Tag: Kalu

Kalu celebrates Nigerian children, reiterates Reps commitment to child protection legislations

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has saluted Nigerian Children on this year’s Children’s Day, reiterating the parliament’s commitment to legislations protecting basic rights of children.

The day, which is celebrated on May 27 annually, is dedicated to celebrating children all over the world.

The Deputy Speaker, in a statement by his special assistant on press affairs, Udora Orizu noted that Nigerian children have great potential, which if harnessed, would be of great advantage to the country and generations to come.

According to him, in the fulfillment of the saying that “children are the leaders of tomorrow’ lies in a deliberate and strategic formulation and implementation of policies, including the legislative framework to give quality education to Nigerian children and protect their rights.

He noted that it is for this reason, the 10th House in December last year, passed a Bill seeking to protect the Nigerian child from internet violence, cyber bullying, amongst others.

Emphasizing that no efforts should be spared by governments at all levels in supporting policies that promote the rights of the Nigerian child, Kalu assured that the parliament will continue to come up with legislations that will empower the children.

The Deputy Speaker said, “Today, we celebrate all children across the nation and beyond, recognizing the joy and innocence they bring into our lives. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to uphold and protect the basic rights of every child, ensuring their safety, education, and well-being. We will continue to strive towards a brighter future where every child can thrive.

“We are reminded that children are the future leaders of the society and its our responsibility to raise the next generation of leaders by teaching the children their innate worth and goodness, by helping them see within themselves the great power and potential they have. Happy Children’s Day!”

May 27, 2024
Hike in Electricity Tariffs: Reps ‘ll intervene upon resumption of plenary – Kalu

…says having brand new constitution is entirely people’s call

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the House of Representatives will debate the propriety or otherwise of the recent hike in the electricity tariffs upon the resumption of plenary later this month.

It will be recalled that a spontaneous outcry greeted the development upon its announcement by the electricity authorities, stimulating fears that it will escalate the economic hardship in the country.

Speaking virtually on the special edition of “Ben Kalu’s Mandate”, a call-in radio programme of FLO FM, Umuahia, Abia State on Monday, the deputy speaker posited that the parliament, heeding the calls of Nigerians for its intervention in the matter will adopt a win-win approach in resolving the issues thereto.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that Kalu’s reaction however followed an inquiry from a call-in listener, Okafor Chinedum from Umuahia who sought to know the position of the parliament on the matter.

The Deputy Speaker said: “It’s a general problem. While I was on my holidays, one of the things I was bothered with was a letter sent to me by the majority leader of the House on the need for us to intervene in a matter involving the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital power supply. They were disconnected because of this hike and they don’t have the money to pay. We said it’s an essential service. Something should be done about it while we look at other details.

“I can assure you that when we resume, it’s one of the things we are going to look into. We will look at the both sides of the coin to know a win-win approach to it because we cannot suffocate also the investors, and also we cannot allow Nigerians to suffer unduly. So, it is one of the things we will look at by the time we resume and we will find a way to solving it.”

Also responding to the second leg of the question by the same caller about the possibility of giving Nigerians a brand new constitution, leveraging the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Kalu said that it behooves the people to lead the debate and provide a practicable template for the national assembly to consider the merits and demerits.

“Yes, some school of thought has expressed view that they want a new constitution, drop the old one and pick up something new. Some elders known as The Patriots are also asking for a brand new constitution. But as you know, we are the people’s parliament. You are our bosses. Whatever the people decide for us to do when we have our public hearings and all these engagements, when we move around because we are going to go to every zone, most local government areas or senatorial or geopolitical zones to engage (is what we will look at.

“If the people have a general consensus that this is what Nigerians want and the template of what they are asking for; what is wrong with this one that you want to change? How would the new one look like and what do you have in mind? We will be able to factor that in.

“I am happy that you are conscious of the move for the amendment of the constitution. I like it when people call to discuss that. It shows there is an awareness which is very key. It’s only when you are aware that you can engage and make the right impact. So, I appreciate you. This is the time to lend your voice to this”, he said.

