The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benjamin Kalu

  • Why South East should align with Tinubu, by Reps Deputy Speaker

    Why South East should align with Tinubu, by Reps Deputy Speaker

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the South East region to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing significant achievements in infrastructure, energy, agriculture and education.

    Kalu made the call during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) at Ukwa West local government of Abia State which also marked the commencement of the exercise across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.

    Speaking at an event to celebrate the achievements of the President in the region, Kalu highlighted the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), the recommencement of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail corridor, and the construction of gas pipelines across the region as worthy feats. 

    He added that the compressed natural gas initiative is expected to save ₦2 trillion monthly in fuel imports while also commending the distribution of fertilizer and mechanized equipment to farmers.

    The Deputy Speaker further emphasised the need for the South East to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing his commitment to the region’s development.

    Kalu announced plans to launch Renewed Hope Councils in every local government area, linked to the South East Development Commission, to drive grassroots implementation of federal policies and projects.

     Kalu said: “The story of the South-East is changing and it is changing for good. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our region is beginning to feel the touch of inclusion, investment, and renewed hope. From infrastructure to appointments, from industry to innovation, this administration is deliberately ensuring that the South-East takes its rightful place in the national journey of growth. 

    “Let me now highlight some of the concrete steps this administration has taken that speak to the renewed commitment to the South-East and its people.

    “Regional Growth Drive & Infrastructure South East Development Commission (SEDC) was fully established (July 2024) with a governing board and management team. SEDC will drive a $1 billion regional asset base under the “Triple-R” agenda.

    “President Tinubu approved the ₦150 billion South-East Investment Company (SEIC) under the SEDC to fast-track industrialisation across the region. The Eastern Rail Line (Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor): connecting Aba,-Onitsha, Enugu and Nsukka, expected to unlock over ₦50 billion annual trade.

    “The Lekki-Aba–Onitsha–Maiduguri Road Corridor under federal focus are for logistics and commerce. Federal housing under Renewed Hope Cities & Estates. Abia’s site is located in Bende, part of the 100,000 homes nationwide. 

    “The development of the Anambra Gas Basin, under active federal supervision, has the potential to make Anambra and Abia energy hubs. AHL and ANOH Gas Processing Plants expansion in Imo State with 23.3km ANOH–OB3 pipeline, adding 500 million scf/day (≈ 25% increase in national gas supply).

    Read Also: How Nigeria can tackle crude oil theft- Ned Nwoko 

    “NCDMB NOGaPS Industrial Parks are operational in Abia and Imo, enabling local manufacturing of oil & gas equipment. Roll-out of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative across Onitsha–Aba–Enugu transport routes.”

    On agriculture and food security, the Deputy Speaker said that the federal has allocated land in Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu for the 10 million hectare cultivation target under the national food-security plan, adding that there are fertilisers and equipment  partnerships from the U.S, Belarus, Brazil to support cassava, rice, and palm oil value chains in the zone.

    He said education and human capital ₦45.6 billion student-loan disbursement already reaching South East students additional ₦50 billion to be released from recovered funds.

    “Renewed Hope Skills Centres are being proposed for Abia and Anambra to serve artisans and apprentices.

    “Other notable achievements of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the South East include the establishment of the South East Development Commission with a $1 billion regional asset base, the Eastern Rail Line connecting Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, and Nsukka, and the Anambra Gas Basin development.

    “Additionally, the Federal Government has allocated land in Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu for large-scale farming and provided ₦45.6 billion in student loans to South East students.

    Kalu praised Tinubu’s efforts, stating that the President has demonstrated a clear vision for the country’s growth and development.

    He urged the people of the South East to seize the opportunities presented by the Renewed Hope Agenda and work together to build a brighter future for the region and the country.

  • Reps Deputy Speaker pays fines for over 15 Umuahia, Aba Correctional inmates

    Reps Deputy Speaker pays fines for over 15 Umuahia, Aba Correctional inmates

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has paid the fines of over 15 inmates at the Correctional Centres in Umuahia and Aba to help decongest the facilities.

