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Tag: Benjamin Kalu

  • Deputy Speaker, Kalu hails Ex-Abia Gov, Senator Orji on 73rd Birthday

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu hails Ex-Abia Gov, Senator Orji on 73rd Birthday

    Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has congratulated the former Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Senator Theodore Ahamefula Orji on his 73rd birthday today.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu appreciated God for His grace and benevolence on Orji.

    The Deputy Speaker extolled the contributions of Orji who represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the 8th and 9th National Assembly to the socioeconomic cum political developments of Abia and Nigeria in general, saying that, posterity would be kind to him.

    Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State described Orji as a quintessential elderstatesman who has been an inspiration to many young leaders in Abia State and the nation at large.

    The Deputy Speaker prayed Almighty God to continue to bless Orji with good health and long life.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Deputy Speaker, Kalu advocates better funding for Justice, Social Welfare Institutions

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu advocates better funding for Justice, Social Welfare Institutions

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that inadequate funding of critical justice and social welfare institutions is hampering their ability to carry out their mandates effectively, and thereby compromising the welfare of most citizens, especially the vulnerable ones.

    Kalu stated this on Friday in Abuja during a meeting in his office with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme and European Union, on the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase Two.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, the Deputy Speaker stated that adequate funding is the lifeblood of any institution, especially those that are responsible for upholding the rule of law and ensuring the welfare of citizens.

    He commended the RoLAC Programme’s commitment to ensuring proper funding for these institutions and enhancing access to rights and justice for women, children, and vulnerable persons in Nigeria.

    He made reference to right based legislations enacted by the National Assembly such as Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, Administration of Criminal Justice Act and Discrimination Against Persons Prohibition Act, saying that these legislations were born out of the need to ensure justice, equality, and protection of the most vulnerable citizens in our society.

    Assuring budgetary decisions that will prioritize the funding of these institutions and proper oversight to guarantee that rights-based legislations are implemented, Kalu pledged the support of the National Assembly and strategic collaboration, adding that it can lead to a more just society where the rights of all citizens are upheld and justice is accessible to everyone.

    The Deputy Speaker said, “I am deeply honored to stand before you today to address two critical issues that demand our attention and action. The RoLAC Programme, which has been diligently working towards enhancing the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria, has sent us a compelling request for support in two key areas. I wish to emphasize my enthusiasm and intent in providing support for the following demands. Oversight for the Implementation of Rights-Based Legislation, the first crucial area is the oversight for the implementation of rights-based legislation. Nigeria through the National Assembly has made significant progress in enacting laws that protect the rights of its citizens, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, and the Discrimination Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2018.

    “These legislations were born out of the need to ensure justice, equality, and the protection of the most vulnerable in our society. However, it is one thing to have these laws on paper, and it is another to ensure that they are effectively implemented. In a country as diverse as Nigeria, it is imperative that we ensure that all citizens have equal access to justice and are protected from discrimination and violence. The VAPP Act, for instance, seeks to protect women and vulnerable individuals from all forms of violence, and our commitment to its implementation demonstrates our resolve to create a more just society for all. The second critical area that demands our attention is budgetary decision-making to adequately fund critical justice and social welfare institutions. It is no secret that adequate funding is the lifeblood of any institution, especially those that are responsible for upholding the rule of law and ensuring the welfare of our citizens.

    “Justice and social welfare institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring that our society remains just, equitable, and humane. Inadequate funding can hamper their ability to carry out their mandates effectively. Without proper funding, the wheels of justice turn slowly, if at all, and the welfare of our most vulnerable citizens is compromised. The RoLAC Programme rightly seeks to partner with us in this crucial endeavor. By working together, we can ensure that our budgetary decisions prioritize the funding of these institutions, ensuring they have the resources necessary to fulfill their roles in society. We are presented with an opportunity to make a lasting impact by partnering with them. Our support and strategic collaboration can lead to a more just and equitable society where the rights of all citizens are upheld, and justice is accessible to everyone.

    “I wholeheartedly endorse this partnership and invite the RoLAC Programme to work with us on the specific areas that we will prioritize for immediate intervention. Let us work together to ensure the successful implementation of rights-based legislation and the adequate funding of justice and social welfare institutions. Together, we can make Nigeria better for all citizens.”

