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Tag: Benjamin Kalu

  • Why I am supporting Tinubu’s second term, says deputy speaker Kalu

    Why I am supporting Tinubu’s second term, says deputy speaker Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has said that despite scoring very low votes from the South East, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the region so much.

    Kalu, who spoke when he received the members of the City Boy Movement led by its Abia State Coordinator and South East Zonal Leader, Mary Ikoku, in his office, said the President has given the South East so much sense of belonging and fulfilled the over 50-year-old promise of reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

    He said the President has continued to prioritize equitable distribution of high profile political offices across the country, hence his decision rally support for the second bid of the President.

    He said his support for the President stemmed from his display of statesmanship and the sense of belonging extended to the South East geopolitical zone.

    He said that despite scoring low vote from the region in the 2023 elections, the President has continued to prioritize equitable distribution of high profile political offices across the country.

    According to him, the Tinubu administration has pursued sincere policies and programmes that will put Nigeria on a good economic pedestal, saying it will not only benefit the present generation but also posterity.

    He said the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC) by the government showcased Tinubu as a President that does not discriminate against any region, adding that the creation of the Commission which he said eluded the region for over 50 years since the end of the civil war, will help to heal the wounds sustained therefrom.

    He welcome the group’s request to work with his Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a platform initiated to showcase Tinubu’s giant strides across the country, saying the collaboration with the City Boy Movement founded by the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu will be impactful.

    He said: “I wholeheartedly accept to be your zonal grand patron. It’s a show of hand of partnership between the Renewed Hope Partners and the City Boy Movement. We are going to work together to ensure that the vote that will come from the South East will be different now than it was before.

    “We are going to go around the 5 eastern States. I know the responsibility of being a patron at the zonal level, and I will not shy away from my responsibility. I can assure you the impact will be driven by our synergy when we come together. We will partner both within and outside the South East but our primary target is the South East.

    “The President is proud of you and this marriage willl give you a boost. I am committed to this and sincerely so because this is a man we did not give enough votes but has given us a lot.

    “Other Presidents came and left. Nobody thought it wise to fulfil the promise of 50 years of reconciliation, reconstruction and reintegration by the Gowon regime. Using the South East Development Commission, the President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has fulfilled that promise.

    “So, with that platform, we are going to heal the wounds of the Southeast. Many said he was going to sign it, but he did, and very soon, the impact of this government is going to be felt through that platform. That’s why I believe in him.”

    The Deputy Speaker also urged the South East to support the President’s reelection bid.

    “Igbo should participate and stop sitting outside the room. Splitting our vote has not given us the strength we need at the negotiation table. The only way Igbo will feel included and feel the power of inclusion and the benefits of it is when we include our vote. Let our vote count and then, the region will count much more”, he said.

    Read Also: Kalu: Fresh face in Southeast political leadership

    Zonal Leader of City Boy Movement, Mary Ikoku lauded the legislative legacies of the Deputy Speaker, saying “It is with great pleasure that we gather today to pay tribute to your exceptional leadership and dedication to the progress of our beloved South East region and our country. Your tireless efforts in promoting peace and stability through the Peace in the Southeast project have been truly remarkable, fostering an environment conducive to growth, development, and prosperity.

    “Your commitment to the ideals of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and your impressive legislative record, both locally and internationally, have earned you the respect and admiration of our movement.

    “Recently, you unveiled the Renewed Hope Partners, a special purpose vehicle to ensure the vision and policies of the President are communicated to the relevant publics and, in turn, cause his re-election based on empirical evidence of his works. We’ve watched you represent our country, and we love the way you love and promote Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the city boy on whose name this organisation was formed.

    “We are here to offer you our readiness for partnership with Renewed Hope Partners. We will work collaboratively with RHP to achieve the great vision for 2027. In recognition of your outstanding contributions, we, the South East City Boy movement, are proud to confer upon you the title of South East Patron. This honour is a testament to your leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the development of our region”.