Kalu also subscribed to the views of another caller, Davison Ukpabi, a retired military personnel from Umuda Isingwu that the review of military pension system was long over due to enable the ex-service men and indeed, similar retirees to meet up with the demands of the present economic realities.

April 8, 2024
Insecurity: PISE-P uncovers plot to frustrate peace initiative in S’East, malign Kalu

A Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) has detected some sinister moves to undermine its effort of bringing peace in region.

The moves, it alleged, are being masterminded by some disgruntled Igbo politicians who apparently are not happy with unveiling of the peace initiative and the success it has so far recorded with the message of peace.

In statement by its Media Team on Wednesday, PISE-P also said that it has received credible intelligence of some clandestine moves to blackmail the convener of the project and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

The NGO however insisted that the peace project has come to stay and will achieve its mandate of restoring peace in the zone while strongly pursuing the advocacy aimed at securing the release of the leader of Indigenous People’s of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

Titled “Disgruntled Politicians Out to Frustrate PISE-P, Malign Kalu”, the statement read thus: “We are in receipt of credible intelligence detailing the clandestine moves of some disgruntled politicians who are inclined to frustrate the gains of the recently unveiled Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).

“There is no gainsaying the fact that PISE-P, an advocate of non kinetic approach towards resolving the security challenges and other sociological issues in the southeastern geopolitical hemisphere is a success and is on course with its objectives.

“Against this backdrop, some elements unarguably driven by envy and vile are invidiously concocting stories aimed at casting aspersions on the office and the person of the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who is the convener of PISE-P, blackmailing, maligning and assassinating his character before the right thinking members of the public.

“Those stories sound very infantile to any saner mind. They must have emanated from the figment of the imagination of the tellers. And out of ill-will too.

“They are unreasonable and unfounded. And it can only come from some ignoble minds who are working against the gains of the PISE-P. May be, they are happy seeing the blood of their kith and kin flowing on the streets of South East.

“That will never happen again. PISE-P is unrelenting on its advocacy to restore peace in the region without any loss of life.

“But it must be said that we know those shooting this arrow of discord. We know their antics. A strong warning is hereby issued to them to desist from trading the peace of south east and the freedom of Nnamdi Kanu.

“Let it be reiterated that the work of PISE-P cannot be complete without an advocacy on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Recall that prior to now, Kalu as a lawmaker has been vocal about the release of Nnamdi Kanu. He been in the media space, advocating for Kanu’s release without shying away from it. The first motion he supported on resumption as the deputy speaker was for the presidential pardon of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Those threatened by his audacity to fight for what is right are intimidated and trying to spring up the old habits they are known for.

” But we assure them that this effort to discredit the work towards the peace of the south east, engineered by some elements in the leadership of the zone who felt left out in the peace solution agenda must fail.

“The good people of the south east must not allow them to blackmail and stimulate disaffection within the region.

“Their desperation should be ignored as they battle with themselves while we spread the message of peace.

“PEACE IN SOUTH EAST HAS COME TO STAY. We say no to the spilling of the blood of our brothers on the streets. We say yes to non kinetic approach to resolving of issues. We say no more guns in the south east, those against us are saying yes to guns and yes to more blood, but for how long? The time to stop is now so that we can revive our economy.

“Merchants of threats and fear market violence and lies but we offer peace that will meet all our expectations. We can’t fight but we can make use of the table to achieve what guns have failed to achieve. Our approach is cheaper. It worked in other parts of the country and still working. We will make it work and the government is listening more than ever before.

“Yes, it is achievable and peace will win over their blackmails and lies. Expect their fabricated write-ups and bunch of lies against the mandate of PISE- P. While the governors and the traditional rulers are fighting to reduce violence, they are seeking relevance by using IPOB. IPOB is seeking peace but they want to push them to be killed like flies.

“We are aware that these fabrications are not from IPOB but disgruntled enemies of our peace who position themselves as leaders, sponsoring fear in Igbo land but this time, they will face the law.