    Speaking earlier, the Gender and Human Rights Lead, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Onyinye Ndubuisi told the Deputy Speaker that they seek to partner with the legislature to ensure that every Nigerian woman and girl live above all sorts of violence and violence is eradicated.

    She suggested that the collaboration, starts with a legislative summit, where some policy documents around women and girls in the country are reviewed.

    Signed:

    Udora Orizu, Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Deputy Speaker, Kalu mourns Constitutional Lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu mourns Constitutional Lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has commiserated with the family, government and people of Anambra State over the death of an elder statesman and foremost constitutional lawyer, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN).

    Kalu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu on Monday recalled the remarkable contributions of the late legal luminary in the socio-political spheres of Nigeria.

    The Deputy also recalled that Professor Nwabueze played a major role in the drafting of the 1979 constitution.

    Kalu lauded Professor Nwabueze’s contributions to the Nigerian jurisprudence, stressing that his invaluable works added to the development of legal education.

    The Deputy Speaker also hailed Professor Nwabueze’s contributions to the peace and unity in Igboland especially during his tenure as the Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    Though, Nwabueze exited the world at an advanced age of 94, Kalu believed that the courageous and astitute professor of law will be profoundly missed by all and sundry.

    He prayed God to grant the soul of departed eternal rest.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Deputy Speaker, Kalu distances self from alleged campaign of calumny against Onyejeocha

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu distances self from alleged campaign of calumny against Onyejeocha

    …says he shares healthy relationship with his sister minister

    The Office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives has dissociated itself with an alleged campaign of calumny against Hon Onyejeocha in the media.

    His media office in a statement said its attention has been drawn to a press conference wherein one Usman Shuaibu who claimed to be the national coordinator of ProgressiveProgressive League of APC Youth Voters spewed allegations of campaign of calumny against the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

    “Were it not for purposes of protecting the unsuspecting members of the public who may inadvertently be hoodwinked by a tirade of suprious narratives, the office of the deputy speaker would never be bothered about making a rebuttal.

    “What rather comes to mind is that the press conference was misdirected or at best, done without the consent of the minister who obviously would be embarrassed by it because it has the imprints of a people on a mission to infamy and perfidy.

    “While one is seriously affronted by the launch of insolence and impudence against the person and the Office of the Deputy Speaker by this group, it is also very pertinent to state that it may be lost on them that Kalu shares a healthy and robust relationship with Onyejiocha both as a sister and worthy partner in the government of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “But the fact that Onyejeocha has not yet disassociated herself from the press conference leaves a huge worry and casts aspersions on her person as to what manner of a minister would be creating an impression of someone deliberately courting trouble where none exists.

    “From what is conceivably right and true Onyejeocha is a sister whose integrity would be brutally assaulted by a group that chooses to drag her name to raising false accusations.

    “Though she was a fellow congress member in the 9th National Assembly with Kalu, for starters, except on issues of collective patrimony in Abia State or of national significance in APC or the national Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu does not share a direct political affinity with Onyejiocha so as to be engaged in a feudal struggle.

    “Both officials hail from different political constituencies and so, there is no basis for a political war at all. Kalu’s passion is to engender a new paradigm shift in political leadership especially as it affects the youth of this country.

    “Besides, at the moment, Onyejiocha as a minister functions under the executive arm of government while Kalu is preoccupied with legislative duties at the National Assembly.

    “With these obvious distinctions, it then beats an imagination that Kalu from Bende Federal Constituency, unusually preoccupied with a plethora of national engagemets would effortlessly pick up a quarrel with his sister from Isukwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency.

    “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 Onyejeocha. It is on record that Kalu asked the leaders of Abia APC who paid him a courtesy call in August to rally round Onyejeocha even when she was yet to be made a minister. Kalu also attended her reception on the night of her inuaguration. So, one is mouth agape as to what Onyejiocha is fishing for with the outlandish and ignoble press conference.

    “On this, it may be pertinent to question this false alarm, coming barely one week after Kalu secured victory at the Court of Appeal to affirm his electoral mandate after the Labour Party (LP) and the Action Alliance (AA) fought tirelessly to upturn the mandate of the people. Is there something Onyejiocha is not telling the public about the legal battle even when it was obvious that the AA candidate, Ifeanyi Igbokwe cried impersonation in the matter? Did the judgement which has put an end to the legal voyage and ultimately upheld the election of the deputy speaker upset her? Was she up to something clandestine? We need answers.