  • Reps move to enhance agric innovation in rural areas

    Reps move to enhance agric innovation in rural areas

    The House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading a Bill seeking to expand the mandate of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria by seeking to establish specialised training institutions across the federation to deepen national agricultural productivity capacity and ensure innovation in the urban centres.

    The Bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, is titled a “Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for the Establishment of Certain Specialised Colleges; and for Other Related Matters.”

    The Bill, which comprises three clauses principally seeks to amend the Third Schedule of the Principal Act to provide for the establishment of the following specialised colleges of agriculture: Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Bende, Abia State; Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Takum, Adamawa State; Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State; Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State; (e) Federal College of Anima Health and Production Technology, Dange Shuni, Sokoto State and Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Olamaboro, Kogi State.

    Leading the debate on the general principles of the Bill, the Deputy Speaker said agriculture remains a vital part of the Nigerian economy and a key driver for rural development, job creation, food security and national GDP.

    He said the nation continues to face glaring gaps in research and innovation, especially in regions where unique agricultural potentials remain untapped due to the absence of tailored educational institutions.

    According to him, the Bill seeks to bridge this glaring gap as the amendment will not simply be adding institutions, but will serve as an investment in untapped potential and empowerment of those whose hands feed the nation.

    Read Also: Lagos’ agric initiatives reach over 2m households

    Kalu expressed optimism that when the Bill becomes law, it will lead to stronger agricultural research ecosystem; more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Nigerians; greater food security and overall economic growth.

    He said: “This is not merely to introduce a legislative proposal, but to lay before this Peoples House a vision — a vision to take agricultural education into the fabric of our national development strategy and effort.

    “A vision that recognises that research and innovation must not remain in silos or city centres, but must live where the land is tilled, where the livestock roam, where the rivers run.

    “Through this amendment, we are not simply adding institutions — we are answering a national call -a call to invest where there is untapped potential, to empower those whose hands feed the nation, and to deepen our national agricultural productivity capacity by expanding the mandate and reach of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria through the establishment of specialised training institutions in various parts of our great nation by establishing certain specialised agricultural colleges in strategic locations across the six geo-political zones.”

  • Kalu: Fresh face in Southeast political leadership

    Kalu: Fresh face in Southeast political leadership

    By Bamidele Atoyebi

    Breakthroughs often arise from unexpected changes in strategy or embracing new methodologies. It’s widely understood that repeating the same actions while hoping for different outcomes can be seen as madness.

    The South East has long been home to influential political figures, yet their contributions have frequently been overlooked, leading to persistent feelings of marginalization. The list of prominent leaders is extensive, but the circumstances for the South East have remained stagnant, if not deteriorated.

    A key issue has been the region’s approach to its political challenges. There’s a perception that the South East struggles to engage in necessary compromises and negotiations. This could be attributed to a leadership model focused on equality and centralized power that has failed to adapt to Nigeria’s complex political landscape. Successful navigation through this landscape requires flexibility and collaboration, qualities that have often been lacking in previous leadership.

    However, there is hope with Benjamin Kalu’s leadership style, which emphasizes negotiation over confrontation. Initially, his position as Deputy Speaker was met with disappointment from many who had hoped for a higher role. Yet, his approach has proven beneficial, as he successfully unites the region and works to integrate it into national politics, moving away from a stance of opposition.

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    Recently, for the first time, South East officials gathered together to strategize on how to benefit the region, inspired by Kalu’s leadership. This cooperative effort has not been seen in the past, despite previous political leaders.

    Through loyalty to his party and effective negotiation, Kalu has secured the establishment of the South East Development Commission, marking a significant achievement. Historically, the region would have lagged behind in such developments, highlighting his effective leadership.

    Kalu’s methods have drawn comparisons to the political strategies of the South West, which favor non-confrontational approaches that may seem timid but ultimately yield favorable outcomes. This contrasts sharply with past leadership styles that resorted to confrontation, which resulted in tragic consequences for the South East.

