Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged the Abia State Government and the people of the South-East to acknowledge President Bola Tinubu’s pivotal role in securing funding for regional development projects.
During the inauguration of several initiatives in Abia State on Friday, Kalu, who serves as the representative for Bende federal constituency, praised Governor Alex Otti for his dedication to improving the abia/” title=”Three Cattle Rustlers Arrested in …: Major Livestock Theft Bust”>state’s infrastructure.
He emphasized the importance of the governor publicly recognizing President Tinubu’s support for the area.
In a statement released to the press in Abuja on Saturday via his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu remarked, “As Deputy Speaker, I stand for the people of the South-East, and Abia is an integral part of this region. Having accompanied the President on visits to Enugu and Anambra-both states not aligned with the APC-I see no reason why I should not stand with my own governor here in Abia.”
“From early morning until evening, I toured the projects initiated by the governor and commend his efforts. However, as a native and federal legislator, I echo the sentiment of Oliver Twist-we need more. It is crucial that we openly appreciate President Tinubu for making financial resources accessible to states across Nigeria, especially after the removal of the oil subsidy,” he added.
“The President did not hoard these funds in Abuja; he distributed them to the states. I challenge the Commissioner for Information and all media outlets in Abia to ensure that the people of Abia are fully aware of the President’s support for Governor Otti,” Kalu urged.
He further highlighted the Igbo cultural value of expressing gratitude to encourage continued assistance. “If we desire further support from the President, we must first give him the rightful acknowledgment so that more resources can be allocated for Governor Otti to advance Abia’s development,” he explained.
Additionally, Kalu appealed to President Tinubu, represented at the event by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to consider the establishment of a seaport in the South-East. He noted that such infrastructure would significantly enhance trade and economic growth in the region.
He also called on the President to intervene in the ongoing demolition of properties owned by Igbo residents in Lagos State, urging the Lagos government to permit affected individuals to regularize their documentation rather than resorting to destruction.
“The demolition of homes and offices belonging to our people in Lagos is deeply distressing. For those without proper documentation, I appeal to the President to encourage the Lagos State Governor to adopt a more accommodating approach, allowing our brothers and sisters to legalize their papers instead of facing demolition,” Kalu concluded.