    “Anyway, the office of the deputy is busy, so busy in helping the Speaker, 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.

    “Similarly, the office of the Minister is supposedly established to help the government to create jobs for our teeming unemployed youths. Rather than creating jobs through some political subterfuge and encouraging them to occupy the national assembly because Kalu was not sacked by the Court, a new paradigm shift should be born to make the youths succeed in matters of decency. Leaders are a shining example for the youths and therefore must not be seen to be fighting themselves when they should be partners in the task of building the nation. Besides, the future of this great nation which are the youths must not be dragged into a useless, egocentric battle.

    “While it’s not in the totems of the Deputy Speaker to engage or respond to useless vituperations and invectives even when such are poured on him, 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 cawardice 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.

    ” Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is very busy with national assignments and would not be distracted or go on a journey of infamy with anyone.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Deputy Speaker, Kalu kicks off National Action Against Blindness Project

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu kicks off National Action Against Blindness Project

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu kicks off National Action Against Blindness Project

    Benjamin Kalu Foundation in collaboration with Vision Saver Eye Care Limited has kicked off a National Action Against Blindness Project, organizing a three-day medical outreach in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State.

    The Foundation which is the brainchild of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu held the outreach in Bende LGA from 13th to 15th October, 2023.

    A statement signed by his special assistant on press affairs Udora Orizu, stated that the outreach was essentially aimed towards providing free community eye care services, treatment, and medical services to the constituents.

    The exercise witnessed a massive turnout of constituents who needed medical attention for their eyes with over 1200 people receiving medications, medical eye glasses, and cataract surgeries.

    The medical team, consisting of highly skilled Opticians, doctors and medical professionals, worked tirelessly to ensure that each patient received the necessary treatment and care.

    Speaking, when he received progress report from the team, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu emphasized that the project is not just for Bende Federal Constituency but for the entire nation as well.

    According to him, the outreach will be extended to other parts of the country.

    Tasking on the need to double the impact during the next session, the Deputy Speaker also assured of his continued support.

    Kalu said, “The beauty of Nigeria that a man from the North will identify with me, and the problems of my people in the South East, and abandoned his comfort in the north, relocated to the south East my place, spend time with my people to be able to solve their problem of blindness. It’s the type of Nigeria we are looking for, a Nigerian that knows that the pain in the southeast is the pain in the north, and that we are all connected to one another and we must be bothered with what is bothering one another.

    “I’m proud of the vision savers, the cost analysis was good, their response time good, their professionalism good, the impact is massive. We wanted to treat 1000 people and you ended up treating 1200 plus. And I want to thank my team from the office, Chief Daniel Akwari for monitoring this from the start to finish. I’m promising you, because you left a lot of people unattended to, we have to go back, and we will keep going back until we resolve the issue of blindness in Bende, in Abia, in South East and in Nigeria.

    “I will make sure it becomes one of my constituency projects to take care of these ones. Last time I did national health insurance scheme for them and we captured thousands of them to be receiving treatment. But this one the impact is immediate, from the eye surgery, we should be looking at how should we take care of dental issue of my people. How do we take care of malaria and other health issues, as their representative, it’s one of my concerns.

    “We will go to the north, I’m going to be sending you to go to Kaduna state, under my sponsorship, you will go to Zaria where my Speaker comes from and look at the challenges there, I do it to celebrate my relationship with the Speaker. To take care of his people as well, he’s like a big brother, he’s a good leader. Thank you for this mission and may the almighty God bless you and enlarge you. We will partner with you for the four years I’m in this office, to help place joy on the lips of the people that will be present. I want you to go back in two weeks time and your action plan is to do review of what you have done and then you do another set. This time around let’s target 2000, the number needs to be doubled.”

    In their separate remarks, beneficiaries from the 3-day program appreciated the Deputy Speaker for the kind gestures and prayed for God’s protection and guidance as he continues to lead the constituency and also contribute to nation-building.

    Signed:

    Udora Orizu, Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Sit-at-home, unknown gun men alien to Igbo land – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Sit-at-home, unknown gun men alien to Igbo land – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

     

    ..unveils PISE project for restoration of security, peace

    …as Ohanaeze Ndigbo PG calls for unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Friday, said that observance of sit-at-home, unknown gunmen and other social vices are alien and abhorrent to Igboland socially, economically and culturally.