“This advocacy is not complete untill our brother is out. It is not complete until we get our brothers integrated into the scheme of things for their progress. It will not be complete until we commence the post civil war reconstruction, rebuilding and the reconciliation we have always wanted.

“Don’t be worried when you see their fictitious publications. We know them and expected this when we took this noble step to rekindle the flames of love and peace in the south east. They can only try but they can’t stop us.

“PEACE IS WHAT ALL OF US WANT IN THE SOUTH EAST. No more blood of our brothers on the streets and let it be repeated that talks are ongoing to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu conditionally or unconditionally. We are pleading our case through the right channels and by the grace of Chukwu Okeke Abiama, we will find favour.”

January 18, 2024
We cannot armtwist FG to release Nnamdi Kanu – DSP Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, says the South-East must achieve peace and security before demanding the release of the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The deputy speaker said this during an interactive session with newsmen in his Bende country home on Sunday.

He spoke on how best the region could approach its demand for Kanu’s release from detention.

According to him, the region could only realise its objective through peaceful negotiations and not by armtwisting the Federal Government.

He said that although the leadership of the South-East had made several efforts for Kanu’s release, the effort of some amounted to playing to the gallery.

Kalu countered the widely held belief in the South-East that once Kanu is released peace would automatically return to the region.

“To get Kanu released is not about how much you talk about it in the pages of the newspapers or television, it needs strategic thinking and strategic steps to get it done.

“Many thought that by armtwisting the Federal Government through sit-at-home every Monday, through violence and destruction that the Federal Government can immediately release Kanu.

“You can never armtwist the Federal Government, but you can dialogue,” Kalu said.

He said that the threat to burn down the region, if the Federal Government refused to listen to its request, was equal to shooting oneself in the foot.

“The houses you are shooting are in the South-East.

“When you say, if you don’t release Kanu, the people will sit at home and not go to work, people are going to work in Lagos, Kano, Sokoto and other parts of the country.

“So, who are you shooting? It’s like a man shooting his own leg and taking accolade for it, and this is the greatest level of folly,” he said.

The deputy speaker also said it would amount to daring the Federal Government to say “its fire-for-fire and violence for violence.

“So, critically thinking, the best approach is to reduce the violence in the region and create a platform for negotiation,” he said.

Kalu further contended that the president had not committed any sin against the South-East.

He said that the president, on the contrary, had shown love to the region “by giving us the No. Six citizen (deputy speakership), Chief of Naval Staff and Minister for Works”.

He, therefore, said that what the South-East should do in the present circumstance was to join his advocacy for peace, through the Peace in the South-East Project, unveiled on December 29.

“That event, which brought the president, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero, to Bende is significant and symbolic because Kanu is from Bende,” he said.

He said that the fact that Abuja emptied into Bende on that day showed the commitment of the Federal Government to peace in the South-East.

“So, I urge the South-East to cool temper. South-East coolu, coolu, coolu temper.

“When you cool your temper, then the father of the nation would say, yes, they are ready to talk now,” Kalu said.

The deputy speaker, therefore, admonished the gunmen fomenting violence in the region to surrender their arms to the security agencies.

He expressed the hope that they would be granted amnesty by the Federal Government, once they dropped their arms for peace to reign in the region.

He said: “Sit-at-home is an affront to the Federal Government.

“You cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time.”

He disclosed that genuine moves were ongoing behind the curtain to have Kanu released, adding that “once there is peace, our brother would come out. “

The deputy speaker further spoke on the need for Federal Government’s economic policies to be tailored toward reducing poverty in the country.

He said that the National Assembly (NASS) should also lean toward legislations that would help to reduce poverty, diversify and grow the economy to create jobs for the teeming unemployed.

He further said that the 10th NASS was committed to ensuring that good governance would be guaranteed because of its huge impact on the people through transparency and accountability.