    Previous figures like Odimegwu Ojukwu and Nnamdi Kanu had employed aggressive tactics to address the region’s issues, but these approaches led to significant loss and suffering. Similarly, Ike Ekweremadu, although influential, failed to leverage his position for meaningful benefit to the region. Peter Obi’s tenure also faced criticism for lacking the political acuity necessary for genuine progress, especially as his supporters used divisive rhetoric.

    Obi’s approach, especially regarding ethnic and religious issues, alienated potential supporters and created factionalism. These missteps have provided valuable lessons, highlighting the need for a different strategy in the South East’s political engagement.

    Benjamin Kalu, despite being relatively new to his role, has quickly made strides to uplift the region, attracting projects and building relationships that draw the South East closer to the center of political power. His vision is resonating with the populace, including traditional rulers who have pledged substantial support for the APC in the upcoming elections.

    Kalu is even taking assertive steps, signaling to Governor Alex Otti that remaining outside the central party would hinder progress. Kalu’s focus on political alignment is essential for long-term development in the South East, and he is actively working to rectify previous leadership shortcomings.

    • Bamidele Atoyebi, the Convenor of the BAT Ideological Group, engages in accountability and policy monitoring while also serving as a social worker, criminologist, maritime administrator, and philanthropist. He sent this message from Abuja.

  • Benjamin Kalu: A fresh face in South East political leadership

    Benjamin Kalu: A fresh face in South East political leadership

    By Bamidele Atoyebi

    Breakthroughs often arise from unexpected changes in strategy or embracing new methodologies. It’s widely understood that repeating the same actions while hoping for different outcomes can be seen as madness.

    The South East has long been home to influential political figures, yet their contributions have frequently been overlooked, leading to persistent feelings of marginalization. The list of prominent leaders is extensive, but the circumstances for the South East have remained stagnant, if not deteriorated.

    A key issue has been the region’s approach to its political challenges. There’s a perception that the South East struggles to engage in necessary compromises and negotiations. This could be attributed to a leadership model focused on equality and centralized power that has failed to adapt to Nigeria’s complex political landscape. Successful navigation through this landscape requires flexibility and collaboration, qualities that have often been lacking in previous leadership.

    However, there is hope with Benjamin Kalu’s leadership style, which emphasizes negotiation over confrontation. Initially, his position as Deputy Speaker was met with disappointment from many who had hoped for a higher role. Yet, his approach has proven beneficial, as he successfully unites the region and works to integrate it into national politics, moving away from a stance of opposition.

    Recently, for the first time, South East officials gathered together to strategize on how to benefit the region, inspired by Kalu’s leadership. This cooperative effort has not been seen in the past, despite previous political leaders.

    Through loyalty to his party and effective negotiation, Kalu has secured the establishment of the South East Development Commission, marking a significant achievement. Historically, the region would have lagged behind in such developments, highlighting his effective leadership.

    Read Also: Taking the wind out of Benjamin Kalu’s indigeneship bill

    Kalu’s methods have drawn comparisons to the political strategies of the South West, which favor non-confrontational approaches that may seem timid but ultimately yield favorable outcomes. This contrasts sharply with past leadership styles that resorted to confrontation, which resulted in tragic consequences for the South East.

    Previous figures like Odimegwu Ojukwu and Nnamdi Kanu had employed aggressive tactics to address the region’s issues, but these approaches led to significant loss and suffering. Similarly, Ike Ekweremadu, although influential, failed to leverage his position for meaningful benefit to the region. Peter Obi’s tenure also faced criticism for lacking the political acuity necessary for genuine progress, especially as his supporters used divisive rhetoric.

    Obi’s approach, especially regarding ethnic and religious issues, alienated potential supporters and created factionalism. These missteps have provided valuable lessons, highlighting the need for a different strategy in the South East’s political engagement.