    He however revealed that his office has unveiled a mechanism that will ultimately end insecurity in the south east and restore normalcy in the economic and social life of Ndigbo.

    Unveiling the mechanism as Peace In The South East (PISE) project, he said that that soon his office in agreement with all the lawmakers from the region irrespective of the political parties will reach out the State governors and other critical stakeholders for the launch and implementation of the project.

    He also said that the project will feature a regional security integration and political leadership that will streamline an agenda for the promotion of Igbo cause and growth in terms of infrastructure.

    Kalu who made the revelations during a courtesy call on him by the national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural group led by its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu bemoaned the insecurity in the south east.

    He added that the sit-at-home observed in the region every Monday has crippled businesses and left the region empty.

    Kalu who vehemently objected to the sit-at-home order stated that Ndigbo must extend their handshakes across the federation to restore confidence.

    The Deputy Speaker also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his benevolence to Ndigbo by ensuring that the people of the south east were accorded a place in the political hierarchy of the country.

    Kalu also remarked of his cordial relationship with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, saying he will be delighted in accommodating the requests of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in stamping out insecurity in the south east.

    He said: “Let me also state that, in our pursuit for these noble objectives, it is imperative that we draw a clear distinction between a legitimate call for justice, equity and fairness against criminal activities. There is a difference between the two of them.

    “Criminal activities cannot be taken to mean legitimate call. Secession is not a legitimate call. We want to remain as one Nigeria!

    “It is a distinction that our people must be able to make. And together we must ensure that the line is firmly drawn. Igbo Community has always been in the forefront of nation building and positive change. Go to any part of Nigeria, if you don’t see an Igbo man there, it means that place is not progressing, it means that place is not prosperous. We are everywhere, nobody is as patriotic as the Igbo man.

    “I’m here today, not just as the representative of the people of Bende, but as a representative of all Nigerians. The House of Representatives is actually named the House of the People for a reason. The 10th House of Representatives led by my Principal, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who is currently in India and who has sent his greetings and who would love to host you when he is back, as we arrange your next visit, the Honourable Speaker himself will be here.

    “And I want to say that I have a good working relationship with the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “I want to report to you as the father of Igbo land that, I have a good relationship between me and this North Westerner, who is the Speaker. He does not discriminate, he does not undermine me, he sees the potentials and we are working together like twins to help Nigeria in the House of Representatives.

    “With him, we will ensure that there is justice, with him, we will ensure that there is fairness, with him, we will ensure that there is equity to all, including the Igbos.

    “We are not known for self destruction that is evident in the idea of sit-at-home or unknown gun men.

    “It is not our thing. It is alien to us. We don’t kill one another. We love our trade, we love our farms. We don’t sit at home.

    “Sitting at home is for lazy people. Igbo people are not lazy people. Those in support of sit-at-home are not Igbos.

    “There is no true son of the soil of Igbo land that would support laziness and call it a strategy for secession. If you sit at home, you are a lazy man. Igbos are not known to be lazy. We are industrious, we are entrepreneurs, we work hard to succeed.

    “The tradition of collective action and communalism has been a hallmark of the Igbo people throughout history, from building schools and hospitals to markets and farms. We are not known for self-destruction that is evident in the idea of “sit-at-home” or unknown gunmen. These tendencies are alien and abhorrent to how the Igbos are constituted; socially, culturally, and economically.

    “In addressing our present challenges, we have the opportunity to draw on the things that pull us together. We may have different political platforms, but we must realize that the commonwealth and common good are ultimately the same. Onye aghana nwanne ya”, he said.

    Earlier in his presentation, the President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu called for the release of the leader of defunct Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, saying it will help restore peace in the South East.

    “Ohaneze has decided that we want Nnamdi Kanu released. We think that every effort should be made to release Nnamdi Kanu. If he’s released, it’s going to make it easy for us”, he said.

    Iwuanyanwu highlighted some of the proposed projects of the apex socio-cultural to include inter-state rail, airports amongst other projects.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Abia at 32: Let’s key into FG’s renewed hope agenda for better tomorrow- Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Abia at 32: Let’s key into FG’s renewed hope agenda for better tomorrow- Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has enjoined all Abians not to despair in the midst of all the sociopolitical, economic challenges facing them but remain optimistic in the possibility of a better future.

