides. And it also suffices to inform that speaker Abbas has explicit confidence in Kalu to run the affairs of the House in his absence with the support of the members.

    Incidentally, these haters and wailing wailers (apologies to Mr. Femi Adesina) completely forgot the place of divine grace in Kalu’s geometric rise in politics.

    Maybe, it will be right at this juncture to tell Dan that Hon. Cyril Hart did not stage a walk-out. You call it a walk-out when one leaves one’s seat in the course of an argument. But in this case, Hon. Hart resumed his seat after baring his mind to the deputy speaker at the plenary. He remained there until the gavel went down on the issue at stake. It was after the motion had been referred to the appropriate committee of the House that he left his seat. This was the case and nothing more. Maybe, I should also tell Dan that, procedurally, a matter of personal explanation has its time and does not happen midway into the proceedings or be allowed to take the place of matter of privilege. But Kalu as the presiding officer was fair on his colleague to have allowed him to speak under personal explanation instead of privilege at the time. Maybe, I should also go a step further to tell Dan that the lawmaker has since apologized and reconciled with Kalu as revealed by the deputy speaker at the plenary on Thursday last week. Maybe, I should also tell the writer that when a member at the plenary that same day demanded an unreserved apology from Hart for his conduct that painted all the first timers with the same brush, Kalu pleaded with him to allow the sleeping dog lie. That is the application of emotional intelligence. That is leadership.

    Of course, he doesn’t see himself as a demi god or a man on infallibilities. No. Kalu is human and therefore not immune from flaws and frailties. He also needs the support of his immediate colleagues, all and sundry to succeed. Success is what should matter to us all and not this orchestrated plan to pull him down.

    As the days go by, watch him deliver on his mandate in another appreciable dimension.

    Nwabughiogu is the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

  • IKEMEFUNA IKECHUKWU: Who is Afraid of Benjamin Kalu’s Rising?

    IKEMEFUNA IKECHUKWU: Who is Afraid of Benjamin Kalu’s Rising?

    By Ikemefuna Ikechukwu.

    An African proverb says: “If a madman takes your clothes (while taking bath) you shouldn’t run after him naked. If you do, people will think that both of you are crazy.”

    So ordinarily one would have ignored a gibberish published on obscured online platform by a coward who lacks even the temerity to append his or her byline with poorly phrase title: “Local Boy Gone Bananas: Kalu’s Descent into Controversies.”

    However, for the sake of unsuspecting members of the public and multitude fans of the Sagacious Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Esq to be lured into believing that silence implies admittance of guilt, one spare time to correct the evil intended and malicious vituperations of that faceless forlorn.

    From the title of that bile and hatred innuendo: It is obvious the pseudo author knows little or nothing about the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Esq, hence what he or she said about him or his office was borne out of crass ignorance or just an attempt to satisfy the ego of their paymaster(s) who are obviously very afraid of Kalu for reasons best known to them. Hope it is not the the fear of the end of their political empire that held many down from rising . An enemy of growth can never grow .

    The suspected paymaster remains the real unexposed uneducated rural mummy’s boy in an adult skin. When you are raised by a cloth hanger selling father and an ogogoro drink selling mother on the streets of Aba and never sat and passed any exam in your life you are the real rural boy.

    Rural boys like the sponsor of the article have allowed their childhood inferiority complex to demonize them for life . We challenge the writer and the sponsor to publish their profile let’s compare their exposure to education, leadership and career against the young man that has given them sleepless night for having eyes for excellence, carrying himself and the rich identity of his people proudly and confidently, for delivering content and capacity for showcasing a high level of emotional intelligence in leadership not excluding his selfless approach to power. Unlike the sponsor of this bike that held the people of the southeast down in the kitchen of her mother with melons in their hands . Because he tried to stop him and he beat him severally to it being smarter and it is difficult for you to accept .

    Now, I would delve a little into why Kalu can’t be described as a local boy. In his formative years, Kalu attended the famous Wilcox Memorial Comprehensive Secondary school , Aba, University of Calabar where he was a students representative – in the South-south geopolitical zone well outside his state Abia state and the South-East zone .

    Kalu was the youngest local government chairman of Bende, the biggest undivided local government area since 1976 with a total of one hundred autonomous communities. At 34, he was a member of the Abia State Government Executive Cabinet as a Senior Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, while at 35, he was Senior Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Millennium Development Goals and International Relations.