    The Deputy Speaker also renovated the administrative block of the Umuahia Correctional Centre in Abia State in response to a plea by the former State Controller, Mrs Josephine Ogbeifun during a courtesy call on Kalu in May, 2025.

    Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu said in a statement that the Deputy Speaker’s intervention which is display of his commitment to public service, has not only improved the condition of the facility but also provided a safer and more conducive environment for officials and inmates who were hitherto exposed to harsh weather conditions.

    In a letter if appreciation, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche expressed immense gratitude to the Deputy speaker for his kind gestures. 

    He said: “I write to express my sincere appreciation for your generous support in the re-roofing of the Administrative Block at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Umuahia.

    “Your timely intervention has significantly improved the structural integrity and functionality of this critical facility, enhancing both staff working conditions and operational efficiency. This commendable gesture underscores your steadfast commitment to strengthening federal institutions and developing public infrastructure. 

    “Your dedication to the welfare of correctional institutions within your constituency is highly laudable and aligns with our efforts to reposition the Nigerian Correctional Service for enhanced professionalism.

    “On behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Correctional Service, please accept our heartfelt gratitude and assurances of continued partnership in advancing institutional growth and national development”.

    Read Also: Is Tinubu Nigeria’s opposition nemesis ?

    In another letter dated October 3, 2025, the Deputy Controller in charge of Umuahia Custodial Centre, Mr. Michael Ojiako Mabia, also expressed his profound gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his benevolence

    “On behalf of the Staff and Inmates of Umuahia Custodial Centre, I write to extend my profound gratitude to you for your generous intervention in the reroofing of the Administrative Block of our facility. Your kind gesture has not only restored the structural integrity of the building but has also created a safer and more conducive working environment for our officers. 

    “It is a reflection of your deep sense of responsibility, commitment to national service and genuine concern for the welfare of institutions that are often overlooked.

    “Your intervention will have a lasting impact in enhancing both administrative efficiency and staff morale. We consider this support a testament to your visionary leadership and dedication to public service.

    “Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Ben Kalu (Enyi Abia), like the popular Oliver Twist, we wish to ask for more and also intimate you of some of our challenges /basic needs of our inmates which among others includes: Payment of fines for Convict Inmates (to help decongest the Custodial Centre).

    “We remain grateful and look onward to continued collaboration in areas that will improve the effectiveness of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Once again, thank you for your outstanding support. We are most grateful”.

  • Kalu seeks governors’ support for successful constitution review

    Kalu seeks governors’ support for successful constitution review

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for the support of Nigerian governors to ensure the successful completion of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

    Kalu made the appeal when he led members of the House Committee on Constitution Review on a courtesy visit to Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah.

    He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) for their continued support and engagement in the constitutional review process, describing their collaboration as crucial to achieving meaningful reform.

    The Deputy Speaker also commended the Conference of Speakers for their active participation and urged them to help expedite the process once the document reaches their respective states.

    Kalu revealed that the committee is nearing completion of the process leading to parliamentary voting on the constitutional alteration bills.

    “We are appealing to you because we need you,” he said, emphasizing that the success of the exercise depends on cooperation among all tiers of government.

    Read Also: Abia: Benjamin Kalu’s courageous call and shame of others

    “Please, help us thank your brother governors for supporting the initiative of the Constitution review. The Governors Forum has, in one way or another, shown us support. From the chairman to any other person in the Forum. Please express our gratitude when you meet with them. One or two more engagements, and we will be done with this. Please, appreciate them.

    “Also, please, let them know that without them, we cannot make this Constitution. It is not possible because the Houses of Assembly will need to go through this document. We will not coerce the Houses of Assembly. But we know you can liaise with them to help get this document back to us as quickly as possible.

    “If the governors are not in support, we will be running in circles. But with progressively minded governors like you, I am sure you will speak to your colleagues to keep backing us up, for them to know that we need them, and for them to partner with us.