    Benjamin Kalu, despite being relatively new to his role, has quickly made strides to uplift the region, attracting projects and building relationships that draw the South East closer to the center of political power. His vision is resonating with the populace, including traditional rulers who have pledged substantial support for the APC in the upcoming elections.

    Kalu is even taking assertive steps, signaling to Governor Alex Otti that remaining outside the central party would hinder progress. Kalu’s focus on political alignment is essential for long-term development in the South East, and he is actively working to rectify previous leadership shortcomings.

    Bamidele Atoyebi, the Convenor of the BAT Ideological Group, engages in accountability and policy monitoring while also serving as a social worker, criminologist, maritime administrator, and philanthropist. He sent this message from Abuja.

  • Abbas: Kalu, a dependable partner

    Abbas: Kalu, a dependable partner

    • Speaker eulogises deputy on 54th birthday

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has congratulated his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, on the celebration of his 54th birthday.

    He described Kalu as a dependable partner in the leadership of the House.

    In a congratulatory to the deputy speaker, Abbas hailed Kalu for being “a reliable co-pilot in the affairs of the 10th House”.

    Read Also: Abbas to EU: Asian investors taking over in Africa

    The Speaker stressed that both of them have recorded successes as leaders of the “progressive” Green Chamber.

    According to him, Kalu is a hardworking, resourceful, goal-oriented, and skillful lawmaker “who shares similar passions with me concerning the growth and development of our dear nation”.

    Abbas added: “Right Honourable Kalu has been a dependable deputy and has made the leadership journey easier. This is clearly due to our shared goals and belief in the critical roles of the legislature in nation-building.

    “I wish him many more years in good health and divine wisdom to continue to be of good service to our nation.”

  • ‘You are a reliable partner in House leadership’, Speaker Abbas hails Kalu at 54

    ‘You are a reliable partner in House leadership’, Speaker Abbas hails Kalu at 54

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has praised Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu as a dependable ally in the leadership of the 10th House. 

    In a congratulatory message marking Kalu’s 54th birthday, Speaker Abbas lauded his deputy as a “reliable co-pilot” in parliamentary affairs, highlighting their shared successes as leaders of a progressive federal legislature. 

    Describing Kalu as hardworking, resourceful, and goal-oriented, Abbas commended his dedication to national development, emphasising their mutual commitment to strengthening the legislative arm of government. 

    “Right Honourable Kalu has been a dependable deputy and has made the leadership journey easier due to our shared goals and belief in the legislature’s vital role in nation-building,” Abbas stated. 

    He wished Kalu continued good health and divine wisdom to sustain his contributions to governance.

  • Taking the wind out of Benjamin Kalu’s indigeneship bill

    Taking the wind out of Benjamin Kalu’s indigeneship bill

    It is not the intention of the columnist to stoke any ethnic particularities in the essay below. On the contrary, I will be exposing the very underpinnings of Hon Benjamin Kalu’s Indigeneship Bill, a bill he coyly presented as one to unite Nigeria. Nigerians must simply open their eyes.

    Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, of the All Progressive Congress(APC), is an Igbo politician and current  Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    He represents the Bende federal constituency of Abia State.

    It is, therefore, not surprising that he is the sponsor of the Indigeneship Bill now before the House of Representatives.

    The Bill seeks to grant indigene status to individuals who have resided in a state for 10 years or married a native for the same length of time.

    It is deftly proposed as a progressive bill intended to cohere the country like the National Youth Corps  which mandates Nigerian University graduates, below a certain age, to serve for one year in a part of the country other than theirs as a way of fostering inter – ethnic unity in the country. But nothing can be further from the truth.

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    Given Igbo’s rather tiny piece of territory which, besides its miniscule size is landlocked, and thus impedes their truly industrious proclivities, they are spread so thin all over the country that there is hardly a community in the entire country where you will not find an Igbo community. Such is their gregariousness!