    He was the National Chapter Chairman of a ruling party in the Diaspora in 2001 under President Obasanjo; an international businessman cutting across different continents including Australia where he worked for Australia for United Nations High Commission for refugees (UNHCR) in Sydney New South Wales Australia. Operated his law firm Silk partners LLP in Lekki Lagos with interest in businesses across Europe, Middle East and Africa in real estate , mining , manufacturing , commodities trading, food processing and packaging , international trading etc before his election into the House of Representatives in 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in 2023.

    Kalu has an impressive educational background, with a Master of Business Administration from Oxford Brookes University UK , a distinction in Master of Law LL.M ( Terrorism and international law ) university of calabar where he earlier in life got a Bachelor of Law degree LL.B (Hons.) . He was also called to the Nigerian Bar, after completing his studies at the Nigeria Law School in Enugu, where he honed his legal skills. Lalu just finished his PhD course work with the university of Abuja in Public Policy and Strategic studies awaiting convocation . Are you also aware he has been busy with university of calabar to round up his PhD in law with only two courses left ?

    It is important for you to know that this busy well educated man who has no time for haters like the write and the sponsor can easily fit into any other role globally with his acquired skills and expertise . In John Conor University campus Italy , he earned a certificate in Migration and human rights for his work and studies on that space .

    The University of Groningen in the Netherlands recognised his expertise in this field with a Certificate in Illicit Trade,

    At the Miami Herbert Business School of Miami University in the USA,He has also acquired valuable knowledge in governance and development and was Certificated in Governance & Development .

    Coming from the Niger delta region with environmental challenges he went to acquire more knowledge on environmental crimes and was awarded a Certificate in Environmental Crimes by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) in Italy.

    Additionally, his Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators United Kingdom (CIARB) at the University of Oxford obtained in 2014 showcases his proficiency in dispute resolution. This he has employed in his non kinetic model of conflict resolution in the South East and the rest of Nigeria .

    Kalu’s global recognition extends to his Fellowship in prestigious organizations such as OSHAssociation UK, the Chartered Institute of International Arbitrators (CIARB UK), the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), and his fellowship with the Institute of Administrative Managers (F.Inst.AM).

    These affiliations reflect his commitment to excellence and professionalism in various fields. A thorough breed young leader that Nigeria is watching closely as he rises .

    So if not for mischief, how can one call somebody with such tall resume and exposure both national and international as a “local boy who is exposed to power and influence for the first time.”? The spirit of pull him Down syndrome dormant in south east should not be brought to us at this national level . The real rural local boy should allow the mentality from the mothers ogororo shop to leave his brain , the damage has been done already just see a psychologist to end your child hood battles .

    The senile and ineptitude writer, depending solely on an opinionated analysis published in ThisDay and written by a reporter who understandably covers the House of Representatives and might be looking for the attention of the Deputy speaker to dwell to a point of jejune that the Deputy Speaker was preoccupied with ethnic or regional agenda.

    Though Rt. Hon. Kalu was first and foremost elected to represent the Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State in Southeastern Nigeria, all can attest to how the Deputy Speaker introduced himself on the floor as “ representing the entire Nigeria starting from Abia State “, during his term as a spokesperson of the house and the image maker he never appeared to Nigerians as the local boy the real local mummy’s boy in adults skin the sponsor failed to present to us . This writer should have seen that he was always the first to condemn any security breach in any part of the country, sympathise with the victims and call on government to take action.

    While the writer is blind when Kalu moves against killings, kidnapping and other acts of insecurity in other parts of Nigeria but reads only articles that characterised his concern about insecurity in South-east as politically motivated, he should equally recognised that the Deputy Speaker is the highest political office holder nationally from the zone and is a given , that what affects his people should worry him.

    Hence may be there was no elaborate analysis from ThisDay for him to read and pass judgement, the author is not aware of PISE-P, project peace initiative inspired by Kalu and the result it is yielding to the region.

    Also, the alarmist is yet to read in the media to infer that at least 50 members of the House of Representatives from different parts of Nigeria and Political Parties known as concerned federal lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to cause the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

    He or she is still unaware that the South East caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed support for the call for the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and appealed to President Tinubu to consider freeing him and others in a similar situation.

    That statement signed by the 43 lawmakers that cut across the five States of the South East geopolitical zone – Abia, Anambra,
    Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo and signed by Deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Abia); the Deputy minority whip of the House, Hon. George Ozodinobi (Anambra); the leader of the South East caucus, Hon. Enwo Igariwey (Ebonyi); Deputy Leader of the caucus, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji (Enugu) and the Secretary of the caucus, Hon. Miriam Onuoha (Imo), among others that was widely published across media platforms has not caught his attention.

    Perhaps, ThisDay should help this her avowed reader to do analysis on all these including the Bill on State Police which the Deputy is the lead sponsor that is aimed at addressing security challenges across the country for his or her feeble mind to form another opinion hence he or she is suffering from the effect of knowledge gap hypothesis.

    Coming to nonsensical insinuations that the Deputy Speaker is doing all these to get re-election is as laughable as it is unattainable. As he or she depends on media to make judgement, the writer is yet to know that Kalu survived the Peter Obi’s Labour Party tsunami in Abia and entire South-east and he was re-elected for a second based on his track record achievements in lawmaking, representation and oversight which are the core duties of a legislature. I challenge the biased writer to visit the Bende constituency where a poll has been conducted by Princeton university USA in partnership with the Ngozi Okonjo Iwuala poll agency to confirm that 95 % of the people in Bende wants to reelect him on grounds of performance . He should go and find out why .

    Still on the political turf, the pseudo writer in his gullibility accused Kalu planning to topple Governor Otti, that is to tell you that it is people like him or her that doesn’t want peace and development of Abia and Southeast entirely. However, both the Governor and Deputy Speaker understands the efficacy of synergy in fostering progress of their state. On this the duo of Kalu and Otti should be applauded for avoiding the animosity between national leaders and state leaders even of the same political party which retards development. The deputy speaker has always given support to previous Governors without seeking to topple them the same way he is supporting his current Governor .

    On the issue of national visibility through the media, it will be better for those who are afraid of Kalu to disabuse their minds before they develop mental challenges because the Deputy Speaker has media exposure through his political career and particularly when he was the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives. In this age of information technologies, leaders should be visible to those they lead , that’s the dynamics he is bringing and this has inspired a lot of young people to aspire for quality leadership he is providing confidently across Nigeria . He is well known across Nigeria even more in the North . He is in the news for good reasons not bad as the layers of banana pills would wish for .

    Coming to the happenings on the floor of the House of Representatives and inside the parliament, perhaps the writer again had his eyes sealed when Benjamin Kalu was elected unopposed by lawmakers with over 70% of being Green horn. There are rules of the House which govern proceedings and how the presiding officer directs debate is expressly stated. No one has ever accused the Deputy Speaker of violating those standing rules orders. One will not dwell much on this because the person saying there are no eggs in the bird’s nest is not on the tree only someone who’s there can tell. Did you witness the motion moved by the chairman of young people in parliament last week Hon Akao? When he stood to appreciate all the support of the deputy speaker to the young parliamentarians, encouraging and supporting them ? Did you hear when the deputy spokesperson of the house rose to ask for apologies for the mistake made by hon Cyril Hart with his generalized statement about the new members , how he condemned it and wanted him to be punished for misfiring ? But the same deputy speaker said , we should leave that in the past and move on ? Are you aware the Hon Cyril Hart has apologized and copied ranking members for his misbehaviour? No you won’t report that because your pay master is biased . He should keep being afraid and what he is afraid of will happen before his eyes .

    For the issue of the “Novelty Group”
    it is obvious the nameless writer since reading the ThisDay article has been off the media space to read that some members of the group has since dismissed the insinuation that they were after Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Deputy Speaker Kalu.

    “To the best of my knowledge, and as far as I know, I don’t think any of such exist. As far as I know, there is no member or group of members that intend to change the leadership or try to work against the leadership structure,” a member of the group, Hon. Kolawole Akinlayo (APC-Ekiti) was quoted to have said.

    On the relationship between Kalu and Speaker Abbas, one will not wake up the dreamer from his or her slumber when his hallucinations are over, the ship will leave him or her in ocean of bewilderment!

    Abbas calls his Deputy my brother , friend and confidant, a great and reliable partner, the best Deputy Speaker to work with. What more can I say than that I have never seen a loyalty and mutual respect so pure and productive like what I have seen exist between them. Do you know in one year of their administration there has never been a single matter to settle within the leadership. It has never happened before. Nigerians are watching them to experience this combo at a higher national assignment having shown trust worthiness.

    Ikechukwu a public affairs analyst writes from Enugu

  • Nigerian youths our most valuable assets – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Nigerian youths our most valuable assets – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    …lauds Tinubu’s commitment to harnessing youth potentials

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has noted the valuable role youths of Nigeria play in defining and achieving development and security in the nation, saying that the youth remain the energy of the nation.

    Kalu noted this when he received on a courtesy visit, the leadership of the Green Assembly Initiative and Nigeria Youth Organization, in his office at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    Addressing the delegation, the Deputy Speaker stated that young people play a major role in shaping the future of our nation, as they are the driving force behind innovation, progress, and social change.

    He also stated that without the youths the potentials of the nation will be inactive but with the energy that comes with them, those potentials will be made kinetic and will drive the needed impact and outcome in the various sectors of our economy and policy implementation of the nation.

    According to him, their fresh perspectives, energy, and idealism are instrumental in building a more secure, prosperous, and unified Nigeria.

    Kalu commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to harnessing youth potentials.

    He stated that Tinubu, as a head hunter who hunts for the best brain among the youth, has consciously engaged the youth with responsibilities for which they have carried on well and have not disappointed the President.

    He stressed that various capacities and assignments given to the youth by the President, even up to ministerial positions, they’re doing well, adding that the leader of the nation is intentional in working with the energy that the youth bring.

    The Deputy Speaker, urged the group to deepen the parliament’s understanding of their work and explore ways to collaborate on issues that are critical to the future of Nigeria, so as to ensure a brighter future for young Nigerians and our nation as a whole

    Kalu said, “It is with delight that I welcome you all to the People’s House. It is a pleasure to receive representatives of the Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organization. The members and leadership of the House of Representatives are deeply appreciative of the kind words you extended regarding our contributions to national security, peace, and unity. These are indeed critical areas that demand focused commitment, and we recognize the valuable role young Nigerians play in achieving these goals. The Green Assembly Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Organization provides a platform for constructive dialogue among young Nigerians. Your commitment to empowering youth through nation-building, entrepreneurship, security awareness, and promoting national unity is truly commendable.

    “The House of Representatives recognizes the vital role young people play in shaping the future of our nation. You are the driving force behind innovation, progress, and social change. Your fresh perspectives, energy, and idealism are instrumental in building a more secure, prosperous, and unified Nigeria. The House Committee on Youth Development is actively engaged in initiatives that empower and support young Nigerians. The House plays a role in youth development through law-making, representation, and oversight.

    “Therefore, I implore the National Youth Organization and the Green Assembly Initiative to establish lines of communication with the House Committee on Youth Development as a pathway for partnership with the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly as a whole. Having you think and align with the same mandate and National objectives of this administration is a step toward the right direction. Once again, I extend a warm welcome to the leadership of the GAI and NYO.”

    Earlier, the groups led by its President, Amb. Duka Alamboye commended the Deputy Speaker on the efforts he’s making to ensure peace and security in the Southeast.

    He added that the organisation wants to work with his office, towards youth development, and build a Nigeria we are all hoping for.

    “On behalf of the Nigerian youth we thank you. I want to tell that as an organized youth body, we’ve outlined our activities for the year, by June 12 we’ll join Nigeria to celebrate democratic day. We want to use that day to appreciate and give national youth award to deserving Nigerians. As we work towards youth development, we want to identify with you, so that together we’ll build a Nigeria we are all hoping for.

    “Very soon we’ll be having the day of the African child, that’s a program we take to heart, we have noticed that in our country, due to the level of not applying interest in informal education. We are focused on skills acquisition to empower our youths to have jobs so we have less unemployed youths. We also help victims of domestic violence, we also teach the youth how to leave the world of crime and show more interest in using skills to better their lives.”

  • S’East Dev. Comm. bill to be transmitted to Tinubu for assent soon – Kalu

    S’East Dev. Comm. bill to be transmitted to Tinubu for assent soon – Kalu

    …seeks de-radicalization programme for weapon bearers in South East

    …as Nnamdi Azikiwe varsity partners PISE-P for peace in Igboland

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has revealed that the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill that recently passed through third reading respectively in the Green Chambers and the Senate will soon be ready for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assent.

    Kalu said that the bill is presently at the
    Conference Committee stage for the concurrence of both chambers of national assembly on its sections and provisions.

    The Deputy Speaker made the revelation on Tuesday evening when he received in audience the Directors of Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies (IPSDS) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka led by their Co-Chairman, Chief Chikwe Udensi on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

    IPSDS is a specialised Institute established by the Senate and the Council of the University to research into the causes, dimensions, consequences and possible managements of conflicts and insecurity, and their consequent effects on development.

    Kalu said that the bill was an advocacy of Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), to help in solving the infrastructural challenges in the region 53 years after the civil war.

    He appreciated the Institute for opting to synergize with PISE-P, an initiative birthed by him and other members of the National Assembly from the South East that calls for a non kinetic way of handling the insecurity in the region.