    “The Conference of Speakers has shown interest, and the chairman participated in one way or the other. He has been giving us support, but we should not end our relationship by only engaging with them. We need you, who are the major stakeholders, to help us push this through”.

    Kalu said Nigerians want a more functional Constitution that will empower the local governments to deliver services, streamline electoral justice, strengthen fiscal federalism, guarantee women’s full participation in governance, and enhance accountability at all levels.

    Receiving the federal lawmakers, Gov Peter Mbah lauded the Deputy Speaker for simplifying the process and making it participatory through the zonal public hearings.

    “Let me once again welcome you to this historic city. Thank you so much for honouring us with your presence. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, once again, for choosing Enugu as a venue for this retreat.

    “I want to commend your leadership and diligence over the period of the public hearing. You have come out to demonstrate such commitment in this process, and I think for the first time, we are now taking it even to the granular, getting to the details, looking at the clauses, line by line. This is what this retreat is all about. So, I want to thank you and commend you. Welcome to Enugu State”, he said.

  • We will give Nigerians a constitution that works for them, says Reps Deputy Speaker Kalu

    We will give Nigerians a constitution that works for them, says Reps Deputy Speaker Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stressed the need to have a Nigerian Constitution that work for all segments of the society.

    Speaking at a retreat of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu who is Chairman of the committee said Nigerians want a Constitution that empowers local governments to deliver services, streamlines electoral justice, strengthens fiscal federalism, guarantees women’s full participation in governance, and enhances accountability at all levels.

    He said: “The work we do here in Enugu over the next few days will define the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy for the next generation. Will we be remembered as the Assembly that empowered local governments, thereby bringing governance closer to the people? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that shattered the glass ceiling and guaranteed women’s full participation in public life? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that restored public confidence in our electoral system?

    “These are not rhetorical questions. They are moral and political imperatives that demand our immediate and decisive action. Therefore, as we commence our deliberations, I urge us all to be guided by three principles”.

    He maintained that in discharging its responsibilities, the Committee must have a unity of purpose; legislative discipline and national interest as guiding principles, saying “We represent different constituencies, different parties, and different ideologies.

    “But on the issue of constitutional reform, we must speak with one voice. The amendments we propose must command broad, bipartisan support if they are to succeed. Let us focus on what unites us, not what divides us.

    “Every decision we make here must be guided by one question: What is best for Nigeria? Not what is best for our party, our region, or our personal ambitions, but what is best for the over 200 million Nigerians we were elected to serve.

    “The Constitution we are reviewing is the social contract that binds us together as a people. It is the promise we make to each other about the kind of country we want to build.

    “Let the work we do here in Enugu reflect our commitment to that promise. Let us leave Enugu with a clear, actionable roadmap for constitutional reform: one that empowers local governments, guarantees women’s representation, strengthens electoral integrity, and deepens our federal democracy.”

    Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, emphasised the need to have a diligent Judicial, police and other reforms that will attend to the needs of the Nigerian people for speedy justice delivery.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s mining sector records decade of growth —Alake

    Represented by the Deputy,  Ifeanyi Ossai, the governor said if implemented, reforms intended in the proposed amendments and new bills in the ongoing exercise, will go along way in addressing the socio-political, security as well as economic challenges affecting the country.

    He said, “When you want to complain that we’ve not had access to public and political appointments at the federal level, we begin to read out all sorts of data about fairer character. How people get disadvantaged, how certain ministries go to certain parts of the country and not fairly distributed.

    “But, have you also tried to interrogate, why is it that those of us who complain about federal character from the perspective of political appointment and access to political jobs, we don’t see them as you look at fairer character from the perspective of national budget?

    “Those of us who are politicians seek opportunities at the centre, we are not getting it. We begin to raise all hell about fairer character. But, we don’t do the real work of seeing how the national distribution of free infrastructure cuts across dialectical and enforcing policies.”

    Gov. Mbah said the Committee also needs to do more in the areas  of judicial and police reforms to address the various problems affecting the Judiciary and the Police as regards justice delivery and fighting crimes.