    The deputy speaker made the plea while rejoicing with the government and the people of Abia on the occasion of 32nd anniversary of the State

    Abia, God’s Own State, was created on August 27, 1991 by the government of former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida out of old Imo State, south east, Nigeria.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu on Sunday, Kalu said that all hope of a better tomorrow is not lost.

    Asking the people of the state to key into the renewed hope agenda of the federal government, the deputy speaker also urged them to be supportive of the government and performance their civic duties, even as he charged them to hold the government accountable in all their actions and inactions to engender good governance.

    Kalu further stated that Abia has the capacity of feeding Nigeria if all its agro and economic potentials were developed.

    While appreciating the steps taken so far on infrastructure and other new policies of government which should include making the “gold mine” of Abia State, the Ariaria international market to operate effectively, the deputy also called for the reactivation of moribund industries in the State especially in Aba.

    He said: “We can reactivate the industries in Aba for which Abia was known for. Industrialisation is also key. We can leverage on the gas-to-energy federal policy and the state’s proximity to gas to achieve this”.

    The deputy speaker therefore asked all hands to be on deck for the overall development of the state.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Again, deputy speaker, Kalu wins as Tribunal’s strikes out AA petition

    Again, deputy speaker, Kalu wins as Tribunal’s strikes out AA petition

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has welcomed the striking out of the purported petition against his election by the Action Alliance (AA) at the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

    Recall that on Tuesday, the tribunal also delivered a remarkable judgement on the petition filed by the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Frank Chinasa in the February 25, 2023 elections for Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State in Kalu’s favour.

    The three man tribunal headed by the Chairman, Justice Samson Paul Gang also denied Chinasa’s prayers to declare Kalu unqualified for the elections over an alleged inconsistency in his name.

    The tribunal ruled that Kalu’s followed due process to validate his name, saying the petition was unnecessary.

    Also, in quick succession, the court on Thursday struck out the petition filed by AA against Kalu.

    Recall that Igbokwe recently distanced himself from the suit, said he never filed or authoritized anyone to initiate any legal action against Kalu.

    The AA candidate further said he was impersonated and subsequently petitioned the police and the department of state service over the matter.

    In a phone call to the office of the deputy speaker shortly after the ruling, Igbokwe said he was happy the matter was dismissed.

    He said: “I made a move and that’s what I will call destiny move. When it is time for God to bless you or make you to know some things you don’t know, because you must crawl before you walk, you must work with a leader that has vision. Rt. Hon. Benjamin has really done well for Bende people. So, I am happy that I noticed what happened on time and came out and said that I am not the one that filed that suit. I didn’t even take him to court. So, I am surprised that such a thing happened there. We thank God. God had to use the lawyers and the lawyers to have a very good judgement today. That’s why I am very happy”.

    Similarly, Igbokwe’s lawyer in the case, Barrister Lawrence Ugochukwu Nwokocha said the court agreed with their position in the sense that his client didn’t file any matter.

    “The court agreed with our position in the sense that we did not authorize anybody to file any petition on behalf of Ifeanyi. He was present in court. The court in their ruling said they were satisfied with the proper identity of the person of Ifeanyi. In summary, the court granted our prayer to withdraw the suit and strike out and dismiss the petition entirely. So, for now, there is no case from AA or Ifeanyi Igbokwe as it were”, Nwokocha said.

    In his reaction contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Levinus Nwabughiogu, the deputy speaker welcomed the tribunal’s ruling, saying he was impressed that Igbokwe took the decision to accept the verdict of the people at the polls, moreso, the fact that the candidate recognized that the action against him was borne out of mischief.

    He saluted Igbokwe for his courage and thanked the Judiciary for granting his prayers to withdraw the matter.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Deputy Speaker excited over judgement upholding victory

    Deputy Speaker excited over judgement upholding victory

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has commended the judgement of an Umuahia High Court that upheld his victory at the 2023 National Assembly elections.

    A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, quoted Kalu as saying that he had been vindicated.

    “I have never doubted the ability of the judiciary at any level to do justice to issues. My confidence in them has always been unwavering.