    While this in itself is not bad, Igbo’s inexplanable, and totally uncontrolled, desire to own things which belong to others, especially land, is the elephant in the room.

    This abhorrent Igbo characteristic tend to make others dislike them because they demonstrate it wherever they sojourn. But do not take my word alone for that allegation.

    Instead, see below, its typical and vivid  demonstration in a WhatsApp dialogue involving some Igbos and moderated by one  Okonkwo. It is only  one of several, concerning how they must expropriate Yoruba land, especially Lagos, which they see as a ‘No Man’s Land’, and for which they would kill without batting an eyelid.

    THEIR BOAST.

     Ndigbo Will Conquer and Rule Oduduwa Republic:

    “We must take Lagos. We must. Those who want to keep it are fighting themselves.Those of us who want to take it must fight harder.

    The people who want to keep it are threatening. We that want to take it must be prepared for that threat.

    There”s no new thing they are going to do now in Lagos. We already know what they will do.  Therefore, we must prepare ourselves in large numbers …

    Because if we do not take Lagos, I do not know if you can still stay in Lagos.

    To stay in Lagos, you have to take Lagos, to remain there we must win Lagos; to do that your business,  for your parents to go to that church, for you to enter that estate, to enter that bus (Marwa) we just must take Lagos – (Mind you, they don”t even want to win, but TAKE Lagos).

    … the only way is to defeat them; so we can lock them up.

    The only way to defeat them is to send them to jail”.

    Who will believe these are the words, and plans, of TOTAL STRANGERS IN YORUBALAND, a totally foreign land?

    Not only that, the speaker was hectoring in a stentorian voice reminiscent only of  Ojukwu’s effete boasts before he led millions of them to their early graves in the Biafran war, and promptly fled abroad.

    But that is not all to their plan to consummate which Hon Benjamin Kalu is now ferociously at work in the Peoples’ House.

    So they went on:

    “We will join Afenifere and soon be part of the powerhouses that will be eligible to be crowned Obas.

    We will get married to the daughters of Oduduwa , build mansions in their towns and villages and only visit our country home in the land of the rising sun, once a year, as usual.

    Gradually we will turn Oduduwa Republic into one of the most ethnically mixed countries in the world”.

    Can a war plan be more detailed?

    What Igbos are saying, put simply, is that they would do anything to TAKE Lagos state – rig, burn, kill etc,  come the next election.

    This is where, and why members of the National Assembly must be extremely careful, and not permit themselves be hoodwinked by any seeming dogooder/s.

    They already have their job cut out for them in the matter of the Indigeneship Bill.

    What all these poignantly remind me of is my article of 16 February, ’25 which, for lack of space, I shall only briefly summarise below.

    Titled: Non – Indigenes Should Be Barred From Contesting Governorship, Senate, House Of Representatives and State House Elections, I wrote:

     If for the sake of equity amongst Nigerian states,  representation in the senate is set at 3 members per state, and  constituency, 

     based on  population is the basis for allocating the number of Reps seats a state can have,  why are non- indigenes allowed to  contest for these positions outside their state of origin or geo political zone?

    I consider this practice grossly unfair in a country where, for instance, some states in the Southeast geo- political zone would not accept a cleric, even of the same Igbo ethnic stock, as their parish clergy – where so appointed by the Pope himself – if he comes from outside their state.This we have seen severally.

    It could, in fact, be  worse as happened when the entire indigenous peoples of Aba Ngwa not only rose, like one man, to reject a non- indgene as the Aba Mayor, but  dared their  governor, Alex Otti, to dare try – see  Vanguard October 19, 2023.

    These are the same people who come loaded with money, from all kind of sources, to try everything  to contest elections in Lagos.

    I could barely hold myself when this past week, on television,  Muiz Banire,a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,  glibly described this practice as signifying political freedom.