  • Abia: Benjamin Kalu’s courageous call and shame of others

    Abia: Benjamin Kalu’s courageous call and shame of others

    • By James Nwachukwu 

    When Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives raised fundamental questions about transparency and accountability in the management of Abia State’s collective wealth, he was not playing politics, he was merely exercising leadership by speaking for the voiceless. 

    He was merely demanding to know how a state that now receives record-breaking allocations has so little to show on ground. Rather than rally behind him, a section of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives rushed to issue a press statement, not to demand accountability, but to pledge allegiance to Governor Alex Otti. One must ask: allegiance to who – the people or the governor?

    Even infants knew their press statement  was merely an act of cowardice, Fear of losing political favour. Fear of falling out of line in re-election matters. But it suffices it to say that  true leadership requires courage, not compliance. Abia State today receives humongous monthly allocations from the Federation Account, thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold and painful removal of fuel subsidy. That single decision freed up trillions of naira for the three tiers of government. It was a political risk of historic proportion. The President took the backlash alone. From angry citizens, labour unions, and critics, but the governors, who became the biggest beneficiaries of the policy, quietly smiled to the bank.

    Abia’s monthly allocation has increased multiple times over, yet what is there to show? Roads are still deplorable, local governments remain comatose, and basic infrastructure has become a luxury. Even with these huge federal inflows, combined with Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the local governments’ statutory allocations, Abians can still not point to developments commensurate with the financial windfall the state now enjoys. 

    And while Governor Otti’s supporters trumpet selective projects for propaganda, the reality across Abia’s 17 local governments tells a grim story: no local government autonomy as against the President’s clear and unambiguous directive, therefore, no visible transformation.

    Now, enter the Abia State House of Assembly – a body that should be the people’s watchdog. For months, these lawmakers maintained cowardly silence as local governance was crippled and funds were handled in secrecy. But the moment Ben Kalu asked for accountability, they suddenly found their voices, not to demand transparency, but to insult! What a caricature of representation! The same Assembly that should be grilling commissioners and examining State accounts is instead performing comic relief, defending the indefensible. They should bury their heads in shame for attacking the man who did their job better than them.

    Read Also: Lagos, NEMA on emergency response

    While they grovel for political survival, Ben Kalu continues to stand tall. From his vantage position as Deputy Speaker, he has access to facts and figures, he knows what comes into Abia’s coffers monthly, and what the 17 local governments are entitled to. He also knows how much of that money disappears into administrative darkness. His concern is not partisan; it is patriotic. He is not talking politics; he is talking governance. And while others merely talk, Ben Kalu works – attracting federal projects, rebuilding roads, lighting up communities, and providing empowerment programs that have direct impact on the people.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu equally deserves commendation, not condemnation. He took a historic political risk by removing fuel subsidy – a move previous President’s were too timid to attempt. He faced the backlash head-on and carried the burden of national anger, while state governors quietly pocketed the windfall. Today, those governors use the same funds to polish their political image, fund propaganda, and build personal influence, yet the President is painted as a “merchant of pain.” The hypocrisy is nauseating. If President Tinubu were to treat Nigerian States the same way some governors treat their local governments – hoarding and mismanaging allocations – there would be no windfall for governors to spend, Yet the President continues to respect the constitutional rights of the states, even when they fail to replicate such fairness within their own boundaries.

    So, to the LP caucus members in Abuja and their counterparts in the Abia State House of Assembly, take a moment to reflect. When your people cry over poverty, unemployment, and bad roads, remember that you stood with power, not with the people. Remember that when Ben Kalu raised questions on behalf of Abians, you responded with insults instead of integrity. The truth is simple: Abia is richer today than ever before  courtesy of Tinubu’s reforms, yet poor in visible progress. That contradiction is the shame of those who claim to represent us.

    Ben Kalu and President Tinubu have shown leadership courage: one at the national level, the other at the state level. Both took the risk of unpopularity to do what is right. Meanwhile, their critics wallow in fear, hypocrisy, and self-interest. Abians are watching. Nigerians are watching. And history will remember who stood for truth and who stood for stomach infrastructure. Tinubu deserves our gratitude. Ben Kalu deserves our respect. The rest deserve our pity.