January 8, 2024
Kalu to Abia traditional rulers: Tinubu happy Ndi Igbo gathered together for PISE-P

…solicits support for President, Gov. Otti

Deputy Speaker of the House of House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is happy to see Ndi Igbo gather together for the noble cause of stamping out insecurity and resolving other sociological challenges through the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).

It will be recalled that PISE-P, a brainchild of the deputy speaker was recently launched in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

Speaking during an interactive session with the members of Bende Traditional Rulers Council and Ndi Ugoeze Bende on Friday in Bende, Kalu said that Tinubu is interested in the development of the south east.

He urged the traditional rulers to support the government of the day to reap more benefits therefrom.

He said: “Wherever Ndi Igbo see themselves, they encourage peace and harmony. We thank you for holding these values. I am your representative in the House of Representatives. I did not get there on my own. It was you that elected me. And this is why Abia state honored me. A few days ago, the Governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti who is not a member of my party decided to honour me with a high title in Abia. He told the Abia State traditional rulers council to confer on me ‘Enyi Abia” (Strength of Abia). He must have seen something in your son.

“A day after that day, you saw what happened in Bende. It has never happened before. President Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Senate President represented by his deputy, my boss, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the governor of the State, Dr. Alex Otti, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State,
Other governors who couldn’t make it in person came through their deputies.

“The Ooni of Ife, Emir of Kano, Emir of Bichi, Obi of Onitsha, over 15 Igbo billionaires were in Bende. I can go on and on.

“On this position, we are just starting work. The President called to say I am very, very happy that the Igbo came together for this. Truly, there is hope for Igbo man. It does appear that this handshake across the Niger has started.

“Let’s us also support the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Some were afraid whether he will remember the Igbo. But he has proved all of us wrong by choosing the Chief of Naval Staff. The President also handed over the issue of Infrastructure into the hands of an Igbo son, Senator David Umahi, my friend, the former governor of Ebonyi to replicate what he did in Ebonyi in Nigeria. There are others too. A President who does not love Ndi Igbo will not do that”.

Kalu also called on the traditional rulers to support the government of Dr. Alex Otti of Abia to develop the state.

“We will assist the governor of the state to take care of you. The truth is that he has a good heart. He is committed to getting the job done and we should support him to be successful. Let us come together and support him. Let us support him to succeed for the good of the state”, he said.

Kalu who was meeting with the traditional rulers for the first time since his election as the deputy speaker on June 13, 2023 appreciated the traditional rulers for their support.

He promised to attract more dividends of democracy to Bende, pledging not to disappoint them.

“I said that it won’t be nice if I leave for Abuja after all we did without interacting with you. So, I decided to call you to honour you. There is no position that will make me forget you. I will never disrespect you. You are our traditional rulers and I respect you all. And it will continue that way.

“It is my ritual to interact with you on the needs of the people. If you don’t have your list, please, go and bring it. We want to be pragmatic and sensitive to our priorities. You are the stakeholders in Bende. You came to show that I am your treasured son. I will not disappoint you.

“We need to reflect the actual needs of Ndi Bende. What I want to do for Ndi Bende should be a consensus between us. I think this is the best approach.

“I think this is the first time we are meeting this way since my election as the deputy speaker. The story started gradually and you believed in me. The 360 members saw it and believed in me too. On that day of inauguration, the 360 members elected me unopposed.

“Thank you for sending me to Abuja because I woundnt have been there if you didn’t elect me.

“The benefits of your work will come to you. I will not disappoint you. I don’t want to make many promises but in the days to come, I will appreciate you better.”

Kalu also enjoined the monarchs to support PISE-P and the newly passed South East Development Commission bill in the House of Representatives.

“Again, I am tired of the blood of my brothers flowing on the streets. I am saying, let’s us try another way of resolving our issues. Non kinetic is the way. And soon, you will see what peace in South East Project will achieve.

“It is high time the Igbo joined the mainstream of political leadership of the country. Please, continue to pray for us. Be a part of the South East Development Commission. Please, be a part of PISE-P. You have a role to play”, he said.