    The deputy speaker decried the rate of fatalities arising from incidences of insecurity in the zone, saying that the bill aims at creating jobs and healing the wounds of the past.

    He said: “In my private studies and others conducted by the team around me, we discovered that, the kinetic approach, in isolation of non kinetic mechanisms, was not delivering the expected deliverables of this engagement. Call it operation Egwueke or Lion or whatever you call it, wasn’t delivering; yet, Nigeria was spending so much money making those operations alive to the detriment of the blood of our citizens on the streets.

    “And we said no. It was about time we considered alternative approach to the resolution of this conflict. That was why we birthed the Peace in South East Project; fortunately advancing, advocating, highlighting, showcasing the possibilities of achieving peace without the barrels of guns.

    “The region was tired of hearing the sounds of guns that they heard over 50 years ago. A new sound reminded those who were around what they passed through. And that stimulated a new conversation about the war – not about reconciliation, about the pain, not about the progress towards peace. So, the more sounds of guns, the more history is told about how it re-echoes in the minds of those who lost their dear ones.

    “And we wanted to stop that. We said, for the price of guns, give us other tools that are non kinetic. Give us good roads, give us good hospital. For the price of the budget for the military interventions, give us good hospitals. Give us grants, fulfill that promise of reconciliation, of reconstruction, of reintegration.

    “That was what pushed us through the advocacy of Peace In South East Project to look for the lowest hanging fruits that catch-up the desires and the dreams of the region in one bloc, and that’s what we saw in the South East Development Commission Bill.

    “In the lines of that legislation, lie the dreams of our people. In the sections of that legislation lie the desires from the South Eastern man. The fulfillment of that enactment, when the President assents to it, is a fulfillment of the dreams of our ancestors who long for peace, who long for integration, who long for development – all captured in one document, summarized, using the federal government allocation for the reconstruction of the dilapidated region as a result of the five decades of post war experience. We didn’t hide anything about it.

    “And the lawmakers from the North, from the South, from the Southwest, from all over the country supported me and it passed through the House and we went to the Senate. It passed through the Senate.

    “As we speak, as we are having this meeting now, the Senate and the House of Representatives Conference Committee is meeting to give it the final touch for it to go to Mr. President for assent.

    “Your visit is significant. If we get that across, it will be one of the achievements of Peace In South East Project. But we need you and what you stand for as an institution.”

    Kalu further charged the Institute to evolve practical ways of working to find lasting solutions to the problem of insecurity while also de-radicalizing those carrying weapons in the region.

    “As leaders, we must acknowledge that conflict and insecurity are complete, complex issues that require multifaceted approaches. Research institutions like yours are crucial in providing valuable insight and evidence based solution to address these challenges.

    “So you have a work to do. Your work is vital in helping us understand the root causes of conflict. There are consequences and effective management strategies. I can assure you there are so many clients out there, so many organizations willing to partner us for peace, and institutions like you who play a significant role in making sure that the height of their confidence in the way we are doing things will be increased.

    “Your institution will partner with us to provide solutions like they did with the Desmond Tutu committee in South Africa. Reconciliation. Truth and Reconciliation committee in South Africa. Things like that must be put in place as reconciliation platforms to enable people to heal their wound.

    “So while we handle the minds of the people, we also put something visible for the southeastern region to know that they are not alienated, so there is no need for violence and anger. We also put instruments in place for the radicalized members of the southeastern region so that they will become de-radicalized.

    “And then after de-radicalizing them, we have to put a platform in place for them to become resourceful by engaging them, positively giving the modality, giving them options that will engage them, rather than having them go back to the agitations and carrying of arms.

    “We must put platforms in place to take over weapons that they are holding to hand over to government. But in place of the weapons they are holding, we place in their hands jobs, we place in their hands skills. We remove the weapons in the hands of the radicalized and replace it with jobs and skills that will give them alternative to livelihood.

    “If we fail in doing that, then our work is not sustainable. But I know if we can partner, we can achieve this”, the Deputy speaker said.

    Earlier in his presentation, the Co-Chairman of the Institute, Chief Udesi said their mission to the House was essentially to collaborate with the deputy speaker in his unwavering commitment towards achieveing peace in the south east.

    “This board can bring value to the project you’ve initiated which is primarily aimed at ensuring that peace is returned to a large extent in the south east

    “Peace has no value without progress. And You can’t achieve progress in any form without peace.

    “Security is very important, developmental activities revolve around it. Without security, not much can be achieved in humans sphere.

    “We are here to collaborate with you to ensure that your project is a successful one”, he said.