    • Nwachukwu, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Umuahia, Abia State Capital
  • We will give Nigerians a working constitution, says Reps Deputy Speaker

    We will give Nigerians a working constitution, says Reps Deputy Speaker

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has stressed the need to have a Nigerian Constitution that work for all segment of the society. 

     Speaking at a retreat of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu who is Chairman of the committee said Nigerians want a Constitution that empowers local governments to deliver services, streamlines electoral justice, strengthens fiscal federalism, guarantees women’s full participation in governance, and enhances accountability at all levels.

    He said as part of the resolve of the House to give Nigerians the Constitution they deserve, it assembled a distinguished panel of constitutional lawyers, scholars, and policy analysts who will guide our deliberations, provide comparative perspectives, and help us navigate complex legal and political terrain. 

    He said: “the work we do here in Enugu over the next few days will define the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy for the next generation.Will we be remembered as the Assembly that empowered local governments, thereby bringing governance closer to the people? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that shattered the glass ceiling and guaranteed women’s full participation in public life? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that restored public confidence in our electoral system?

    “These are not rhetorical questions. They are moral and political imperatives that demand our immediate and decisive action. Therefore, as we commence our deliberations, I urge us all to be guided by three principles”.

    He maintained that in discharging its responsibilities, the Committee must have a unity of purpose; legislative discipline and national interest as guiding principles, saying “We represent different constituencies, different parties, and different ideologies. 

    “But on the issue of constitutional reform, we must speak with one voice. The amendments we propose must command broad, bipartisan support if they are to succeed. Let us focus on what unites us, not what divides us.

    “Constitutional amendments are not ordinary bills. They require meticulous drafting, rigorous scrutiny, and careful sequencing. We must resist the temptation to overload the amendment agenda with contentious or politically divisive proposals. Our focus must be on achievable, high-impact reforms that enjoy widespread public support.

    “Every decision we make here must be guided by one question: What is best for Nigeria? Not what is best for our party, our region, or our personal ambitions, but what is best for the over 200 million Nigerians we were elected to serve.

    “The Constitution we are reviewing is the social contract that binds us together as a people. It is the promise we make to each other about the kind of country we want to build.

    “Let the work we do here in Enugu reflect our commitment to that promise. Let us leave Enugu with a clear, actionable roadmap for constitutional reform: one that empowers local governments, guarantees women’s representation, strengthens electoral integrity, and deepens our federal democracy.

    “Let us leave Enugu ready to build the consensus necessary to secure passage of these amendments in the National Assembly and in State Houses of Assembly across the Federation.And let us leave Enugu inspired by the knowledge that we are engaged in a historic endeavour: one that will shape Nigeria’s destiny for generations to come”.

    Enugu Governor Peter Mbah emphasised on the need to have a diligent Judicial, police and other reforms that will attend to the needs of the Nigerian people for speedy justice delivery.

    Represented by the Deputy,  Ifeanyi Ossai, the Governor said if implemented, reforms intended in the proposed amendments and new bills in the ongoing exercise, will go along way in addressing the socio-political, security as well as economic challenges affecting the country.

    He stated that whenever Nigerians discuss inclusive governance, a few thoughts run around what they discuss event among parliamentarians, in media, politicians, those in the academies and almost all classes of Nigerians.

  • Deputy Speaker Kalu advocates for inclusive Constitution that serves all Nigerians 

    Deputy Speaker Kalu advocates for inclusive Constitution that serves all Nigerians 

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has emphasised the need for a Nigerian Constitution that effectively serves every segment of society.

    Speaking at a retreat of the House Committee on Constitution Review, which he chairs, Kalu said Nigerians are yearning for a Constitution that empowers local governments to deliver essential services, streamlines electoral justice, strengthens fiscal federalism, ensures women’s full participation in governance, and promotes accountability at all levels.