    What manner of political freedom? Why should this freedom, applicable to the geese, not also apply equally to the gander? Or where in Igbo land can a Yoruba man contest a senate seat?

    Whoever likes may call me an ethnic bigot but where, in all honesty,  has this been allowed to happen in the East?

    During the 2023 elections Peter Obi, not only ensured that Igbos predominated his party executives in both the North and the West, many of the party’s candidates for election, all over Nigeria, were Igbo.

    You can only imagine where a politician from Aboh Mbaise LGA (Imo state),  representing Amuwo -Odofin(Lagos state) in the House of Representatives, would  consider first for a  project between his Imo state and Lagos?

    If this is truly freedom, as Banire put it, then it should apply equally everywhere in the country.

    The National Assembly must move, with all speed, therefore, to abrogate the misnomer.

    It could, in future, be reversed when all Nigerians consider themselves brothers and sisters enough to jettison primordial considerations, the type these Igbos wanting to capture Lagos, and jail its citizens have abundantly shown us in their dialogue.

    In Nigeria, unlike in the U.S, the UK or the West in general, primary loyalty is to one’s place of birth as well as to one’s people, while scant attention is paid, if at all, to people from far fetched areas regardless of any domicile status.

    Kalu’s bill should nicely be returned to him  while the National Assembly proceeds, proactively, to make laws prohibiting non – indigenes of geo-political zones from contesting elections, in states where they are merely domiciled, but neither know well nor love.

    Igbos should be encouraged to go  and develop their land of the rising sun and vote, and be voted for, there.

     As  Gloria Adebajo – Frazer put in a well written piece on the subject:”The bill poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s federal structure, and inter-ethnic coexistence.

    It reopens ideological wounds from the past, threatens ancestral sovereignty, and risks sparking political and ethnic conflict under the guise of inclusion.

    Nigeria’s identity as a federation is rooted in the recognition of its diverse ethnic nationalities. Indigeneity is not a matter of administrative convenience—it is a sacred cultural and historical bond between people and land.

    Granting this status based on mere length of stay or marriage undermines this bond and sets the stage for future conflict.

    This bill will not bring harmony. Instead, it will pit communities against one another.

    Allowing non-indigenes to vote or run for office in states where they are not ancestrally connected would lead to serious political complications. Non-indigenes should vote in their states of origin, where their cultural and historical identity lie. To do otherwise is to create a situation where outsiders may legislate or govern communities they neither fully understand nor belong to, leading to resentment, unrest, and even violence”.

    A word should be enough for our wise men and women of the National Assembly as Nigeria already has far too many challenges for them to allow one Kalu, cladenstinely fighting a primordial ethnic cause, to add more.

  • 2027: Igbo will give Tinubu over 70 percent vote -Deputy Speaker

    2027: Igbo will give Tinubu over 70 percent vote -Deputy Speaker

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has said the people of the South East will deliver over 70 percent of their votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election as a way of repaying the President for his commitment to the development of Igbo land.

    Kalu recalled the promise of reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration made to the people of the region by the Gowon regime after the civil war that claimed over 3 million lives in 1970 which was not kept, saying President Tinubu has fulfilled the promise with the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

    The Deputy Speaker who spoke at a civic reception in his honour by Atuma Grace Movement at Ntalakwu in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State said the people of the South East would continue to support the administration of President Tinubu.

    Kalu said: “No other President has remembered the promise made to Igbo people after the war like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Fifty years came and passed, administrations came and passed, none of them deemed it right to fulfill those promises made to Ndi Igbo and only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took it upon himself and said, there must be a platform to respond to those proposals made to Ndi Igbo.  And he chose the South East Development Commission which no other President accepted to sign.

    “He answered to our problem to enable us to develop the rural communities in Igboland. He signed the SEDC bill into law and has funded it even when naysayers said he won’t. He loves Ndi Igbo and we Igbos remember those who love us.

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    “We are promising the President, 70 to 80 percent of votes from Igboland. Let us continue to remain as people that love peace and unity.”