    “It has, once again, vindicated me on this matter and also upheld my mandate as the elected representative of the people of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia. I am grateful,” Kalu said.

    Recall that the candidate of Labour Party in the National Assembly elections, Mr Frank Chinasa, had petitioned the tribunal seeking the nullification of Kalu’s election on the account of alleged inconsistency in his name.

    However, Justice O. A. Chijioke, while delivering his judgement on the matter on August 25, 2021 ruled in favour of Kalu and subsequently awarded a cost to the petitioner for wasting the time of the court in a frivolous suit.

    Kalu expressed immense gratitude to the judiciary for recognising that he followed due process and other extant laws to validate his name.

    The lawmaker thanked the people of Bende Federal Constituency on whose mandate he stands elected as member of the House of Representatives.

    The deputy speaker promised not to take the people’s mandate and the demands of his current office for granted.

    He, however, called on his “political detractors”to shun frivolities, accept his rights under the extant laws, embrace the will of God and the verdict of the tribunal as well as that of the people of Bende.

    Kalu invited the candidates of LP to join him in the tasks of pushing good legislations for the good of the country.

  • Tribunal’s verdict has vindicated me, says Reps’ deputy speaker, Kalu on name validation

    Tribunal’s verdict has vindicated me, says Reps’ deputy speaker, Kalu on name validation

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu says he has been vindicated on the validation of his name by the ruling of the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, the Abia State capital which also upheld his election.

    Kalu’s remarks is contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Kalu, upon the receipt of the exciting news in Abuja expressed immense gratitude to the judiciary for recognizing that he followed due process and other extant laws to validate his name.

    While also thanking the people of Bende federal constituency on whose mandate he stands, the deputy speaker reiterates that his confidence in the judiciary to do justice to issues at all times was unwavering.

    “I have never doubted the ability of the judiciary at any level to do justice to issues. My confidence in them has always been unwavering. It has, once again, vindicated me on this matter and also upheld my mandate as the elected representative of the people, in this case, Bende federal constituency of Abia State. I am grateful”, Kalu said.

    Recall that the candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25, 2023 national assembly elections, Frank Chinasa had petitioned the tribunal, seeking the nullification of Kalu’s election on the account of alleged inconsistency in his name change.

    Recall also that shortly after Kalu’s first term election in 2019, one Okay Ezeala also approached the court seeking the nullification of the election on the same ground.

    But Justice O A. Chijioke of an Umuahia High Court while delivering his judgement on the matter on August 25, 2021 ruled in favour of Kalu and subsequently awarded a cost to the petitioner for wasting the time of the court in a frivolous suit.

    Ridiculously, Labour Party’s Chinasa also dusted the same matter that had been laid to rest, fronting before the tribunal after this year’s general elections.

    In a remarkable, unanimous judgment by the three man panel read by the Chairman, Justice Samson Paul Gang on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 in Umuahia, the tribunal dismissed the petition and denied all the prayers of the petitioner for lacking in merit.

    The panel held that Kalu’s certificates were never forged and that the names in the certificates were all his.

    The tribunal also held that Kalu had since harmonized his names through a Deed Pool published in a federal gazette, backed with a newspaper publication of change of name, insisting that the petitioner could not establish any case of certificate forgery against him.

    It also confirmed that the harmonization of deputy speaker’s name followed the laid down rules.

    The tribunal further held that since the election results were never contested, Kalu therefore remains the winner of the National Assembly elections for Bende federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

    It will also be recalled that last week, the candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the election, Ifeanyi Igbokwe dissociated himself from the suit against Kalu.

    Revealing that he had since accepted the outcome of the election, Igbokwe said he never authorized any individual or group of individuals or parties to file any suit on his behalf, insisting that he was impersonated.

    The deputy speaker who expressed his happiness over the development from the tribunal also extends his appreciation to his constituents in Bende, others teeming supporters across the country, his legal team and indeed, all those who stood by him throughout the period of this exasperating legal voyage.

    He promised not to take the people’s mandate and the demands of his current office for granted.

    The deputy speaker however calls his political detractors to shun frivolities, accept his rights under the extant laws, embrace the Will of God and the verdict of the tribunal as well as that of Ndi Bende and join him in the tasks of enacting good legislations for the good of the country.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria