Tag: Kalu

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said that the ongoing constitution amendment would address the issue of gender imbalance in the nation’s political process.

In a statement by his special assistant on press affairs, Udora Orizu to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day, the deputy speaker acknowledged the strides made worldwide, while extolling the ingenuity of Nigerian women.

Kalu however said the global statistic of only 25.5% of women holding seats in national parliaments is a sad reminder of the work left to do.

Kalu recognised the invaluable role women have played in advancing the progress of the country, noting that the theme of this year’s IWD “Inspire Inclusion” resonates with the agenda of the 10th House of Representatives to improve women’s political representation.

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He said the celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the vital roles women play in society and a call for all stakeholders to cultivate a culture of inclusivity.

The deputy speaker lauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing several women into his cabinet, adding that he was proud of the hard work and dedication of Nigerian women working tirelessly and achieving results in different fields of endeavour.

He said: “I extol Nigerian women as the world celebrates International Women’s Day. For this year’s International Women’s Day, we celebrate the theme “Inspire Inclusion.” While we acknowledge the strides made, the global statistic of only 25.5% of women holding seats in national parliaments is a stark reminder of the work left to do.

“Nigeria must champion inclusive progress– one where women are empowered to participate at all levels, including in our political sphere.

“Let us learn from international examples and explore innovative solutions like seat reservations to bridge the gender gap. Investing in women is not just the right thing to do– it is essential for a thriving and equitable society. On this International Women’s Day, let us commit to dismantling barriers and creating an environment where all, regardless of gender, can reach their full potential. When women are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment and democracy thrives.

“The House Constitution review committee which I chair has a lot of work in its hands to make sure the repositioning of women folks in our country is achieved. God bless the women of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

• ‘New Constitution to be ready in 24 months’

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has said the Committee on Constitution Review had not received any memorandum for the creation of more states to make 42.

But he said the House was poised to ensure that the wishes of Nigerians were attended to through the review of the national document that would last 24 months.

Kalu, who is the Chairman of the 45-member Constitution Review Committee, spoke last night on Channels Television’s programme: Politics Today.

During the inauguration of the committee yesterday in Abuja, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had urged the body to work with the House Legislative Agenda and revisit the proposed reservation of seats for women in the parliament, which was discarded during the Ninth Assembly.

Asked whether or not there was a plan to create additional six states, Kalu said: “We have not received any memo as far as that is concerned.  But, if that is what Nigerians want, we will go by that.

“We need to remember that equity, fairness, and balancing are necessary for all geo-political zones.

“So, if anyone comes with that proposal, we won’t deny Nigerians that quest.”

The Deputy Speaker also said Nigeria was ripe to have an enabling law backing the creation of state policing.

According to him, the level of insecurity in the land should not be handled with levity.

Also, Kalu has said a complete Constitution will be ready for presidential assent in the next 24 months.

Speaking at the formal inauguration of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, the Deputy Speaker said the plan to get the new Constitution available is to give the President time to study the alterations before signing them into law, away from the busy schedule of an election year.

He said: “Our Constitution, the foundation of our democracy, stands as a testament to our collective aspirations for a just, equitable, and prosperous society. Yet, as we confront the realities of the 21st century, it is incumbent upon us to recognise the imperative for constitutional reform, to ensure that our laws reflect our people’s evolving needs and aspirations.”

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Kalu said the House had received Bill proposals for the establishment of state police; state access to mines; increased participation of women in politics; clear specification of the taxes/levies to be collected by each tier of government, and the provision for the office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The Deputy Speaker said several Bill proposals that were passed but did not make the President’s assent during the Fifth Constitution alterations had been brought back to the current amendment

He said these include the powers of the National and state Assemblies to summon the President and governors, and requirements of the government to direct policies towards ensuring the rights to food and food security.

According to him, these highlight the dynamic nature of the constitution review process and its salience to the democratic strengthening of the country.

Kalu assured fellow citizens that the House was willing to accommodate more proposals to enhance the Constitution and strengthen the nation’s democracy.

• Tinubu feels your pains, Umahi tells citizens

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu yesterday urged fellow Nigerians not to despair in the face of the prevailing economic hardship.

The lawmaker stressed that with resilience and determination, the nation would overcome the challenges.

Speaking at the resumption of plenary, Kalu said: “As we commence proceedings today, we are all aware of the challenges we face as a nation. The stormy clouds of inflation gather, the cries of economic hardship echo, and whispers of doubt threaten to dim the flames of our collective spirit.

“But let me assure you: the Nigerian spirit is not one that cowers in the face of adversity. We are a nation forged in resilience, a people united by dogged determination. The challenges we confront may seem insurmountable.

“Yet, amidst these trials, amidst the anxieties and frustrations, I ask you, my colleagues, to remember the words of a great leader facing a seemingly insurmountable foe: ‘We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering. But I say to you, my friends: fear not.’

“Just as Winston Churchill rallied his nation in their darkest hour, so too must we rise to the occasion. This is not the time for division, for despair, for pointing fingers. This is the time for unity, for strength, for a staunch belief in ourselves and in the future of our beloved Nigeria.

“Do the challenges seem immense? Yes, they do. But are they insurmountable? Absolutely not! We have the tools, the talent, and the tenacity to overcome.

“The macroeconomic management approach laid out by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, while demanding sacrifice, is a necessary step towards long-term stability and prosperity. Let us trust in the expertise of those tasked with guiding our economic course, even as we hold them accountable for their actions.

“Let us rise above petty squabbles and unite in a common purpose. Let us channel our frustrations into constructive criticism, into holding ourselves and our leaders accountable, but always with the betterment of our nation as the guiding star.

“Let us focus on the broader canvas, on the multitude of measures being taken to address the root causes of inflation, streamlining foreign exchange flows, tackling food shortages, and investing in critical infrastructure. These, coupled with our collective spirit of enterprise and perseverance, hold the key to unlocking price stability and economic growth.

“Let us not be swayed by the winds of pessimism. Let us not be cowed by the naysayers. Let us remember the words of Chinua Achebe in 1967: ‘Being a Nigerian is abysmally frustrating and unbelievably exciting.’

“But let us not forget the ‘unbelievably exciting’ part of Achebe’s description. This excitement is not a frivolous notion but the drumming energy of a nation teeming with potential. Look around you, colleagues.

“See the young entrepreneurs defying the odds, the farmers growing green life from arid soil, the artists painting vibrant futures, and the innovators dreaming of solutions. This is the true face of Nigeria, a kaleidoscope of talent, resilience, and audacity. We are a nation on the cusp of greatness, a land pregnant with possibility.

“We are Nigerians, and within us lies the power to overcome any obstacle. Let us rise to the challenge, hand in hand, heart to heart, and together build a brighter, more prosperous future for ourselves and for generations to come.

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“Go forth, colleagues, with Renewed Hope, with relentless resolve, and with the unshakeable belief that, united, we can and will prevail!

“Remember: the Nigerian spirit thrives not in comfort but in the crucible of challenge. Let us rise to the occasion and show the world the true meaning of resilience, of unity, and of unwavering hope.”

Also, Works Minister David Umahi has urged Nigerians to appreciate President Bola Tinubu’s tireless efforts in addressing the current economic challenges facing the nation.

In a joint statement by the ministry’s Director of Information, Olusola Abiola, and the minister’s spokesman Uchenna Orji, the minister said: “I want to assure you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu feels your pains at this time and he is working day and night to address the current economic challenges facing the nation.

“We need to stop blaming the President or past Presidents because the problem of this country is the problem of all of us.

“We all must show patriotism and commitment towards contributing our individual quota in our efforts to address problems facing us.

“So, it must be Nigeria first.”

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said people from the Southeast are not lazy, adding that they create wealth anywhere they go.

He said this during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd and Peace in South East Initiative (PISE-P) for the the community enterprise digital hub and unveiling model of the hub, at the National Assembly complex.

PISE-P is an initiative of the Deputy Speaker to restore peace to the region.

Kalu kicked against sitting at home on Mondays in the region, saying the Igbo were not lazy people who sought an additional holiday to the weekend.

“Southeast people multiply wealth wherever they enter. We do not multiply and encourage poverty. The Southeast people are visionary people who are not lazy that will choose Saturday, Sunday and Monday to sit at home. Saturday and Sunday has always been enough for us for relaxation as a weekend.”

 Adding an extra day to it is the sign of laziness coming from people who are lazy and this is not the identity of the South East.

“Therefore PISE-P is here as a wake up call to remind us what our fore fathers and ancestors bequeathed to us which is the spirit of hardwork. The spirit of building not destroying. The spirit of giving birth not killing. Our brothers not slaughtering our mothers and not sacrificing our fathers. That is not the spirit of the south east.

“So anyone who carries on with such spirit is not from the South East and a stranger to South East. That is why PISE-P is out to remind our people who we are in case they have gotten lost in their pursuit of what is their identity. Our identity is that we work hard and we build,” he said.

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He said the event symbolised the beginning of a transformative journey towards digital empowerment and inclusive development in the south east and Nigeria.

He said PISE-P is driven by the vision of nurturing lasting peace, stability and sustainable development in South east through innovative and inclusive non kinetic approaches.

“We can bring peace without the sounds of guns. We can bring our people from the trenches and the bushes, from agitations to a place of dialogue, negotiation and empowerment, where they will feel a sense of belonging in a country that also belongs to them. Our vision is to unlock the untapped potential within the region. We need to restore our position as a hub of entrepreneural activities,” he said.

The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT,  Mrs Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, commended the Deputy Speaker for his visionary leadership and laudable dedication to the cause of peace, unity and development.

She urged all to embrace the initiative wholeheartedly and work towards a future where every citizen of the South East can thrive and contribute to the progress of the nation.