Making a donation of some bags of rice and a token for their new year celebrations, Kalu also pledged to provide them with a bus to assist them in discharging their responsibilities.

Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chairman, Bende Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Eze Uchendu Okorie said they will support Tinubu’s government and follow their son wherever he goes.

“We will support President Tinubu. We will go wherever he goes. We will follow our son where he goes. We have not had it so good like this before. He is a man of wisdom, an orator. We will help him to go higher. Yes, he’s in the House right now but we want him to go higher. In the next dispensation, let’s us try to see whether he will go higher. He has the capacity to do what is right. God will continue to uplift him. He’s not doing it for himself. He’s doing it for Bende. We will continue to go with him”, he said.

The traditional rulers and their wives offered special prayers for Kalu.

Signed:

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

January 6, 2024
Frantic efforts ongoing to release Nnamdi Kanu-Kalu

…calls for end to sit-at-home

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has given a ray of hope on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

It will be that the Supreme Court recently ordered the retrial of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) who has been in detention for a long while now.

Consequently, his incarceration has generated a lot of agitatons including the Sit-at-Home observed on Mondays in the south east region.

But speaking virtually on the “South East political Roundtable”, a current affairs radio programme on FLO FM in Umuahia on Tuesday, Kalu said that talks were ongoing to free Kanu.

He however advised the youth of the south east to ensure that the observance of sit-at-home must stop, emphasizing that it was scarying many investors who want to contribute to the development of the region.

Kalu who also spoke on the gains of the recently unveiled Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State asked those carrying arms to lay down their weapons and join in the non kinetic approach being canvassed by the initiative to end the security challenges and other agitations of the people.

Kalu called for support to enable the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver optimally, saying that the President is interested in the development of the south east.

He said: “We can’t put all our programs and plans on social media. He’s my brother. Is he in the mix of what we are trying to do? Yes! It’s one of our agendas to ensure he’s released. Who wants their brother to be in jail?

“We are working underground. There’s a detailed strategy. It’s not by violence, you can’t coerce the government through violence. It has never worked and won’t work. Let’s be wiser. The wisdom is in peace. Let’s quench the violence.

“If it’s chaotic, it won’t work. Let’s cool down. Let the man see that you’ve recognised he didn’t contribute to locking him up and that he has not done anything to the south east. We should support him and his government and not attack him. I’m standing firmly against the voice of violence, preaching peace. That is what I’m here for, this voice of peace will echo through the Villa and he will come out. Mr President was happy with what happened in Bende. That the whole country can gather together and support this project.

“Our strength does not lie in how many guns we carry, on how many people we threaten not to come out on Monday, that is not the display of the strength of an Igbo man. Igbo men are not lazy people who like sitting at home from Saturday to Sunday to Monday and go to work only Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, that is not us; we are hard working, we are rebuilders, we are never down and when we are down, we find a way to stand on our feet and raise our shoulders and rebuild again, that is my call to our people.

“We can bring you in to the rebuilding that we are doing. We can bring you in to the reconciliation. We can bring you in for rehabilitation and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is interested in the Igbos. Look at what he has done by giving us the Chief of Naval Staff which we never got in the last eight years. Did I just mentioned the Naval Chief, what about the minister of works, Senator Dave Umahi, my good friend?

“Mr President gave the minister of works to an Igbo son that proves himself in Ebonyi and he said, come and build what you did in Ebonyi in the entire Nigeria starting from the five states of the South East and the only way we pay the president back is to say there will be no work on Monday?

“Look at what happened for the very first time, 15 billionaires of Igbo extraction gathered in Bende. That is to tell you that they are ready to bring their industry here, they are ready to build factories that will employ you, so why do you scare them away? Government cannot do everything for you. Our brothers who have money want to bring it back home. Some of them want to do it but you are scaring them away. How long are we going to sell fear to our people?

“This is a new year. This is a new era. This is a new dawn and I urge you come and join hands with us. We will make you the leaders of this project. Don’t lead those carrying guns, come and lead those who will call the peace marshals, let’s give you responsibility, let’s give you a task.

“And I call on all of you who are support of the sit at home on Monday, it is time to stop. It is time to stop the sit at home on Mondays.

“If your agitation is about the release of Nnamdi Kanu; we love our Igbo land and we love our brother and he is my brother. That he is locked up does not make him less of my brother and that you are agitating does not make you less of my brother. But I am saying that there is a better way to get it done. There are many ways to kill a rat. Let us look for the other ways that we can kill this rat without destroying our home.

“Let us come together and unite and I can assure you that once we unite, there is nothing we ask this government that we cannot get including the one you are asking for our brother, it is also achievable.”

Kalu also appreciated the governors of the 5 eastern states for the support they are giving to PISE-P.

The deputy speaker said that there is nothing political about the project, stressing that it was all about community service.

“The Governors of the various states of the south east, you can’t do without them. I can assure you they all want peace for the south east. None of them is against this. They are in full support.

“You don’t leave the job only for the governors. Let them play from the top, we play from the bottom, then we meet halfway. Then, solve our problems.

“The peace in southeast project is not politics, it’s about community project anchored on peace. That’s why members of the PISE-P are from different political parties.

“I can assure you, through this project the southeast will not remain the same. All the boys who are carrying guns, there’s hope for them, because We will get them gainfully employed, they won’t wasted”.

Kalu also stated that there is no clash of interest between PISE-P and Ohaneze Ndi Igbo.

According to him, the idea of the project was first communicated to the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, adding that he is in full support of the project.

“Which clash of interest? He’s in full support of this project. He’s passionate about the peace and unity of Igbo land. We are partnering with him”, Kalu said.

Signed:

Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Section to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

January 2, 2024
Na’ Abba was parliamentarian with unusual legislative acumen, zeal, zest, says Kalu

…mourns former Reps’ Speaker

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed shock over the death of the former speaker of the House, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na ‘Abba.

The former speaker who represented Kano Municipal Federal Constituency of Kano State in 1999 reportedly died on Wednesday in Abuja at the age of 65 after suffering from an illness.

Describing Na ‘Abba as a “fine parliamentarian with unusual legislative acumen, zeal and zest”, Kalu said the former speaker by his numerous lofty contributions to the body of laws in Nigeria made a lot of impacts on the political trajectories of the country.

The Deputy Speaker was particularly happy that Na’Abba even long after his tenure ended always found time to attend the special sessions of the House and was willing to share his perspectives on some legislative developments.

Kalu however regretted that Na ‘Abba’s demise will bring an end to the institutional memories he embodied and exuded while alive.

Commiserating with the family of the former speaker, his immediate boss, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D, and other political associates over the loss, Kalu enjoined them to be comforted by the fact that Na’ Abba lived his life serving Nigeria and humanity.

The Deputy Speaker also prayed Almighty God to accept the soul of Na ‘Abba and grant him eternal rest.

Signed:

Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Section to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republican of Nigeria.

December 27, 2023
Soludo approves PISE-P, describes Kalu as worthy son of Igboland

…says he’s passionate about Nigeria’s devt

…as Deputy Speaker condoles Gov over father’s death

Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has endorsed the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P) which canvasses for a non kinetic means of resolving the security challenges in the region.

Soludo who lauded the project championed by the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu described the top federal lawmaker as a worthy son of Ndi Igbo.

A statement by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that the governor spoke on Saturday when the deputy speaker led the promoters of the peace initiative to pay the governor a condolence visit over the death of his father, Pa Simeon Soludo in Isuofia, Anambra State.

The Governor also said that Kalu was passionate about the development of Igboland and Nigeria in general, stressing that he contributions were well noted.

He said: “Your Excellency, you are welcome to Isuofia. Thanks for coming to be with us. Indeed, you are a true son of Igbo land. You are so passionate about the development of Igbo land and Nigeria at large. You are our worthy son and we note that. We are proud of you.

“I have heard all that you said about the budget and the PISE-P and unity in Igbo land. I say amen to all. Anambra to Bende in Abia is not all that far so to speak. We will look at all that you have said. Please, send my regards to the speaker. From what we are hearing, you both are doing well. Thanks for coming”.

Earlier, the deputy speaker, Kalu in his remarks said led the PISE-P delegation to pay their condolences and to invite the governor to the unveiling of the new peace initiative in Bende on December 29.

He emphasized that the new peace project will dissuade the militarization of the south east while ultimately restoring peace to the region.

Kalu also lauded Governor Soludo for giant strides in Anambra Esperance in the security sector.

“Not too long ago, I accompanied the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashm Shettima to Anambra. We came see inspect a factory built by Sir Emeka Offor who is working hard for Nd Igbo. Vice President and I agreed that the local content aspects of the factory shall be accorded the priority it deserves even in the energy sector. We also used the opportunity to see the ecological problems. Anambra is the headquarters of ecological problems in the whole world. We will not leave the challenge of developing Igboland for one person. If Anambra is developed, Igbo land is secure. We shall continue to strive, put all our efforts to develop Anambra and by extension, Igbo land. That’s why we came to identify with him and to assure him that he also has the support of the members of the National Assembly. Wherever he wants us to give our support, we will. Even now the budget is in the works, we are talking to see where we can come in.

“We also send our condolences to him on the passing of our father, late Pa Simeon Soludo. Yes, every death is painful but this is to an extent a celebration of life. Our prayer is to live long and be fulfilled in life like him. May God accept the soul of the departed and also be with you all.

“Let me also use this opportunity to say that we shall gather in Bende on December 29, 2023 to unveil what we call Peace in South East (PISE-P) so that we can pronounce and end to violence, militarization, guns and all that. Let’s adopt a non kinetic means of resolving our challenges.

“We also used this opportunity to formally invite His Excellency, Governor Soludo to the unveiling because he’s very important to the event. The Governor will also receive an award for peace. He has also restored peace in Anambra. I have said it privately and I want to reiterate it publicly that insecurity in Anambra State is dropping because a man with the solution is working”, Kalu said.

Signed:

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

December 23, 2023
Akpabio, Kalu lead senators to Villa, brief Tinubu on outcome of IPU assembly, hail President on victory at S’Court +Photos

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu Saturday night led the Nigerian delegation to the just concluded Inter-Parlientary Union (IPU) held in Luanda, Angola to the Presidential Villa, Abuja to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the outcome of the event.

Recall that Akpabio was elected into the Executive committee of the IPU, having been nominated by Kalu at the 147th legislative assembly for the executive position.

The development ultimately led to the breaking of a 59year- old jinx of Nigeria’s absence into the decision making organ of the global parliamentary body.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that earlier on their arrival from Angola via Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja, both top Nigerian lawmakers told journalists of their exploits at the assembly, saying Nigeria has now taken her rightful place in the comity of nations.

Akpabio also said that Nigeria’s membership into IPU’s top committee will create job opportunities for Nigerians.

He revealed that President Tinubu was consulted on their decisions while in Angola.

“A lot of employment opportunities will be created. A lot of offices will be opened. Sub national offices will be oppend and a lot of children who wish to be diplomats will have the opportunity of working there and it will also attract foreign direct investment in the area of training and retraining and capacity building not just for the legislators but for people who are in different fields. It’s quite a lot actually. The benefits are enormous. We thank God.

“And it is something we should dedicate to the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because it was happening at this time. And we were also consulting and briefing him on what was going on and there were very critical decisions we had to make sure that he was involved as the President of the country because that was an international body. You can’t take a wrong step”, the Senate President had said.

Speaking on the recent electoral victory of Tinubu, Akpabio congratulated the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He urged the President’s opponents to join hands with him in building the nation.

“We were very glad to receive the report of the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Supreme Court. So, we use this opportunity on arrival on the Nigerian soil to also congratulate him and our party, APC. We had no doubt that he won the election. We had no doubt that this was the will of God for Nigeria. And we pray that God will give him the wisdom, the health and sound mind to pilot the affairs of this country for the next 4 years. And we are also praying that those who contested against him up to turn courts to see the need to drop all their hatchets and join to build a greater Nigeria particularly at a time of this kind of economic difficulties. So, congratulations to us. Congratulations to Mr. President”, he said.

Signed:

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

October 29, 2023
NASS committed to prudent spending of public funds – Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu says the 10th Assembly is committed to collaborating with the Executive to ensure prudent use of funds by government agencies.

Kalu made this known at the unveiling of the House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) and a workshop organised for its members by Africa Development Study Center (ADSC) in Abuja.

Kalu said PAC was one of the most important committees of the house, and its importance is underscored by its express creation by Section 85 subsection 5 of the Constitution.

He said the section states that PAC shall examine the audited accounts of government, showing the appropriation of the sums granted by the house to meet public expenditure and any report made by the Auditor General of the Federation concerning such account.

“In the 10th Assembly, PAC is committed to deepening engagement with the executive arm of government to ensure that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) hold the principles of accountability, principles of transparency and products and the management of public funds.

“The PAC is also committed to strengthening the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation, in line with the best global practices ,” he said.

Kalu called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint a substantive Auditor-General of the Federation, saying that it was a sensitive office that cannot continue to have an acting director for over a year.

He said that when that was done, it would send the right signal out that the government is ready to pursue tax payers money and ensure effective usage.

The Chairman of the committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP- Osun) said the vision of the committee was to significantly improve on the delivery of the mandate of the Public Accounts Committee as enshrined in the Constitution, the Standing Orders of the house.

He acknowledged the work done by all the previous leadership and members of the public accounts committee of the house up to the 9th assembly.

“But the purpose we have set for ourselves, according to the charge of the speaker is to ensure that will improve on every area of the operations of the committee and that formed the canal of this vision.

“The mission is to ensure that ministries departments and agencies of the federal government utilise public funds in a lawful, predictable, transparent and accountable manner for the good of the Nigerian people.

“Because the assignment we have, whether as was political leaders for public servant or civil servants has only one goal, and that is the goal of service delivery to the shareholders with the core values of transparency, independence, fairness for public interest,” he said.

Earlier, Amb. Victor Oluwafemi, CEO of Africa Development Study Center (ADSC) said that ceremony is an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and work towards a common goal of strengthening the oversight role of the committee.

He said that with proper human capacity development, coaching, guidance, and resources, PAC will fulfil its crucial mandate in safeguarding public finances and ensuring the appropriate utilisation of public resources in line with national development and progress

“As we get on this mutual partnership, we must reiterate the pivotal role that PAC members play in safeguarding the existential principles of fiscal responsibility and good governance for the common good of all.

“Today’s engagement reflects the importance of PAC-affirmed commitment to help build a better Nigeria, as well as the national yearning to inspire thoughts and actions to redefine fiscal responsibility and oversight function,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of a coalition of 120 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), on audit, Mr Odegbami Olusegun said that of the 900 agencies of government that gets funding through the Ministry of Finance, only 23 per cent were audited in 2013.

He said in 2014, 17 per cent were audited, in 2015 only 19 per cent were audited while in 2016, only 13 per cent were audited.

Olusegun said in 2017, only 12 per cent were audited, saying that something was wrong that needed to be corrected by the 10th assembly.

“We could talk about the resources that is available to the auditor general to do his work but sadly we cannot measure accountability against this you know insignificant amount of MDS that are covered annually.

“The timeless of the report of the auditor-general; the 2019 report of general took about 23 months after the end of the financial year 23 months after the end of the financial year.

“The best practice is that the report of the auditor general should be out in the public domain not more than 18 months after the end of the financial year.

“The report for 2020 has taken more than 34 months already. We still do not have it and we are not even talking about the report for 2021 and 2022,” he said.

October 16, 2023