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By Tracy Moses
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has called on the Abia State Government and the South-East region to publicly recognise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the funds that have enabled the execution of development projects across the region.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, made the call on Friday during the commissioning of several projects in Aba, Abia State, where he applauded Governor Alex Otti for his ongoing infrastructure drive. He however urged the governor and residents to “give credit where it is due”, particularly to President Tinubu, whose policy decisions have facilitated increased financial support to the states.
In a statement signed by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Kalu explained that development transcends party politics and that all leaders must collaborate for the progress of their people.
“As you know, I am not a member of your party. I belong to the APC. But when it comes to development, we must remember that we are first citizens of Abia before being members of political parties,” he said. “If you truly love your state, you must work with the governor, regardless of party differences, to achieve success. I have always done so, with former Governors T.A. Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu, and I will continue with my friend Dr. Otti, even now that he is governor. Governance is about partnership. The state and federal governments must work together to deliver results.”
Kalu emphasised that his office represents the entire South-East, and as such, it is his duty to support all state leaders in the region, regardless of political affiliation. “I have visited Enugu and Anambra, both states led by non-APC governors, with Mr. President. There is no reason I won’t identify with the leadership of my own state,” he added.
He praised Governor Otti’s numerous projects but urged him to do more, while also calling on the media and state officials to acknowledge President Tinubu’s financial interventions. “I want us to be more vocal in appreciating the President’s role in ensuring resources are made available to states after the removal of fuel subsidy. He didn’t keep the funds in Abuja, he released them to the states. I challenge the Commissioner for Information and media outlets in Abia to highlight the President’s support. Our Igbo philosophy teaches that when you thank a helper, he does more. If we need more support from the President, we must first acknowledge what he has already done,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker also appealed to the President, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to consider establishing a seaport in the South-East to stimulate trade and economic growth. “We are traders in the South-East. A new port will boost commerce and transform our economy,” he stressed.
Kalu further urged President Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing demolition of properties owned by Igbo residents in Lagos State. He appealed to the Lagos State Government to allow affected persons an opportunity to regularise their documents instead of demolishing their properties.
“Mr. President, the demolition of our people’s homes and businesses in Lagos breaks our hearts,” he said. “For those without complete documentation, I plead with you to encourage the Lagos State Government to accommodate them and provide a pathway to regularise their papers rather than resorting to destruction. We are confident that the President, who has shown commitment to the Igbo people, including appointing one of the first commissioners of finance from the region, will listen to our concerns.”