    While reacting to the public outcry that the authorities in Abia are restricting the traditional rulers from engaging with some government officials of Abia extraction in their various localities, Kalu said the ill development is not reflective of true governance and the wish of the people.

    “I heard the cry of the traditional rulers who mentioned he was asked not to come and receive the Deputy Speaker by the powers-that-be in the state, when we were received in Bende, we heard that they were asked not to receive those from the Federal Government, asked not to go to any function promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “It ought not to be so! Election has come and gone. Now is time for governance. Restricting the traditional rulers from coming to welcome those working with the President is not the right leadership that Abia State is looking for.

    “Those who are threatening the traditional rulers, please, we beg you, allow them the freedom to exercise the mandate of the people. Abia State should be free for everybody to express where they want to belong and who they want to follow”, he said.

    Earlier in his remarks, the host, Chief Emeka Atuma described the Deputy Speaker, as a great son of Abia, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is waxing stronger in Abia State.

    “The Deputy Speaker, your presence in Itkwuano today is not by mistake. As a great son of Abia, a great son of Nigeria, this is your day. We will not celebrate any other person but you because in the leadership pinnacle, you’re the APC leader of Abia State.

    “I’m welcoming my pinnacle leader, the entire Abia people is here. We appreciate you, and I would like to make a remark that this is just the beginning of the journey because we are ascending to greater heights, we will shout in victory when we reach the Olympian heights. That’s where we are headed.

    “We are not going to be distracted. We appreciate you and we welcome you specially, both my traditional ruler who was actually asked not to be here in person. Thank you for coming”, he said.

    Kalu who was honoured with a chieftaincy title of ‘Dike Eji Aga Mba,’ meaning ‘The Peoples Warrior,’ by the traditional ruler of Ntalakwu ancient kingdom in Ikwuano Oboro, King Larry, formally received many notable sons and daughters of the community from the Labour Party (LP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • Tinubu taking right steps on IDPs’ welfare, Kalu assures UN

    Tinubu taking right steps on IDPs’ welfare, Kalu assures UN

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has assured the United Nations that President Tinubu’s administration is taking deliberate and effective steps to address the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. 

    He gave the assurance during a high-level United Nations Special Online event on Wednesday to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internally Displaced Persons, while featuring as one of the esteemed panelists. 

    Kalu highlighted the government’s concerted efforts to domesticate the Kampala Convention, a pivotal regional treaty designed to protect and assist IDPs. 

    He emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has proactively activated key components of the treaty to significantly enhance the living conditions of IDPs.

    Kalu further informed the UN the National Assembly  is diligently finalising legislation to provide legal backing to the treaty. 

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker assured that upon securing presidential assent, the States of the Federation will also adopt the legislation, ensuring a unified approach to addressing IDP issues nationwide. 

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    He said: “I am humbled to make my contributions about legislative activities and perspectives that we have on this particular issue,  particularly in regards to concrete steps taken by my country in addressing the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Our country, Nigeria believes so much in these principles.

    “The ones that are on the front burner for us as we activate issues around the IDPs. The principle one, which is protection from arbitrary displacement. Three, which is protection during this displacement, ten, which is the right to know the fate of whereabouts of relatives and twenty eight, which is the right to be returned or resettled. These are the ones on the front burner. We also believe in other ones, these principles form the bedrock of Kampala Convention. 

    “Our target is that these principles become alive in our country by making sure that Kampala Convention which we’ve rectified will be domesticated in our laws in the country. 

    “Nigeria after rectifying it, leaving it as it is, is not enough. The next step is to make sure that it is domesticated. To do that, we’ve taken it upon ourselves. Personally, I proposed the enactment into our laws and sponsored it in the House of Representatives because I believe in the potency of those principles and it can only be active in Nigeria if it is made to be part of our laws, especially as it concerns arbitrary displacement and upholding human rights of these Internally Displaced Persons and working in partnership with organizations like yours to make sure they are well taken care of.