    He noted that, in line with the House’s commitment to producing a people-centered Constitution, a distinguished panel of constitutional lawyers, scholars, and policy analysts has been assembled to guide the committee’s deliberations.

    According to him, the experts will provide comparative insights and help the lawmakers navigate the complex legal and political issues involved in the Constitution review process.

    He said, “The work we do here in Enugu over the next few days will define the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy for the next generation.Will we be remembered as the Assembly that empowered local governments, thereby bringing governance closer to the people? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that shattered the glass ceiling and guaranteed women’s full participation in public life? Will we be remembered as the Assembly that restored public confidence in our electoral system?

    READ ALSO: Amupitan: From academia to umpire

    “These are not rhetorical questions. They are moral and political imperatives that demand our immediate and decisive action. Therefore, as we commence our deliberations, I urge us all to be guided by three principles”.

    He maintained that in discharging its responsibilities, the Committee must have a unity of purpose; legislative discipline and national interest as guiding principles, saying “We represent different constituencies, different parties, and different ideologies. 

    “But on the issue of constitutional reform, we must speak with one voice. The amendments we propose must command broad, bipartisan support if they are to succeed. Let us focus on what unites us, not what divides us.

    “Constitutional amendments are not ordinary bills. They require meticulous drafting, rigorous scrutiny, and careful sequencing. We must resist the temptation to overload the amendment agenda with contentious or politically divisive proposals. Our focus must be on achievable, high-impact reforms that enjoy widespread public support.

    “Every decision we make here must be guided by one question: What is best for Nigeria? Not what is best for our party, our region, or our personal ambitions, but what is best for the over 200 million Nigerians we were elected to serve.

    “The Constitution we are reviewing is the social contract that binds us together as a people. It is the promise we make to each other about the kind of country we want to build.

    “Let the work we do here in Enugu reflect our commitment to that promise. Let us leave Enugu with a clear, actionable roadmap for constitutional reform: one that empowers local governments, guarantees women’s representation, strengthens electoral integrity, and deepens our federal democracy.

    “Let us leave Enugu ready to build the consensus necessary to secure passage of these amendments in the National Assembly and in State Houses of Assembly across the Federation.And let us leave Enugu inspired by the knowledge that we are engaged in a historic endeavour: one that will shape Nigeria’s destiny for generations to come”.

    Enugu state Governor, Peter Mbah emphasised on the need to have a diligent Judicial, police and other reforms that will attend to the needs of the Nigerian people for speedy justice delivery.

    Represented by the Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, the governor said if implemented, reforms intended in the proposed amendments and new bills in the ongoing exercise, will go along way in addressing the socio-political, security as well as economic challenges affecting the country.

    He stated that whenever Nigerians discuss inclusive governance, a few thoughts run around what they discuss eveng among parliamentarians, in media, politicians, those in the academies and almost all classes of Nigerians.

    According to him, one thing that is consistently discussed in the country is describing Nigeria from the perspective of geopolitical sense.

    He said, “The last time I checked, I wasn’t certain that there was constitutional liberties to it. But it’s almost clear that in all our national conversations, in political conversations, in development conversations, in all our conversations, the concept of the fact that geopolitical zones are taking root in our subconscious conversations has come to me. 

    “So, I was wondering, will the parliament think it’s worth it to begin to capture the concept of geopolitical zones in our constitution? Because it can happen that we need the framework for a robust and inclusive government and governance, as I’ve seen on page 51 of your material reform.

    “And if you think that’s worth it, to be part of our constitution and make it a formal conversation and break the rules, then it could be the framework that would drive the next thing I want to talk about, which is federal character. First of all, the concept of federal character has been won by the elites. Some, of course, were politicians.

    “When you want to complain that we’ve not had access to public and political appointments at the federal level, we begin to read out all sorts of data about fairer character. How people get disadvantaged, how certain ministries go to certain parts of the country and not fairly distributed. 

    “But, have you also tried to interrogate, why is it that those of us who complain about federal character from the perspective of political appointment and access to political jobs, we don’t see them as you look at fairer character from the perspective of national budget.

    “Those of us who are politicians seek opportunities at the centre, we are not getting it. We begin to raise all hell about fairer character. But, we don’t do the real work of seeing how the national distribution of free infrastructure cuts across dialectical and enforcing policies”

    Gov. Mbah said the Committee needs to do more in those area Judicial and police reforms to address the various outcries about the problems affecting the Judiciary and the Police as regards justice delivery and fighting crimes.

    “But, it really doesn’t matter that in the long run, if you don’t go after proper policing, it doesn’t matter if it’s the state police, federal police, local government police, you will still be running around in circles. 

    “And, I will add one thing. For those of us who are allies, you will know that the content and context of investigation in this country is essentially detention and extraction of professional weaknesses.

    “Suspects are routinely detained, high jail, and some tortured, some not tortured, but put under arrest to confess or say nothing. And, for those of us who have a privilege to visit police detention facilities, like the police cells, the police offices, those cells, where our statistics are held, are what I call instrumental constructing to us. 

    “There is none of us here, in this room, that will be detained in any of the police cells in this country for three hours, and you will not accept a crime you don’t commit.Because, they are all inhuman condition. 

    “So, while we look at a legislative framework that will create state police, it’s also good to look at the police Act and see if parliament will assist in developing operational guidance that have a balance of facts to admit crimes they do not know, or to just want to offer bribe to police people to leave.

    “But, in addition, I want to link that up to judicial reforms, which I also saw in the document. I want to look at an approach where parliament will work with the judiciary, to develop a framework where we have magistrates on call. In all our medical facilities across this country, doctors are on call.

    “If a patient comes in at 2am and understands that the patient is on call, they call the doctor and he comes. We should actually begin to think of having magistrates on call, so that it becomes the responsibility of the magistrate to determine whether someone should be held in a medical facility or not. 

    “So, if someone has been arrested, and a lawyer is seeking to bail that person, he goes to the magistrate or to the deputy of the city, presents his case before the magistrates, who looks at the facts, who makes the decision, if proper authorities are provided for bail.

    “And if it’s who wills that it’s not safe to release that person, he can order, even if it’s on a Saturday, that the person be transferred to a prison near the police station. What that does is that police will now take a possible and final evidence to prosecute crime. 

    “Because most of the times that suspects are detained for so long that they will be punished, who are these others going to court? Because most of the times the evidence they have are weak.Lawyers are able to get those suspects released”.

  • Reps hold national public hearing on constitution review Monday

    Reps hold national public hearing on constitution review Monday

    The House of Representatives will, on Monday, September 22, 2025, hold a national public hearing on the proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution in Abuja.

    The hearing, originally scheduled earlier this month but postponed following the national mourning for former President Muhammadu Buhari, marks a major step in the ongoing efforts to amend the constitution.

    Issues on the front burner are state police, power devolution, state police, special legislative seats for women, electoral and judicial reforms, among others.

    Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the Special Ad-hoc Committee on the Constitution Review, is expected to preside over the event at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

    According to the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the hearing is designed to consolidate citizens’ inputs gathered during the zonal consultations held in July across the six geopolitical zones. Those consultations featured public hearings at 12 designated centres nationwide.

    Read Also: Oluremi Tinubu marks birthday with call for national library completion

    Rotimi stressed the importance of public participation in the process, describing the national hearing as “a vital platform for Nigerians and stakeholders to shape constitutional reforms directly.”

    He encouraged citizens to engage with the Compendium of 86 Constitution Review Bills, available online, to better understand the issues under consideration and make informed contributions.

    “This national forum will consolidate citizens’ contributions ahead of legislative voting on the Constitution Review Bills. It demonstrates the House’s commitment to inclusive and participatory governance,” Rotimi said.

    Kalu also underscored the people-driven nature of the exercise, insisting that any amendment must reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.

    “This Constitution belongs to all Nigerians, and its review must reflect the aspirations of our people. I urge citizens and stakeholders to participate fully in the National Public Hearing and make their voices count, because only through your contributions can we achieve a truly participatory and people-driven constitutional review,” he stated.

    The House reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible process, pledging that the outcome will reflect the collective will of Nigerians.

  • Deputy Speaker Kalu, Edun resolve indigenous contractors crisis with Fed Govt

    Deputy Speaker Kalu, Edun resolve indigenous contractors crisis with Fed Govt

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu on Thursday, successfully brokered a resolution through his intervention, bringing an end to the standoff between the Federal Government and indigenous contractors.

    This came after the contractors, owed for months, staged a protest in Abuja.

    Following his appointment as Chairman of the House Special Committee on Budget Implementation by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Kalu convened an expanded meeting with the contractors numbering over 80 across the country with their leadership for an open dialogue on the issue.

    In attendance were the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi and other top government officials.

    After a marathon meeting lasting over four hours, Kalu announced that all parties have resolved the issues in the interest of the economy.

    Kalu’s intervention was hailed by the parties who said that it averted further disruptions, demonstrating the effectiveness of dialogue in resolving disputes.

    To this end, payments to contractors are expected to commence from Monday.

    Speaking at the end of the meeting, the Deputy Speaker said that a mutually beneficial agreement was reached, expressing his gratitude to the Speaker of the House and his colleagues for entrusting him with the responsibility.

    He also announced subsequent meetings later this month to evaluate progress.

    He said: “First of all, I want to thank the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, PhD, GCON, the leadership of the House for finding me worthy to be the Chairman of Budget Implementation Committee. We met yesterday, cut down our holidays to be able to reconvene and look into this all important matters.

    Read Also: Nigerian politics full of liars, betrayers, says Jonathan

    “We met on Wednesday with Finance Minister, Minister of Budget and Planning, Accountant-General of the Federation, Representatives that cut across all the caucuses of the House, including representation from the House Appropriation Committee and Finance.

    “We saw the protest and asked them to come, lets have a conversation. I want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for appointing these gentlemen to occupy the positions they occupy.

    “They have shown humility in service. They’ve shown diligence in the way this matter has been handled and the parliament we are happy that all we discussed yesterday they started implementing today, the ability to engage with the people.

    “We had over 4 hours engagement and they left here smiling. We got the strategy in place, and we’re going to come back on the 21st of this month to review what we’ve done so far, how we’ve ticked the boxes, what needs to be done and the way forward.”

    Edun commended the Deputy Speaker for his intervention, assuring that the payment will commence next week.

    “Under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, we did hold a marathon meeting today where all the issues were discussed and a timeline was put in place and a way forward was mapped out and all parties at the end of it left knowing that contractors would be paid for jobs done and we have an orderly and systematic way of dealing with the backlogs which had approved overtime.

    “Once again, we commend the leadership of the House of Representatives and the contractors for their willingness to sit down and dialogue. The Accountant-General of the Federation made some commitments which helped us to chart the way forward.

    “We had a peaceful solution. A timeline was put in place and everyone accepted that there are steps that need to be taken, approvals, finalization and orderly procedure for payments. After Friday’s holiday, the Central Bank will open again on Monday and payments will commence immediately”, he said.

    The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ogunjimi corroborated the position of the minister of finance.

    “This process is ongoing. We’ve been paying contractors and we will continue to pay. From Monday, payments will start dropping”, he said.

    Earlier in the meeting, the leadership and membership of the association of indigenous contractors of Nigeria expressed satisfaction with the resolutions reached.

    Commending the Deputy Speaker for his intervention, they also pledged to discontinue with the protest.

  • Nigerian youths, heartbeat of nation, says deputy speaker

    Nigerian youths, heartbeat of nation, says deputy speaker

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

    Kalu disclosed this 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.

    Read Also: I have no rift with my deputy, says Okpebholo

    Kalu emphasised his office’s collaboration with some youth-led organisations to implement empowerment programmes and initiatives and 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 has been youth-friendly, also working assiduously to empower them more.

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