    “I proposed a bill, it has been approved by the House of representatives and it has moved to the Senate for Concurrence, the senate report is ready and will be considered when we are back from our recess on April 29. After that the National Assembly clerk will take it to the President for assent.”

    Kalu also revealed that the government through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria (NCFRMI) has improved the lives of the IDPs by resettling about 300 of them, particularly in Keffi, Nasarawa and Kano States with the delivery of over 40 new homes. 

    “Having said that, the Executive on their part have taken some steps to make sure that the lives of the Internally Displaced Persons are being taking care of through the development of national policy on IDPs.

    “This has been done to make sure that activities around the IDPs are governed by the framework. The government also through legislative intervention has provided for a commission for protection and rehabilitation of IDPs and we call it NCFRMI as a result of a Bill we passed in 2022 to strengthen it.

    “The objective of the commission is to serve as an institutional framework to coordinate resettlement to handle rehabilitation and also look at livelihood restoration initiatives for communities affected by the conflicts or displacement. The commission, we must commend, has taken steps to making sure that the objectives of the establishment of the commission are achieved. 

    “We have the Keffi example and Kano state example which demonstrate concrete progress in the resettlement and livelihood of these displaced persons.

    “These efforts are targeted towards integrating the affected communities into sustainable economic activities and blueprint for nationwide rehabilitation approach. The commission has established what we call the resettlement city and has used that resettlement city in Keffi to absolve almost 300 internally displaced people. 

    “They have also handed over in the last few days 40 brand new homes and Chairman of this particular commission is promising that more will be done in the coming days. This means that the government is in support in making sure that the lives and livelihood of these IDPs are well taken care of,” Kalu said. 

    While emphasising the need for the domestication of the legislations, Kalu also said that government was evolving formidable mechanisms to address the root causes of the displacements. 

    “The laws must be domesticated and ones the laws are domesticated, the elements that affect their participation will be highlighted, and that’s why we are pushing hard through partnership and collaboration with various MDAs,  international organizations to push for this domestication to take place as soon as possible. 

    “The government must be commended, even without the domestication of Kampala Convention, steps are being taken  through national policy on IDPs and this commission to make sure the lives of people who are affected are taken care of. 

    “There’s this conversation that has been going on. Beyond this implementation, the root causes of conflict, how do we handle that beyond this IDPs? I have led a conversation at Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) on setting up a model for post conflict for sustainable peace framework so that there will be no repeat. 

    “We don’t want those we have handled as IDPs to go back to IDP camps after that, which means, the root causes. Something must be done to make sure there’s no repeat. So, we should look at the sociological issues that gave birth to these conflicts and displacements and find a way to handle them ahead of time by setting up frameworks that will give sustainable peace. So, there will be no repeat,” he stressed. 

  • Reps Deputy Speaker gets new Chief of Staff

    Reps Deputy Speaker gets new Chief of Staff

    House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has announced the appointment of Sam Hart, as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).

    This is contained in a statement  by his  Chief Press Secretary, Chief Levinus Nwabughiogu in Abuja yesterday.

    Nwabughiogu stated  that Hart replaced Mr Toby Okechukwu, who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).

    “Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.

    “Hart also previously served as director-general, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023, after occupying other appointive positions,” Nwabughiogu stated.

    He stated that Hart was also a member of the  National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS) Kuru, where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.

    According to the chief press secretary, Hart has also served on the boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.

    He asserted Hart’s wealth of knowledge and experience, which would be brought to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning to law, leadership, and public service.

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    Nwabughiogu described him as a lifelong learner, who has held multiple academic qualifications, including a Masters Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from the  Abia State University.

    He said that the new CoS is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.

    Nwabughiogu explained that Hart is a seasoned professional, who had  attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).

    “He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    “As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the deputy speaker,  legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.”